THE NEW MINISTERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 March 1920, Page 7

THE NEW MINISTERS.

. THEIR PUBLIC RECORDS. The Hon; C. J. Parr, who is to take the portfolio of Education, has had a deal of experience in the administration of the Education Act as a member and chairman of the Auckland Education Board. He was born at Cambridge, in the Waikaio district, in 1569, and was educated at the Auckland Grammar School and at the .Auckland University College, qualifying to practice law. He became a successful barrister in Auckland, being a member of the firm of Parr and Blomfield, one of the best known legal firms in that city. From 1899 to 1911 he was a member of the City Council, finishing up his connection with the civic government of his city with a term as Mayor, from 1911 to 1915. He was chairman of the Auckland Education Board from 190S to 1911, a member of the Auckland University College Council from 1908 to 1915, and a member of the Auckland Grammar School Board of Governors fTom 190S to 1918. In recognition of his services to the city of Auckland he was admitted to the Companionship of St. Michael and St. George. He entered Parliament as member for Eden in 1914, and he was chosen by his "fellow-members to represent them on the Parliamentary War Commission which went to Great Britain and the French front in 1916. He is accounted one of the ablest men in the House in debate. The Hon. E. P. Lee, the new Minister of Justice, has been member for Oamaru since 1911. He was born at Teignmouth, England, in 1882. He was admitted as a solicitor of the English Supreme Court in 1885, and he came to New Zealand in the following year. In this country he qualified aa a barrister, and- set up business under the style of Lee, Grave and Grave, in Oamaru. He has always taken a keen interest in politics, and also in sport. A portfolio was offered to Mr. Lee when the Ministry was being reconstructed last session, when the National Ministry was broken up, but he refused it for private reasons,