SIR ROBERT STOUT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1031, 23 July 1930, Page 11

SIR ROBERT STOUT

TRIBUTES IN HOUSE “A SHINING LIGHT OF N.Z.” Press Association WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Shortly after the House of Representatives met this afternoon the Prime Minister, the Hon. G. W. Forbes, moved that the House express its high appreciation of the distinguished services given to New Zealand by the late Sir Robert Stout, and respectfully tender its sincere sympathy to the relatives. , After outling the career of Sir Robert, Mr. Forbes said he had occupied a prominent position almost throughout the history of New Zealand. His career in the general Government would best be remembered by the term of the Stout-Vogel Administration. Later Sir Robert, as Chief Justice, had been largely responsible for establishing the very high standard of that office, while in participating in the administration of the education of the country he had rendered a valuable service that had raised the system to a very high position- Sir Robert had always given his services unstintingly to the country, and had entered wholeheartedly into everything that he had underThe Leader of the Opposition, the Ht. Hon. J. G. Coates, said Sir Robert Stout was one of the shining lights in New Zealand’s history. In the general Government of the _ country he had displayed great ability, and as Chief Justice he had established a fine example. The Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. H. E. Holland, said he wished to associate himself with the remarks of Mr. Forbes and Mr. Coates. Sir Robert Stout had been a man of outstanding personality. He had always retained the respect and confidence of the people. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart said he wished to add his tribute because Sir Robert Stout had commenced his career in Dunedin. Sir Robert had been first articled to the law' in the office of Mr. Stewart’s father, and had eventually tendered his resignation from the position of Chief Justice to Mr. Stewart himself, who was At-torney-General at the timeThe Minister of Native Affairs, Sir Apirana Ngata, said the Maoris greatly regretted Sir Robert’s death, and knew that they had lost a true friend. The motion was adopted, and the House adjourned at 3.20 p.m., until 7.30 p.m., as a mark of respect for the memory of Sir Robert Stout. Tributes were paid also in the Legislative Council, among those who eulogised Sir Robert Stout’s services to the country being the deputyleader, the Hon. R. Masters, Sir Francis Bell and Sir James Allen. The Council then adjourned until tomorrow afternoon.