PAST-MASTERS OF CHAIRMANSHIP 



valuable asset on deputations to local bodies, for 

 his fine presence and cheerful bonhomie inspired 

 confidence and were passports to a sympathetic 

 hearing. 



Here I must stay my hand, tempting as it is 

 to call back to recollection those whose memories 

 are so full of pleasant associations. Alas, all 

 those I have named are dead and gone. But I can 

 truly say with Bolingbroke : 



" I count myself in nothing else so happy, 

 As in a soul remembering my good friends." 



It does not fall to the lot of every official to 

 be subject to the rule of so many chairmen dis- 

 tinguished in various ranks of life as it has been 

 my privilege to serve under, for the Bath and 

 West Society has been fortunate in inducing 

 many holders of high office in the service of the 

 State to spare time for the discharge of the duties 

 of the presidency. They have included leaders 

 in both Houses of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, 

 and Colonial Governors, and one of the most 

 eminent of the long line of House of Commons 

 Speakers. I have happy memories of all of them 

 and of their many kindly acts, while not a few 

 have been such past-masters of chairmanship 

 that it has been an education in the art of con- 

 ducting public business to observe their methods. 



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