Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697796090371.pdf (Guyana)
977 MembeTs Present LEOISLA'.l'lVE COUNCIL Amwwiceinents ·978 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENT WEDNESDAY, 6th NOV;EMB-ER, 1946, PRESIDENT 's FAREWELL ADDRESS The PRESIDENT : Hon.

Members The Council lency the Governor, K.C.M.G., Sir Gordon Lethem, in the Chair.

met at 10 a.m., His Excel­ President, PRESENT: The President, Governor, K.C.M.G .

His Excellency Sir Gordon Lethem, the The Hon.

the Colonial Secretary, Mr. W. L.Heape, C.M.G.

The Hon.

the Atorney-General, Mr. F. W'.

Holder.

The Hon.


the Colonial 0.Fraser (acting).

Treasurer, Mr. W. The Hon.

E.G.

Woolford, O.B.E., K.C.

(New Amsterdam l .

hope, will be able of achievement.

r· am of Council !

We have reached the last day of our five years' asso­ ciation, an association which has been happy to me and on which you too, gentle­ men.
I most sincerely to look back with some common feeling not unsatisfactory on the moment of departure Guiana, but also I am going -quite unlike almost all my predecessors, Governorship into retirement with Colonial would seem probable I shall have entered life in my own country than a spectator activities of the service spent now thirty-six that in a few weeks into a new way of and may be no more on the sidelines of the in which I have from active association administration.
For it not only from demitting- years.

this to take up another-going The Hon.

C. V. Wight, (Western Essequibo) .

The Hon.

J. I. de Aguiar (Central Dem­ erara).

The Hon.

H. N. Critchlow (Nominated).

The Hon.

J.

B. Singh, O.B.E.

(Demerara­ Essequibo).

The Hon.

Percy C. Wight, O.B.E.

(George­ town Central) .

The Hon.

;J. Gonsalves, O.B.E.

(George- town South).

The Hon.

A. G. King (Demerara River).

The Hon.

V. Roth (Nominated).

The Hon.

C. P. Ferreira (Berbice River).

The Hon.


T. T. Thompson (Nominated).

The Hon.

W. J. Raatgever (Nominated).

The Hon.

G. A. C. Farnum (Nominated).

The Hon.

H. Rahaman (Nominated).

The Hon.

J.

A. Veerasawmy (Nominated).

• The Lord Bishop of Guiana read prayers.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Council as printed 1·ead and confirmed.
held on the 1st November, were taken as and circulated, 1946, You will forgive me if I do not speak of the Colony and of but rather with some personal to you this morning so much on the im­ mediate businesses this Council.

reference saying and which has been greatly in my mind and influencing the affairs of this country and with you and with the people of Guiana.

on what I feel may be worth my relations with On retirement after varied service, one which have .

ser­ pleasure those I spent, years.


My five years years of my Colonial is often asked or aslts oneself been the happiest here have been happy if also difficult and they have given me, in satisfaction in work, a great sum of personal and·pride in the post I have had the honour to hold.
But the happiest vice were beyond question not as a Governor the head of the machine, simple District Officer living in close and most intimate contact with the rural peoples in the countryside of those lands in which I first served.

Progressing apprenticeship languages the time very soon came when I found myself immersed and hopes of those amongst whom I lived.
From such knowledge or a Senior Officer at but rather as a in the learning and sympathy, learn- of new from and the new ways of new peoples, in the joys and sadnesses .­-�.

, 979 Pres-iclcnt's6 NOVE11BER, 1946.


.Fai·ewell Address 980 to these people, and even at the bedside learn­ ing what mattered and ing the import of their festivals religion, of the dying, the time really between the leaves of the human book of life of these simple people amongst whom I was called to live and to serve, and a peculiar and complete happiness service came when I felt my fingers was won.
in agricultural which has not left me as a who are, in the and rural­ mass of the population great majority an outlook senior officer or a Governor.

has been moreover the oldest of the humanists.

to me perhaps first with impressive effect in the marvellous Greek poets such as Sophocles of the spirit Such a sense theme ot It came home words of who wrote and beautiful a principal which moved : a person in the life the blessing to be a hundred I had had certain diffi­ duties to carry through.
I can remember even as yesterday town in an ancient place on the shores old mud-brick little part of�Africa, a little of tl1at inland sea Lake Chad, where one seemed, to look back centuries of early peoples.

cult administrative L was called one evening to the bed­ r.iae, of an old lady reputed and ten years old, or certainly a hundred.
She told me she was the last living who had received of hands of one of these Sheikhs in Islam, teachers leader become conqueror ful influence name was still held, after a hundred years, in the deepest old lady veueration.

The said that she wished to pass on that bles­ sing to me and laid her old hands on my head.

And I felt then-a youngster in the service, at the bedside of that old African lady about to die-that spirit of service was no unworthy to those simple peoples life work.
over a great region and whose early years, in the impressionable with an all-power­ in the a life dedicated by laying on "in huts in the fields where poor men lie" en t'agronomais aulais.

: later in Euripides or a little "Love thou the day and the night "And be glad of the dark and the light "And avert thine eyes from the lore of the wise "That have honour in proud men's sight.

humanity "Hath deeds and faith that are truth enough for me."

"What else is wisdom ?


"What of man's endeavour "Or God's high grace, so lovely and so great " in Islam, who had from a religious "The simple nameless herd of It is such a sense that ha.,; followed amongst the people, me from the long years spent in district and not, if t service as may say so with some mild amusement, Officer, that a highly efficient Secretariat has followed first in the Indian Ocean and later in the Carib­ bean.
me into Governorships, Since those days I have felt in fact nothing but profound engaged in the active field work of Colonial A'dministration, tolerance and this has given the which help in meet- and patience happiness whenever I do not think I will be accused of at the West Indies or Guiana with ' ing the continuous and regimenta­ affairs that in the rigidities and economic from previous such as in Africa.

In fact I the and I have appre­ trivialities \life.
For it is not only or even chiefly economics, tions of political \Ve are or should be concerned, in the advancement and greatly, human relations amongst all peoples actions.

irritations and looking officer's of an administrative the eyes of prejudice in elsewhere, think I have most fully appreciated immense differences, ciated the immense difference between things in Guiana and in the West Indian islands.

fundamental rural and agricultural though its history is the tenure of the land itself.
countries large indigenous But there is a most notable any factor which concerns differing population, and effect may be.

It my whole outlook since-a profound sympathy with the great and human sympathy as the leaven in all our It is such things that have coloured in which I served there were but also, of good on life in these countries populations living their service In those '- .. ' 981 Presiclent;s I.,EGISLA'IJIVE, CouNCTL .
- Farewell Aclclress 982 plantations of industries their on their in Europe interests interests commercial can only deplore­ their own land.

