Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Saturday 30 September 1911, page 17


DEATH OF MR. HARNETT.

POPULAR SERGEANT-AT-ARMS.,

Mr. Laurence Joseph Barnett, for many years one of the most familiar figures, at Parliament House, died yesterday at his

residence, Cronulla.

His health had long been unsatisfactory, and it was because of this that a little over two years ago he resigned the office of Sorgoant-at-Ann8 in the Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Harnett was born at Rosebrook, near Cooma, on October in, 1842, and had thus reached the age of 60 years. Mrs. Harriett died many years ago, but there survive two sons and a daughter. One of the sons is a solicitor in the Justice Department, and the other is Clerk of Papers in the Legislative Assembly, and has from time to time discharged the official du to ob that his father was so long identified with.

The deceased gentleman joined the Parliamentary staff in 1856, and In May, LSgt, was appointed Sergeant-at-Arms, an office in which he served for the long period of 30 years. When announcing the resignation to the House in July, 1909, Mr. McCourt, who was then Speaker, said: "I feel sure I shall be expressing the opinion of hon. members when I say that on all occasions Mr. Barnett performed the duties of his office, which frequently required firmness, tact, and judgment, with courtesy, and so as to command the respect and esteem of all concerned. I desire also to place on record my appreciation of his services and to express my deep regret at his retirement, especially in view of the causes which have rendered that step necessary. Mr. Harnett served under various Speakers from the time of Sir Terence Aubrey Murray, and I believe they all expressed high approval of the manner in which he performed his duties. I believe this approval is shared by the outside public, to whom In the performance of his duties at Parliament House he was ever considerate and obliging." The House, by resolution, placed Mr. Haynott's letter of resignation, and the Speaker's remarks, upon the permanent records.