Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP yesterday paid tribute to ‘Mr Maitland’, her friend and mentor, the Hon. Milton Morris AO, during a condolence motion in the Legislative Assembly in the Parliament of NSW.
Mr Morris’s four children – Collen Gale, Margaret Livingstone, John Morris and Karen Morris – were all present during the event, along with their spouses and nine of Milton’s grandchildren.
Ms Aitchison said it was both her great sadness and her great honour to acknowledge Mr Morris’s passing, and pay tribute to his remarkable legacy.
“Milton is remembered for holding the seat of Maitland for a record term of 24 years, and serving as Minister for Transport for a decade,” Ms Aitchison said. “He is remembered as the Minister who halved the NSW road toll in a 10-year period while the number of registered motor vehicles more than doubled.”
During her speech Ms Aitchison reflected on Mr Morris’s great love for the people of his electorate, and his genuine love for Maitland. She also paid tribute to Mr Morris’s sterling character and the fact he was held in great regard by people from both sides of politics.
“Milton was renowned for working with whomever he needed to to achieve outcomes for his electorate, and the State,” Ms Aitchison said.
It was indicative of the high regard he was held in that members from both sides of Parliament spoke in his honour.
Ms Aitchison recounted Mr Morris’s great achievements as the inaugural chairman, and later patron, of the Hunter Valley Training Company, as well as the wonderful working relationship, loyalty and friendship he shared with his colleague of 43 years, Mrs Kay Sharp AM.
Ms Aitchison also honoured the kind and generous man who came to be known as ‘Mr Maitland’; his early years as a child growing up during the Depression; his deep faith and absolute love for his family.
“The Morris children, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew a man who always looked for the best in everyone and encouraged them to make a difference,” Ms Aitchison said. “Vale, Milton. You will always be remembered, with great thanks, and great love.”