They have from their own country, and laws, and above all, of the as things are now, who were that that community have been unable adequately own life in their own way, with their own traditions own land.
In Guiana we have the picture of the two great main elements population, uprooted own way of life, been brought here - under conditions which modern opinion to serve economic managed for the profit of a more powerful community, and in the European settled And we of America and the Caribbean.

with a have been faced in recent decades and these condition industries support the resulting have these peoples their first natural recompense-in land.
and struggle They have had to develop wards in a country been owners or holders they have acquired difficulties had to struggle and first foundation That they have struggled The a degree is to their immense credit.

not only to owner­ Africans ship of land but into professions with The East Indian com­ marked success.

a second main in­ munity has developed dustry for Guiana.

Both are now in no small degree holders a system which I canrn;it regard as the ideal.
approaching of land, and where it it has been under and they have population.

been given adequately up without that essential right of their life.

of land, though under in which they have not and handicaps, have graduated up in so large to Nor up­ them on his his family slaves and settling land.

Or of the Quaker company which deliberately after emancipation in small-holding much of its estates desiring freehold that the emancipated good on his own.
The picture in many places but there is a heavy burden -of obligation let out and to establish negro could make is redeemed property still to meet.

There is no need to indulge in us in yet to discharge, phrases and empty rhetoric an open and look with is that this ob­ heavy upon My view, moreover, lies especially but as an pros­ step in the road to economic a,nd see there··is �till which Govei·n­ has at times that face us are and heavy.
It is my view of this obli­ extravag·ant about the black spots of Empire.

But we should be realists eye on these things, that immense obligation ment and industry-which made large money-have and this not only in jus�ice essential perity.

ligation Guiana, where, though our efforts are real the handicaps and sincere, peculiar that the discharge gation should colour all Goverrunent of develop­ policy and all our planning ment.
There should run throughout our sooner the aim to make available planning or later-it and conditioned population-so how stand on their own feet and cannot, from mere numbers, be supported by industry or capitalistic - Government of being ab!e to should have the assurance plant and reap and to sell the product of their efforts at reasonable prices.

many of whom must lands on which our rural some­ life-supporting It is against this background that I which conceived it through.
There so much in advance of most other stands out as an eternal credit to it and have been the of the and those feel bound to view Guiana.

The picture black.

as entirely should not be regarded The great fact of emancipation alone by Britain, ,powers, that community carried great humanising influences churches which flow from the leadership and example of people of all races.
In the Is­ lands I once read with immense interest of such actions doctor, ing his education cations ately with the one purpose who after finish­ and professional qualifi­ as those of the English of emancipati,ng in England returned and of the schools born in an island, quite deliber­ It is often said and written that what ad­ economic improvement improvement.

require change, is not political but that the first these countries vance or social need is material and such things as industrialisation..
I the importance am not contesting economic be solved the fundamental man relations, satisfactory mostly the settlement of the countryside problems , ing producer'-without .

•.,.

.

problem of hu­ these being on a - and that mean� But there must still of the agrarian these in order there for without for the work­ footing of such may take a gene1:ation-good ... .. � 083 Pre�'iclc 11 t J s 6 NOVEMBER, i(M,6.

Farewell Adciress 084 can be no united action or just and equitable advance.
economic On these things relating to politics to say, except that on the There is no reason why an of happy human relations his affection and religion.

back to Mother for tradi­ That is and sound urg·e to that Anything man of him will also make - and of him, provided is also I shall have little establishment the whole sections between our various It is not necessary to have future depends.
there is no reason why an Afri­ uniformity, and can should not remain an African, even, as some few do, look back to Africa sometimes.

East'Indian should not look India and maintain tiona1�1anguages often man's natural retain his individuality.

will make a better a better citizen it is of the first importance-there to live together with the determination others in a common citizenship in the land I met an in which he finds himself.
African to my who, much in the Islands of an was a keen student astonishment, African language I spoke fluently.

He was none the less a good West Indian.

Myself as a Scot and a most ardent student and of the history traditions be still the better Commonwealth may yet, I think, of King George's which _ it happened of my country citizen for that.
I would like I say by emphasising I and as and labour, in industry once speaking Of human relations in Government of the need administration and the I would say it again.

can remember more to humanise public services.

Of human relations between capital to preface anything and how very greatly these have improved have been finding the way to further im­ provement in these short five years.

I would wish to say that first, before speak­ on what I once ing somewhat frankly found.
I would like here to pay tribute to what I believe tions of many of our employer chief of which is sugar, and of the spirit are bringing which leaders And I am glad to know that leadership labour also does progress, faults we may observe, of responsibility than one narrow point of view.

inten­ are the excellent and readiness no matter what to this task.
progress to see more in sense in interests, I think that we can flatter ourselves that behind we have had a solid achievement that against of the very position to protect these difficult production side in London, I was amazed to find an who had then recently the Colony gave me no happy pic­ which have been so notable if we are to view and this five indicated to expect to avoid in But in this region.
us in these five years, in that we have years of the passed through war with but a limited degree of the troubles some other countries I look back with amazement when I realise what I found in 1941, and it re­ quires to be remembered correctly this achievement, years in Guiana.

A personage highest visited ture, in fact rather clearly it was almost impossible trouble.
serious attitude on the employing in Canada and here, which seemed to first and prin­ regard it as Government's and support cipal business in­ upset and to dustrial use all means - meaning strong means­ to do _so.

I was approached who spoke of their fear of violence riots.
I found numerous threats industry found that bauxite seemed to expect almost exemption from the ordinary operation in these things and that the Commissioner of Labour was indeed prohibited visiting disturbing M. B. Laing, a man whose sense of fairness I found is unquestioned of the that there was no labour legislation kind passed in almost all other of colonies our standing, into this Council to stall it off.
At the same time we had a serious and military ping arrangements leadership -showed grievous and worse.

and when it was introduced classes by employers and of in our docks and police to keep ship­ strike had to be employed faults and deficiencies, and balance of judgment Mackenzie lest he be a of disturbance, of civil governmenL in labour-not, in this country.

: this being M:r. indications let me say, all going.

Some of the as a war-need of sabotage.


I influence pertain tried hard from I say all that very frankly now because inevit­ that I must,quite it is all past and done with, but it is on that background ably, look back.
I think we can all of us say ·here that we have learned in these years and have the satisfacyion of knowing that we have brought the country not too badly from a difll.- not a little through 985 President's f.,EOTSLATTVE 00UNCH, Farewell Address 986 ✓ with mutual appre­ I can only wish on leaving cult situation.

it that the better spirit now evident will not dim, that capital and labour and Gov­ ernment will co-operate ciation of each other's place and part in the future progress of our country.
We have fairly tried out in these years the better and democratic ways of free discussion and of give and take, and have, as I have just said, reason to feel some pride in our war achieYement gard.

There will be difficulties There will be the difficulty all conscience.

of that constant enemy to our best interests, racial suspicion, agains_t which we will have to keep most vigilant guard.

It is at least true that all our leaders know that, and I believe can be relied upon to combat it.
in this re­ enough in im­ We are told but generally body.

It is very true I do most earnestly and completely hope that experience and hopelessly without any real of that of which they in Government work.

I to express my we are a moribund intentions personal talked, practical.

