SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1939, Page 7

SPEAKER OF THE COUNCIL

SIR W. CARNCROSS RETIRES. AFTER RECORD TERM IN OFFICE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.! WELLINGTON, This Day. A record term of office as Speaker of the Legislative Council terminated yesterday, when Sir Walter Carncross, who retired from the position after occupying it for the past 21 years, received many eloquent tributes. "Yours has been a truly remarkable record,” said the Leader of the Council. the Hon M. Fagan. Sir Walter Carncross had been elected to the House of Representatives for Taieri in ■ 1890 and had held the seat till 1902, being appointed to the Legislative Council in the following year, and reappointed on live occasions. He became Chairman of Committees in 1910 and Speaker in 1918. Among Parliamentarians in the British Empire, Sir Walter ranked third in length of service. said Mr Fagan. Mr Lloyd George had represented one constituency for 50 years. Running neck-and-neck with him was Dr R. W. Maloney, Melbourne, who had been elected in 1889. Sir Walter Carncross was in his forty- j ninth year of service, and thus ranked third in the Empire, but he had established a record for New Zealand. Mr Fagan said Sir Walter - had earned the highest respect and esteem of all members. Tributes to the retiring Speaker were paid also by Sir Heaton Rhodes and a number of other members. "At all times I did my best to play cricket. Now I am carrying my bat I out,” said Sir Walter, who was greeted with prolonged applause. He said he was very proud of his record as Speaker of the Legislative Council for 21 years. He thanked members for their kind references and the courtesy they had always extended to him, and also paid a tribute to the work of Mr Fagan as Leader of the Council. The Council adjourned till July 18, when the new Speaker will be elected.