The Sir Basil Arthur Story (Press, 2 January 1986)

Sir Basil Arthur's life story resembles that of a classic socialist novel, showcasing his rise from humble beginnings as a fisherman to achieving high political office as the Speaker of the House in New Zealand. His journey began at the age of 16 when he worked on fishing boats, followed by various jobs including freezing worker, oil tanker driver, and construction worker. He served in the Army in Japan and Korea before becoming a member of Parliament at 32, eventually reaching the distinguished position of Cabinet Minister by 42 and becoming Speaker at 55. Arthur served as the Member of Parliament for Timaru for over two decades and was well-regarded for his deep connection with the community. At his funeral held at St Mary’s Church in Timaru, Prime Minister Lange remarked on the unique breadth of Arthur's experiences, noting that it was unlikely future Labour politicians would have such a diverse background due to the modern shift towards a more urban lifestyle where university education has become the norm for political careers. Timaru's electorate had primarily urban demographics, with about 80 per cent of its voters residing in the city amid various local industries. Arthur first entered Parliament in 1962 after unseating Rev. Clyde Carr, maintaining a solid grip on the electorate, often engaging positively with constituents during local events such as the Caroline Bay carnival. His conservative stances on social issues contrasted with the more liberal views of his successor, Jan Walker, leading to a challenging transition after his departure from office. Arthur's deep empathy and personal touch distinguished him as a respected politician. His former electorate secretary, Oliver Gavigan, highlighted how Arthur consistently made time for his constituents, ensuring their issues received a sympathetic hearing. He even adopted the practice of sending handwritten condolences to families experiencing bereavement, a suggestion from former Prime Minister Norman Kirk that resonated well within the community. Inheriting his baronetcy in 1949, Arthur was mindful of his title's potential clash with Labour Party values and chose not to flaunt it. Nevertheless, he enjoyed a steady ascent within the party, first involving himself in union activities and later standing for Parliament in various electorates before successfully securing Timaru. His decade-long tenure included significant achievements as Minister of Transport, where he was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand Shipping Corporation and introducing measures that effectively reduced road fatalities. After Labour's return to power in 1984, Arthur was appointed as the Speaker of the House, becoming the twentieth individual to hold this prestigious role since its establishment in 1854. His legacy remains a testament to his dedication to public service, the common man, and the principles that shaped his political life as a Labour politician in New Zealand.

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