Guiana wil choose wisely next year,.

It is, however, on this existing Council that I have leaned so heavily in these years for co-operation find it difficult adequately full debt.
and unrepresentative that I think we would have been wise to dissolve, have said it here.

I need not go into reaisons which prevented war, its preoccupations, tion of cur constitutional and the belief that the new franchise have materialised long since.

This Coun­ cil, I think I am right in saying, all its members, has preferred things through without dissolving not wish dictatorially to force any other course upon it.

The course we have fol­ lowed has had many solid advantages.
in almost to see these and I did such a step, the the late comple­ say three years ago, and I myself change in 1943, would gi·ounds.

relations association be the difficulty It is with this background of improved and, I hope, improving in these last five years that we surely believe, as I fain would do, that Guiana can make a success of its new political future.
In in­ creasing and sharing the re­ sponsibilities of public affairs amongst all our sections, which I trust has been true of these last five years, we have known wha-t is the best of all training There will ship, faults of leadership no doubt, mis­ takes in popular choice, yet I cannot really doubt the ability has a municipal authority system such as ours, and so many persons of sane public spirit as do now man it, I cannot doubt but that such a country can, if it cares, bring forward sooner or later adequate and true popular representatives.
infrequently lature on your municipal ,country authorities device.

said that to base your legis­ As you know, I have not of a country which and village and district and rural and might be a very wise of leader­ No doubt the people may be misled and projects.
and perhaps most at first, by sometimes, shallow demagogues filled with windy promises When I look back over these five years I am often amazed to record in my mind the extraordinary amount of wishful thinking that has been poured into my ears, mostly by persons who talk in our capital city and are filled with the best of overstatement in Let me say this too.
This Council has projects seriously on which I have just com­ that I have often had to note in glibly but put forward by would­ been a home of sanity and balance.
W'hen I have been rueful at some of the gross failings my dealings with some people in this country_, the fantastic apparently be publicists mented, the screaming written and spoken word, the shrill insist­ ence on some craze, the grotesque and overweening critic, the denigration, their own country by Guianese, tunately ing jealousies which are such a reflection of Guiana to rule itself-when these things so often in front of me in, one way or another, I think of this Coun­ cil as it has been as one home at least of sanity and balance, and I thank you for it.
common, the spiteful and personal the blackening intrigues, and damag­ so unfor­ things of on the ability I see all vanity of the irresponsible I would again say that I find it diffi-· ' I have endeavoured to express my personal cult adequately appreciation.

this Council and its members collectively and individually active execution more and more into the of Government work, and to take Pres1:clent's •6 NovmirnER-, 1946. .

.

- 987 Farewell Address 988 of that.


I think your appreciation for example achievement.

I would realised some of you have been good enough to express our embryo ministry system has been a notable again say, though it seems little in London and that in this kind of thing we were in 1943 in advance most legislatures also express my deepest the high quality of public spirit has distinguished mittees.

of of our kind.
of of our kind.

Might I of which appreciation the Chairmen of Com - elsewhere, places of res­ to the local and scientific and techni­ which the sons of Guiana but I am quite to do so.

the maximum opportunity officers in th.e highest ponsibility in the state.

That they have shown themselves so fitted in my time has been no small source of gratification to know.
There is still some way to go in thooe professions cal activities have not yet fully tackled, sure they have tbe ability While I have met much cynical pessi­ mism and even defeatism by, and -I I have been rather impressed have expressed it here and elsewhere-it has been expressed authoritative visitor-the buoyant ness which distinguishes younger of the advance of a little too often expected easy.

and which is a real earnest of Guiana.


There is need of fibre: it is that the path be made more toughness in this country, also by more than one many of the people, eager­ I do not attempt to make any review in these five of material accomplishments years.

I might remind Members, _would do me the favour of looking that five years ago I said in my first address war I could not anticipate achievement.
I quote from that address:- great material that in this time of to Council if they back, "A Governor's limit of service, accord­ of appointment, is but "ing to my letter "five years, and "that--that period ''achievement I am under no illusion can see more than limited '' ........ and again: "I would repeat that .J.

have no illusion a better .than a beginning "that that period will see more, at the ''best, "towards "demand patience "tinuous "tained "dislike hard work and will not be ob­ without aroused".
Guiana.

Even that will and tolerance and con­ discomfort felt, yes, and of achievement That last prophecy has proved true enough.

The quotation goes on :- "I can only hope that the influence opinion through will be able to hold this Colony this Council "responsible "and others "to a practical "for effort and adjustmen "lies on all persons "the community".
realization that the need t to new ways and all sections of of I shall not attempt to speak on very many of the things which have been very near to my heart and interest and I must pass them by today.

I might say however here that it has been an especial to have seen some beginning with the dev­ elopment of the interior, and doubly a regret that just when we have got the team together I must retire or even farther tion too the steps taken to give and the pitch cleared myself to the grandstand out of sight.
I would men­ pleasure In these some very and strong now, I would cost in time and in applicatioi;i out a steady Pro­ a full generation views on Drainage and stand and advise that at I haye expressed mostly published.

and, on re-reading I need not again speak here on a sub­ ject I have set out so fully in a long series of despatches, despatches definite Irrigation, most certainly whatever there should be carried gramme over perhaps '.
Nor can I speak at length on the development plans and the extreme diffi­ culty with which you are faced in dis­ criminating as to what is possible within available means.

My own emphasis has been, as I said here last May, on the im­ perative of wealth as the one foundation we can build a better to hold up our head work, and produce and cannot sit back and rely on automatic effects ment schemes greater and it will only be met by our own hard efforts.
in this country, time spent in idleness there are some reasons repeat that if we are to carry the stand­ ards to which we aspire and controls.

or less, will hit us sooner or later, There is a great deal of leisure a fantastic Guiana.

If "We want we must above all pay our way.

'vVe or in play.
'vVe or in play.

Perhaps and let me but of wages, of Govern­ in this next period of high prices, need of the actual production The slump, on whic1!, amount of 989 President's LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Farewell .A.ddrtss 990 and in­ of years, it will mean combined dividual willing­ effort and let me repeat, i1ess to work.
I would warn you more­ over most sincerely, to heed the lesson of the flaws in your past and present economy, statement countries a country be a producing a class which has which has led to that very strong made about all these Caribbean that I once quoted, that in such as this, which should above all there is too large country, in spite of the mass of citizens "fattened ........ "poverty-stricken "on imports "importers "vest through " "and profits an easy har­ percentage, from which the merchant have gleaned ........ ........ exist.i-ng commission political advance.
of I, personally, that the greater can no longer carry it attempts.

danger is in defer­ off this progress.

