MAKING THINGS PLEASANT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 220, 6 December 1927, Page 14

MAKING THINGS PLEASANT

PARLIAMENTARIANS PAY COMPLIMENTS PARTY SPIRIT FORGOTTEN (THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Monday. Party spirit was forgotten, and legislative differences overlooked as the House assembled for the last sit i ting of the 22nd Parliament to-day.' Compliments were exchanged between

members and the Chair, and the usual division which it is customary to call upon the motion for the Speaker to leave the Chair, was defeated. Mr. Coates expressed appreciation of the consideration shown him by members during the session, and eaid that, although at certain stages heat was threatened and difficulties seemed to be in the way, he did not think that individually, there had been any enmity among members. (Hear, hear.) He thanked the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. H. E. Holland, for the way in which he had met the Government on many occasions. "He has been a bit sticky sometimes,” said Mr. Coates, “but at this time one likes to forget that side of it.” (Laughter.) The Leader of the National Party, too, had done his best to make things pleasant, and to him also Mr. Coates extended his thanks. Being a new member, Mr. W. L. Martin, Raglan, received special mention. "It's his first session, and I sincerely hope he has enjoyed it,” said Mr. Coates. "He can always feel that any case hg puts forward is considered on its merits, and not because he is an opponent of the Government.” Mr. Coates congratulated the Speaker, the Hon. Sir Charles Statham, on the splendid way in which he had conducted Parliament, and said that in the manner in which the Speaker controlled the House the prestige of Parliament was to a great extent wrapped up. The Speaker had had often to sit up late, and had the worst job in the House, but through it all he had shown a studied impartiality and set a standard which would be remembered in many years to come. The conduct of the New Zealand Parliament was remarked upon not only in Great Britain, but also in other countries, and in the United States, which studied New Zealand’s methods. The Chairman of Commitees, Mr. F. F. Hockly, also was congratulated by Mr. Coates, who said that Mr. Hockly was the right man in the right place. (Hear, hear.) After speaking in very complimentary terms of the officers and staff of the House, Mr. Coates wished members a pleasant recess, and hoped that the New Year would bring happiness and prosperity. The Leader of the Opposition said that the public did not realise how long members worked, and how much time was spent in committee work. He did not suppose there was a member of the House who did not work 10 or 12 hours a day. As the Prime Minister had said, it was inevitable that there should be clashes at times, but as far as the House was concerned, it generally got down to conflicts of opinion and principle rather than conflicts of personality. He endorsed Mr. Coates’s remarks about the Speaker, and wished members a happy recess. Mr. G. W. Forbes, Leader of the National Party, added his thanks and compliments to those of the other speakers. Mr. Speaker thanked those who had spoken and made passing reference to the long hours which he had been compelled to sit in the chair. Sir Charles commented upon the respect of members for the chair, and the general good conduct of the House throughout the session. The House had lost a valued friend in the late Mr. Bollard, and members would remember him with affection and respect. "I wish you au revoir.” Sir Charles concluded, “and when we meet again next session I hope we will have as pleasant a time, though perhaps not quite so strenuous, as we have had this session.”

Mr. F. F. Hockly, Chairman of Committees. added his thanks for the valedictory remarks, and the defeat of the motion for the Speaker to leave the chair, ended the longest session on record so far as sitting days is concerned.