Such politics is quite easy to talk about the dangers premature believe ment, in stalling in view of advance is practical under our the burden as now centralised system which present But the present mass of detail still more is it a matter of the plain prin­ ciple and political wisdom.
If the mem­ are to remain bers of the Commonwealth in happy family association they must be given their real share of liberty the family.

ad­ ministered colonial But Britain, the risks and be tolerant her offspring strings.

tention quently like the imposition bureaucratic colonies dividual We will not have ideally let us admit it.
must take and hel�ful the in­ While beyond question I am fre­ yet I confess is liberal, not happy at what looks so often units, lik_e any wise parent, within to coming out of the leading Ad­ and house control and before OF whatever standards.

federation The same applies have been foreseen I have seen that cloven hoof far too in these war years.

I would em­ again that it is on the production to federation of which we hear or it may be, pro­ of help­ of more and more the in:­ from outside themselves.
evident phasise of real wealth with hand and machine that alone you can rise to better I spoke too only last M'ay of the im­ perative need the financial of putting in order after the blitz of the war, in these next two or three years, the so much prophesied slump hits us.

You will have that before you soon, and with the memoranda of the Economic viser to which I have myself given much attention.

We have not done badly in the war years and have time to turn round.
The difficulties when they come there is no need to panic into retrenchment must, if we want progress, But we must do all with our eyes open and a clear view of the courses us which these memoranda those other movements so much.

There are immense advantages by Caribbean to be secured regionalism vided it is kept within the limits ful common guidance, mass of administrative be the maximum decentralisation.
of the greater even now suffering exagger­ bureaucracy in some ated-almost these years of of its executives-during war.

Moreover, federation or regionalism need not be confined only within precise national and her not forget her continental new constitution.

Let neighbours Dutch, French, and her notable aspects these.

I might record with pleasure very co-operative marked our relations neighbours, the latter accord.
Guiana is presently future a much greater I have already wishes for Guiana's me say again what I have said before, that there is one lesson that has been borne in on me in these recent years, and necessity that is the imperative policy forward units, the reality government limited of local control only where there is some Commonwealth or international and responsibility obligation which His Majesty's United Kingdom must carry.
similarities in so many and people to some of the which has friendliness with our two closest Surinam and Brazil.

With we have had in fact a quite new with our professed of colonial of central into a mental disease but for the great there should action in the Government I know it Some of the world are of the other four Guianas, and responsibility, open to will give.

and in its than most from the excessive I hope that Guiana will and stagnation.

and Venezuelan, to push of self­ take some risks.


controls, countries Brazilian expressed of country limits.

status, country my good and We • • 991 President's 6 NOVEMBER, 1946.

Farewell Aclclress 992 colonial Let us believe units in this region can eyer be.

in its future.
in its future.

and I do most that some of burden to put on anybody, sincerely hope and believe the dispositions years and those which follow, soon, will mean a greater burden I hope very of this sharing we have made in these I have already expressed my gratitude I should let this opportunity my deep gratitude Mr. Woolford, not me of what is a con­ burden, the sitting to mention names.
But I do to this Council as a body and it might be invidious not think pass without recording to the Deputy Prseident, only in relieving siderable on the qui vive for many hours of public business, notable feature of this Council-for manner in which time arid again by poise and dignity and with wise words c�ming from long experience, standard need not fear comparison legislative words of November 1941 :- with that of any body.
Might I quote my own it has been a most the of our proceedings he has raised the but also-and to one which in the Chair and spokesman in the United Kingdom representative I would also wish to say this.

I have at to be not only His but rather have I tried also myself with the interests, the the ideals of the people of all times endeavoured Majesty's of the Government to this country, to identify sentiments, Guiana.

I think that is one of the great duties of a Governor.
numerous addresses one phrase stood out to me : "The Gov­ ernor has tried to make himself a citizen of Guiana".

I was indeed proud to receive that compliment.


to me in recent weeks In one of the my sincere "I would express hope that "my own relations with this Council in "so far as they may continue "President, "respect "and motives, "etiquette "heritance which is, or should be, the in­ of our colonial actions and have that dignity and will be distinguished and regard for each other's by mutual with me as legislature".

I think that hope has been fulfilled.


Again, speaking in this beautiful and and my unofficial col­ on and the to whom I hand Secretary, by intense regrets the three official members, for these years of association today with complete the Attorney-General seemly chamber which will be a lasting memory to me, let me thank my colleagues of this Council, the Colonial over the Government confidence, Colonial Treasurer, leagues, which I shall look back with so much satis­ faction.
That satisfaction or any other that I take with me from this country will be nevertheless qualified over those many things which I might have done and have not done, inside this Council and outside larger issues for which time and means set limits, everyday those missed opportunities, to take the right action or say the right word at the right time, failure to have taken some action, sometimes no great sacrifice of time or trouble, which might have done some good or prevented some error later emerging.
has often not jumped quickly I am very well aware.

· The number of such failures be fully known only to me.

For these deficiencies but in the smaller those failures it.

Not so much in Intuition involving enough, things, can I would crave your indulgence.
Had I had the opportunity and less pre­ major and here under peace conditions occupied minor cares of wartime administration with the innumerable of service I There are three members not here of his time service many rodomontades to serve, and a son of Guiana.

today and whose names therefore present I may with the more propriety mention.
Mr. McDavid, one of the very ablest Colonial Service officers with whom it has been my privilege Mr. Seaford gives to this Council and to Government an immense share and gives a volume of practical which it would be impossible to evaluate.
Mr. Edun has given us in this Council and the public outside and I have been his critic and to him privately, indeed which have required his contribution through For myself as President cil and as Governor not shirked very clearly has said to me more than once, that very often it is the Governor's stimu­ lus that is all important in achieving rea·sonably my part, and I have realised what the Deputy President but he has :;aid very many things to be said and to this Council and it to Guiana has been considerable.
I do feel that I have quick results.

That is a heavy of this Coun­ personal publicly • 993 President's LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Farewell Address 99.4 have hoped to do some of these very should many things that I have for one reason or per­ of business or another-pressure been d_one.

It has perhaps sonal fault--not to have served here only my misfortune conditions of war­ under the extraordinary that I recall time and its consequences.

office only four weeks before the I assumed in this war entered area.
It will nevertheless satisfaction to ing Guiana successfully difficult have had some share in see­ years just past.

through these be my lasting its most anxious period or has thought it no� beneath that any Governor of his office, and not incon­ has never happened Administrator the high dignity sistent special and to thank Members as you have done for their labours affairs with his duty, to have convem.d of the Legislative sitting in this Chamber.

a Council in the conduct (Applause).


of public and sympathetic In these coming years I shall remain It is no empty of God on all the six peoples I hope a most sincere and well wisher.

spectator phrase when I say that I shall pray for the blessing of this land, the blessing who moves and has his being in the faith of the Christian, brethren Divine spirit from the bottom of my heart "God Bless Guiana".

and of all who acknowledge in man.


I would say here of Islam, of our Hindu of the one God the of those grateful and respect of responsibility to you for the you have shown, which we between ·Mem­ existed during and yourself I would like in return to our We are deeply consideration for the position occupy and which is characteristic happy relations that bers of the Council your regime.
convey to you, perhaps to you for the spirit whfch gratitude to us and advice your guidance informed of your public in the performance And I hope, Sir, that the recollection of cher­ today will long be these proceedings all of ished by members of this Council their polltic�naith whom, notwithstanding or the_ir inclinations, esteem.

inadequately, hold you in very.-high duties.


I have been given to understand Members would like to make a few we have time for for the I slip away necessarily and, I think, certaiµ remarks that before Ramp.

that Mr. WOOLFORD : Sir, on no previous a in my capacity than the one accentuated as of which I am : that the address as your Deputy have I had to perform occasion in this Council duty which is more painful I have risen to discharge, it is with the knowledge conscious truthfully is the last .
which you have just delivered one we shall hear from your lips as Presi­ dent of this Council which has endeared of this Colony, to you as all of us are aware.
I find it very difficult your kind personal as I am to be allowed duties ability, tunity to thank you for the honour you have conferred your Deputy in this Council my as I have done to the best of my I cannot fail to seize this oppor­ to me, but to discharge as Governor itself on me by appointing t o speak after reference and indeed me The occasion today is a most memorable tory of our Parliamentary on which we have met one in the his­ a�semblies.
It and co-operation employer of goodwill of any one particular had felt it your duty that your efforts for I should like myself to refer_ i:r;i -just the most in this of your service out any par­ it is the one and labour the most thing that I also think that a few words to what I consider achievements notable If I had to single Coiony.

of yours, achievement ticular to which you yourself to refer.

I consider the promotion between significant you have accomplished.
the Colony owes you a debt of gratitude for smothering to have been a great tendency here of the creation arrival in serious have resulted the races Which between tional I hope that your comprise in which will be taken in the spirit advice you gave it, and that the races of this Colony will live together mony notwlthsta:nlng tions.

r what does appear to me before of what may factional and sec­ this Colony.
interests in peace and har­ your Before resuming my seat I would like their natural aspira- of Members of this Council and on behalf the constituencies thank you for the interest played throughout ing persons in the various the Colony in awaken­ you have dis­ ·co1.mtry districts which we represent to 995 President's 6 NOVEMBER, 1946.
Farewell Address 996 of this whatever if they are to be conversant in this Colony who has been the respect in to a sense of duty not only to but to the Government in of especially themselves Colony.

They must take an interest public affairs and in the deliberations this Council with matters which I should say are of great importance to us all from· time to time.
I know of no individual his position so useful in heightening which this Government every person in this community, opinion the policy of any particular Administrator.

some way or other, in a more tangible and other than we can do today, to express our appreciation which you have enhanced of the-Administration the neighbour those to whom you have referred.
whatever he may have as to the wisdom of or And I think we ought in way of the wonderful way in the reputation in this Colony with with ing territories, especially should be held by Governor There are other speakers like to make some contribution today and I have just received from the hon.

Member for Eastern (Mr. E. A. Luckhoo, a telegram Berbice ·O.B.F.).

It reads : who would -"New Amsterdam, Berbice, To :-Hon.

E. G. Woolford, K.C.


Please convey to His Excellency of Eastern Ber­ that far away in his homeland wishes for retirement on behalf of residents bice and myself our sincere a pleasant and peaceful trusting he will cherish the happy knowledge that in the hearts of this community there live the very best wishes for his welfare, health and happiness.

He has won our affection and sympathy.

and earnestness all our gratitude his administration."
our esteem by his sincerity of purpose and above for the humanity by his kindliness of that I wish to repeat, in his capacity and his Members when Your Excellency soon after your arrival of this Council, the Unofficial But I have risen, sir, to to what he has said in my has just taken his seat, spoke not only in his own behalf but as Deputy President remarks included of this Council.

add a few words own behalf.

Lest it be misunderstood the words that fell from the hon.
Member's lips were not fully representative of the entire Council Sir, that all he has said here this morning is the wish of every Member of the Council that I see around this table.

Sir, I recall distinctly the first occasion visited this Council in this Colony.

I listened at that time and as a regular at meetings have had the distinct to you on almost every occasion that you spoke in this Council.
But, Sir, all the addresses and speeches you have made in this Council before have been put, to my mind, in the shade as the result of what you have told us here this morning.

I am sure that the words you have uttered today will long be remembered that many of the things you have spoken can well be taken to heart and handed down as a guide to those of us who remain in the Council and even to those who may succeed us by all of us.
In fact, I think of this Council I can say I of listening to your words attendant pleasure hereafter.

there can a tolerance, zeal and As President , to it, Sir, the work in particu­ of this Council, be no doubt, you have always exercised great deal of patience, energy in the work we have had to carry out in these last few years.
As you referred lar during the first four years of your administration and even until now has been exceedingly heavy, and I have no doubt that we have been able to pull through as the result of that fire and spirit you have always endeavoured to imbue Members of this Council with.

Members remember that zeal and energy you have displayed on the occasions It is, as I have said before.
energy that you have put forward that have been a source of encouragement every single Sir, it is almost impossible Member to assess the work that you have done since you ass'umed of this Colony except to make passing to Member of this Council.

Now, the governorship for an individual to which I refer.
will always that zeal and refer- In conclusion I would like to express the hope which I know is shared by every member that you will have a long and happy retirement and that it will be accom­ panied with enjoyment of good health and prosperity".

broke down and ended by saying, "I am sorry, Sir, if my feelings do not allow me to say more".

At this stage Mr. Woolford Mr. de AGUIAR: Your Excellency, the hon.
Member for New Amsterdam, who ♦r, � 997 Pt·esident's LEGISLATIVE OouNCIL Ji'arewell Address 998 it is of food short­ developed, was the welfare who resides here.

in particular, credit.

You leave us to­ Your visits to the country but at the same time I cannot be well left to the historian.

your desire to see are only a few ence to it.

I think, it is a task that may, perhaps, But, Sir, there is one thing that I think to pass unnoticed­ should not be allowed !
do not think it is unnoticed-and the fact that during your stay in this Colony and your administration of this Colony your main interest of every inhabitant (Applause).

districts the hinterland of the things that will redound to Your Excelency's day, perhaps within your home and in a very short while, we hope, you will be in the bosom of your family.

We will not forget that at this late hour, although even although you are as it were on the point of leaving 'us, you have decided a little Lethem.
For that we shall always be There only now remains for me grateful.

to say that when you leave this Chamber this morning you are taking the very best and heartiest Member of this Council, Godspeed in (Applause).

to leave with us for Dr. Mary wishes of every and we wish you came.

In those difficult days when we were faced with the problems housing, social welfare; age, rising prices-, and labour disturbances, you shortage came to this Colony and did not shirk your responsibilities.
Y�u faced up set about them in You resolutely to them.

a manly way and a way of which we are all proud.

It is not my intention to in what I may describe indulge adulation, easily cast aside the good work you have done for my country and of which I am justly proud.

From the outset of your regime you set about to know the country, to know and to understand that you have succeeded your success.

the forgotten the economic machinery, man, was in your consideration.
You inet him in the ricefield him on his own ground and you listened his views and, I daresay, and he appreciated never before though it was, was essential • machinery.

the people.

In and in that lay The man at the bottom in that for he realizeq.

as humble to our economic hard at work, you met to your first visit to my home town while your daughter, that the part he played, your journey home.
to his advice, the hour, for Council I recall as idle in this Mr. FERREIRA: Your Excellency, Leave-taking from the floor of this honourable and with which fill to express is always difficult, we have met this morning to bid you fare­ well, and it is only fitting that Members should be given an opportunity publicly Council Chamber the feelings our hearts on this occasion.

of one's friends all due respect-the respect you as Governor sentative-I .
sentiments of the people, gained by your solicitude of the people of Guiana.

for the welfare And so when I say we are losing a friend fully that we are losing someone I realize who always had the best interest at heart.

(Applause).
(Applause).

that is due to and His Majesty's will not be expressing when I refer to you as a friend which you and your thoughts Repre­ finer a friendship of Guiana You came to Guiana in the dark days of war and at a time when victory ever so remote and far away and when the enemies ized a vanquished Empire.

Those are the times in which you of freedom had almost visual­ country and a broken seemed when you the populace of New Amsterdam.
but I was sur­ and so was every Berbician, that so in the Colony you Sir, it was my honour and you as President of the I think as possibly a very few days after your arrival Colony.

If.

I remember rightly, came you used a phrase-which certainly tickled On that occasion, to address privilege Berbice Chamber of.

Commerce.

my remarks were regarded and suspicious, cautious prised, early after your arrivai should have paid a visit to our county.
we would see little At the time we thought of your regime, of you for the r'emainder but this has not been so for we saw you what often.

You.

seemed to have realized wealth of we already it, as we the Corentyne-for have always done, as the granary Your interest to that particular area.

you got to know its entire length and as you travelled around it.

It, was breadth to accompany my privilege on your you on more than one occasion You saw the site to my constituency.
visits of Fort Nassau where some 326 years ago of Guiana.

was not confined On the contrary knew-the potential you regarded and pleasure in Berbice " .

999 President's 6 NOVEM::SER, 1946.

Farewel.l Adckess 1,000 Dutch fought and established motor lorry and on foot.

and at the another fort.


You the gallant the town of New Amsterdam same time established travelled around by plane, on horseback, by corial, launch, You never complained; YQU undertook and I had to do it too with you, yet I regret to say I did hesitate I am not a horseman of it makes me sore.

It was in that way you saw conditions for yourself.

way you gained the admiration and con­ fidence of the people.

because and even the thought and did complain those journeys In that you never hesitated.
waters of our creeks�!

you to return to the land of many waters.

As surely as you eat of the labba and drink of the refreshing know you know the legend of Guiana--you must naturally to the bosom of Guiana.

Should you, Sir, at some future time return to these shores I can assure you that throughout and breadth welcome awaiting you.
of Guiana you will find a warm pay the price of returning the length I would like before concluding to give the that we will for myself and, I think, and to your successor when he May I support.

you this assurance every Member of this Council pass on to the Officer Administering Government arrives our whole-hearted wish you and your family all the best of happiness, look back on Guiana with cherished memories in South America very grateful and the people of a Guiana.

(Applause).
(Applause).

and think of the people who live and may you in the days to come by few.

surpasesd of our people of our country, As you leave these shores today, it that you carry with you told us to have faith place among her bigger cannot be gainsaid a knowledge and of our problems, Ypu have constantly in Guiana.

I have faith in Guiana for I know that Guiana will go forward and find her rightful brothers of the Empire.
I would like to say this : When the time comes, when at some future day the history is being written with that of that famous and illustrious Governor of a former day, Laurens Storm Van Gravesande.

Your name will stand out and dominate the history Guiana, for a personality does not easily fade away.

your name will be linked such as yours of British of Guiana l\lI.r.
VEERASAW�: May it please ceremony which of various and personal rema1:kable it is a great honour to span of five years._ pay tribute Governors experience Your Excellency, me, Sir, to be afforded this opportunity to join in this ceremony-a will be handed down to posterity, of an unprecedented gathering of the peoples of this Colony, representative races and creeds-to to one of the most of whom history can bear testimony that this Colony has ever been privileged to have to guide its destiny for an allotted When it was announced Governor of as "a Labour Man".
Whatever I interpreted might endanger in this Colony.

But, Sir, shortly arrival you showed you were a veteran, in wisdom due to the knowledge rience gained in other _parts of the British Empire.

You not only upheld that pres­ tige, but you removed bars and barriers and raised the prestige irrespective that you were appointed you were described of some people after your that thought was soon dispelled, a man ripe and expe­ of all other peoples, of race or creed.
the prestige it to mean that your activities this Colony, that meant, as Your first outstanding act was the of the "back door" and the opening closing of the "front door".

You listened who wanted to come to -you with their grievances.

You inspired the masses of to all You have told us it is your intention I think I do-I cannot im­ I trust in that and all and driving to roam the and spend in -the peaceful to return to Bonnie Scotland your days of retirement pm·suit of sheep farming.
you will find peace and happiness that you desire in this life.

But if I do know you-and agine that one so full of vitality force can for long be satisfied hills of beautiful Scotland.

Rather would it seem to me that as you gaze into the beautiful land a vision of Guiana will appear before you, luminous I hope, the rolling Downs with the black faced Persian grazing, as in Scotland, unconcernedly, scene shifts to the coastland Guiana where waving ricefields of cane proclaim the fertility land.
.And as the mist clears you will no doubt see old Kai (Kaieteur) of Ebini sheep and and in your mind's eye the strip of and fields of Guiana's cold and misty hills of Scot­ and you will recall, contentedly savannahs beckoning and clear, 1,001 President Js LEGISLA'rcvE COUNCIL F'annvell.
Aclclross 1,002 interest the sacred you enjoyed Happiness I wish you, Sir, will certainly be yours were never privileged You dis­ that was unusual and at tbis Colony from the outset with confidence as to your honesty of purpose.

played a character unique.

You showed especial all times in the cause of the masses.
Owing to certain circumstances power that your predecessors to enjoy, and you never failed to use that power for the advancement of the peoples of this Colony and for the advancement of the Colony as a whole.

(Applause).

Slavery and indentureship before your advent to this Colony, was left behind something the form of economic slavery fear of victimization.
You can feel proud, Sir, that the dawn of freedom from economic slavery will be recorded of this Colony as having taken place during your regime as Governor.

(Applause).

'woolley' one (Laughter).

and your family long life, health and· pros­ perity.

because you never betrayed trust that was imposed upon you of doing unto those people over whom you governed as you would have had them do unto you, if you were in their place.
Your happiness will be all the greater you showed from your tolerance, humility and charity that the spirit within you.

May Almighty to bless you and yours for all that you have done for the peoples especially solace that you have not only as Governor and representative Divine Being, but as an ordinary brought to the hearts of the masses and especially Colony.

(Applause).
(Applause).

and fear of victimization in the history of this Colony and for the joy and comfort and of God dwelt God continue to the poor and needy of this far worse in coupled had long been abolished upon earth of the individual, at all times because but there with Your open-mindedness, courage, Your enthusiasm, zeal and love of work to duty lacking interest manner and control made men wonder with amaze­ devotion in all your un­ in vision and can dare to condemn any act of was boundless.
your fearlessness, and the energy you displayed dertakings ment.

Your charming of temper at all times won for you the respect of all who may have differed with any view or action of yours.

Only those of material foresight yours during the period of your Governor­ ship.

It has been said, Sir, that some local influence has been the cause of your not remaining with us for a longer term.

I do.
I do.

not now believe that that is true, but if it were, then I have no doubt that some day soon we shall see exhibited in the Museum of this Colony "the thirty pieces of silver".

interest of this Colony will cause your name to be handed down to generations to come.

Govern­ ments may confer honours, sometimes on those who save served well, sometimes on those who served ill, but no honour can be as great as that which has been bestowed upon you by the voice of the people throughout Colony.
of the masses and peoples Your efforts to promote the the length and breadth (Applause).

of this You will be leaving behind you a 'heap' and also a 'heap' (Laughter) of problems of experience.

of roses for we already The future will be no bed know it will be a It is with a on several the citizens of George­ Mr. C.V. WIGHT : Sir, it has been my to bid you farewell oc­ recently, but I do not think, how­ whom I have the to represent here.
pleasure casions ever, I should allow this opportunity to pass without saying a few words as Mayor of the City on behalf of town.

and also as a Member of this Council on behalf of those persons privilege great feeling of regret that we have today to bid you farewell.

One only wishes that it would be adieu.

We feel, however, will be with us again, that you will retur;n and that we will hear your voice again even if it is to be over the B.B.C.
May I be permitted again to refer-and I think that sums up all that I would like to say this morning-to have made reference to the fact-and it seems to me all-embracing-that you have tried to serve the Colony faithfully and to be a citizen of this Colony.

One can ven­ ture even a little and say that but for yow· ardent desire to return to your homeland, out naturalization this Colony.
your address in which you you might have take"n papers and remaine9-in Scotland, fw·ther you Sir, you have taught each and every­ one of us around this Council table that unselfish service with enthusiasm and energy is what this Colony needs, and it is the only progress.

May I ask you to convey on behalf of this way this Colony can and will You have given us yow· blessing.

1,003 President's 6 NOVEMBER, l !J.j.


(j_ Farewell 1,004 Aclclress you to these We bid I wish that you did not have Colony to your good spouse,.

Lady Lethem, our best wishes and hope that some day we will see her accompanying shores.

We wish you Godspeed.

you farewell.

to leave these shores so early, but we do feel that you will be wtih us in spirit.

and that we will carry on in that spirit with whcih you have endowed us.
To your we wish everything famliy and to yourself this world brings to one of Your character.

(Applause).

and upon."

We refused is decided had made a similar with our employers a Committee and of Your Excellency's will be investigated, that one of your predecessors, Mr. CRITCHLOW: Sir, on behalf of Labour I feel that I would be wanting in my duty if I do not add a few words in appreciation service to this Colony.
I would like to tell you that the reason why Labour has had confidence in you is this : Soon after your arrival here we had a dispute and your words then to us were "Return to work and I will appoint your grievances from the time you return to work you will be paid whatever remembered Sir Graeme Thomson, to promise in 1924 and after we returned work the employers to give us any­ thing more, much more to pay us what we had been asking for.
We thought that you would have been iike Sir Graeme Thomson, but I advised the workers to return to work and to print bandbills stating that the labourers the increased they returned was appointed should get increased of the Committee must not get returned decision.

what had happened, your word.


You ruled that the employers must pay the increase returned fixed for the money not know why that day was workers were very suspicious preted it to moan that as slavery was abolished on the 1st August that day was fixed for the payment of the increase.

From then the labourers Excellency.

will get pay from the time to work.


After the Committee and it was decided to work but from the date of the We approached to work and the 1st August was We do you and told you and you, Sir, stood that we recommended day we from the wages, the majority had confidence to be paid.

the increase from the day we fixed.


Some and inter­ in Your that we to I can assure you, Sir, that we appre­ between and employee but when God made woman ciate that most of the labour legislation passed in this Colony was during your regime and also the relationship has been much employer better in this Colony in your regime than that of late hitherto.
You must have noticed and that the women have been very active, puts me in mind of what a Scotsman once told me He said : "When God made man he rested; neither God nor man rested."

"I notice that the women in our midst all sorts of political are raising I notice that it is your intention your daughter, I am wondering women feel they can carry on the govern­ ment better than men and are looking forward that some day they will have Dr. Lethem as Governor of this Colony ?

(Laughter).
(Laughter).

I sincerely speed and everything for yourself.

ding you farewell.

wish you God­ good that you wish Dr. Mary Lethem, behind.

I join with the others in bid­ the whether it is because (Laughter'.

(Applause).

questions.

to leave grati­ Your Excellency, the when you of this Colony Mr. FARNUM: May it please Your I bring a message from the and that is to express Excellency, rural districts, tude for what you have done for the people of the rural districts and especially farmers.
assumed the administration the farmer's one.

lot was a very difficult He could never rely on reaping his crops because that was at the mercy of the weather.

Your Excellency went among talked with them, got to know the farmers, and their dif­ their problems, ficulties, bringing form of the Grow More Food Campaign, by which they were assisted direc­ in various tions to plant and do various Your Excellency the price for the farmers' addition for their goods.
So today the farmer's position Your Excellency tion of this Colony .

other things.

You fixed and in products, a market to that you established and there and then you set about them relief.

is very much better than when went further.

their troubles That relief took the assumed the administra­ The people of the rural districts also feel.
Sir, that the development will also help them considerably because the labour drawn by the hinterland indus­ and they districts, tries is from the village of the interior ._ � 1,005 P1·es-iclent 's LEGrSLA'rIVE COUNCIL Farewell Acldress 1,006 in which of this Colony.

is better now than when you and and you pointed out of that some time ago made a compari­ feel that ls another direction their position assumed the administration I think, Sir, you have the satisfaction knowing that.
I recall Your Excellency son between the City of Georgetown the rural districts that Georgetown standard ginger beer standard.

I think you will be glad to know-that whilst the rural districts risen to the champagne standard risen above the ginger beer standard, we hope the time is not far off when they will get to the whisky standard.
have not they have on the and the rural districts was on the champagne I am glad to say-and and Finally I have been asked to wish you Godspeed on every­ thing you may do, and to offer the best wishes to Lady Lethem and Dr. Mary - Lethem.

and God's blessing Dr. SINGH : I desire also to take and vast travels of saying a few words.

in this Council to you.


We in this Council to their you were always able to allay this opportunity We have met here this morning to say good-bye to you, and on behalf of the people whom I represent I say farewell are going to miss you.

The people in this Colony are also going to miss you, because you have been a friend to them.

You have always found time to listen grievances; doubts and fears, and by your intuition you were able to prevent brewing and British Guiana has mounting trouble.

problems.
problems.

By varied and complicated your extensive in this by dint of hard work.

you have Colony, acquired of this country, and you should have been given another term of office for at least one or two years because and its problems the way for your successor easy to carry on.

But it has happened that Downing Street has ruled otherwise and you and your experience edg will be lost to us, and the benefit of the money spent on your travels about the country will be also lost to us.
Your successor grounds twelve months in extensive your experience.

will have to cover all those again and that will take him about to gain its needs and will be able to smooth you understand an intimate knowledge to find it very and knowl­ travels The masses of this Colony are not able to be with you at the Ramp, but I every from every hamlet, feel, Sir, in spirit every tenement range on the estates, room they bid you Godspeed, bon voyage and farewell.

retirement and friends.


I wish you a long and pleasant in the company of your relatives Mr. THOMPSON : Sir, it has always showered upon you this that we also send you off on ben my custom to bring up the rear and in so doing it is always my misfortune to have my thunder stolen.

That has been done this morning by my hon.

friend on my left (Mr. Farnum).

In supporting the encomiums morning I want to say on behalf of the rural areas the crest of the waves.
It is due to the you enjoy as a result of your popularity your your human relationship, vision, statesmanlike as well as your democracy, When you leave Guiana leave some smiling mind the children.

morning because they stand as vigorous beneficiaries paign and you are leaving You have not only done that, but you have made their lot happy by giving them as their sal­ teachers who are contented aries have been improved and as a con­ sequence this morning you I have in and for that we thank you.
they can do their work with very of the Grow More Food Cam­ They are happy this them with food.

faces behind.

attitude much more contentment: You are leaving this Colony this morn­ Old we are thank.

in the rural areas look that has been done, and by your having sanctioned the fact that we for more.

However, ing with the rural areas first and foremost rejuvenated Age Pensions despite clamour ful for the little as time rolls on we hope it will be im­ proved so that the recipients will be hap­ pier.
The farmers forward with much more satisfaction as they now enter their fields less the future, fearful of drought as well as flood which had made them so very discontented :in th-=: p�st.

E�-crybody to the future with much more happiness now because visaged conditions and the farmers' lot will be very much better.
I dare not recount this morn­ ing the very many things you have done en­ hope and by which we sincerely will be very much improved of the Drainage Schemes looks forward to • t007 P,t:esiclent 's 6 NOVElV!BER, 1946.

Farewell Address 1,008 follow policy.

I will loyally Government cellency's Your Ex- (Applause).

of this Council in their profound The Officials the Unofficials your departure you, Sir, on your retirement.

join with regret at and their best wishes to hand to Guiana, the country for the Colony.
All-I can say is God bless ¥OU.

May you ha'l-'.e peace in your dom­ t;)�t)c dqmain and_ _ continue to give a helping dear to your heart.

May your retirement be full of contentment; be imariy--and pleasant.

i,o help to build you up that life will be a-pleasure I ,say thanks for ::tll that you have done, 'and may you have a safe voyage home.

'God bless you.

may your days May Lady Lethem for you and it will be prolonged.
The.COLONIAL SECRETARY: Yo_ur to the very eloquent, the very good speeches me per­ and I speak I thank you for giving to speak on this occasion Excellency, mission for the Official Members of this Council.

We have all listened the very sincere, of Members this morning Excellency's me, a Government about that; but, Sir, I can with all sincerity say that for nearly three years I have sat in this Council and I have gained great experience education which I hope will in the ensuing of Your Administration.
It is not for Officer, to say any more months <Applause).

serve me well in praise and under your Prc:;ldency Your patience has been mentioned by impartiality all, but I would like to say that your.

very factors able and quick grasp of the essential as well in debate has been quite remarkable, in the as Your Excellency's Chair.
When a Government measure has been moved and cogent and good arguments are advanced naturally, desired never hesitated either to suspend action or to make further inquiries and show absolute impartiality throughout.

plause).

must have to pass the motion you have against it even though, Your Excelency (Ap­ I thank the hon.

Member for Berbic� The PRESIDENT : Hon.


Deputy columns leaves me with Secretary for me to receive to the numerous speeches in this Council-It invidious in tbe It is particularly and my col­ would be diffi­ for me to reply <Laughter).

of our Han­ of the Presi­ President, Colonial leagues cult and perhaps made seriatim this morning by Members of Council.

Vie have beaten all records.

It is remarkable.


of oratory The effulgence that for the first time on the knowledge record at a formal meeting of this Coun­ Members have had more to cil, Unofficial say than the Governor.

When I think of the terrific sard filled with expositions dent, I go away with a lot of joy remem­ bering that at this last meeting the Un­ official Members have more columns Hansard than myself.
Gouching butes and wishes from Members of this Council, not attempt I think it would do me justice that from my assumption have regarded ant and democratic touchstone ony.

I had intended say something after having listened not so sane and balanceu take this opportunity hrwe insisted whatever cmly this Council, which has to make the decision Governor cannot commit himself Government sulted this Council.
it is the Sovereign Body, and the or the as a whole that is to something outside, and I of saying so here.

I else in this Col­ in my remarks to of duty here I as an import­ is urged on Government, but you will excuse me if I do to deal with them one by one.

to action until he has con­ of everything is said outside, body which is the of this Council that whatever this Council to realize these kind.

tri­ to the the Government.

me, I agree with the hon.

the Mr. Veera­ River <Mr.


Ferreira) who says that he hopes Members will give all support Officer Administering Believe Seventh Nominated Member, sawmy.

I shall want it.

I ask Members in the next few to give me that support months and I know that I shall get it from the heads of Government 11 have stated once before say it again-as during the time I am administering - and I will far as it lies in my power let me thank you particularly for the you have given me.
personal for the and the Colonial Secretary and very kind words in closing, let me also thank those other Members for their kind references.

to my successor-I time-I will tell him at Christmas Woolley that in going to Guiana he will find the Again Mr. Deputy President, Departments.

hope to see Sir Charles service the In speaking As • 1,009 Prcsfr7r.n1 '.s LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Jt'cwewcll .1cldrcss 1,010 Legislative to none.

Council with traditions second be weight for age.


That is to say, the greater the waist measurement in this country the lesser the weight.

With that I only wish I could have dealt with thc I would come off fairly well and have a questions touching each individual chance of getting of the hon.

Member for Berbice ceed in some way with it.

Whether that various Member here.


I can only take up the on my happy return we may seek to pro­ challenge River (Mr. Ferreira) I was in speaking tolerant in which he accompanied lancts.

for competition the Legislative is possible joy to me to return and find the same happy atmosphere goodbye today.

(Applause>.
(Applause>.

the Council p.m. me in the back­ I was tempted to offer a gold cup among the Members of to Council, and remember how the handicap until tomorrow of the manner adjourned at 2 in which we are saying that gold cup.

Perhaps I now declare or not, it will be a particular "·