TRIBUTES IN THE HOUSE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 302, 4 October 1935, Page 6

TRIBUTES IN THE HOUSE.

APPRECIATION OF HIS WORTH.

“FRIEND TO’ BE DEPENDED ON.”

(Special to the “ Guardian.”) WELLINGTON, October 3

The death of Mr J. Connolly, member of Parliament for Mid-Canterbury, was referred to with deep regret ny members, in the House of Representatives this afternoon. A motion ol sympathy with his relatives and appreciation of his services to the country, moved by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes), and seconded by Mr M. J. Savage (leader of the Opposition), was carried by the House, and an adjournment was taken as a mark of respect for his memory. The Prime Minister said that Mr Connolly’s death had come as a great shock to all members of the House. His health had not been of the best during recent months; but he had never been one to complain. During his short term as a member of Parliament he had won the respect of all his associates and the friendship of many of them. Mr Connolly had been one of the largest sheep-dealers in the South Island, and throughout all his dealings his sense of fairness and consideration for others had come to the top. He had been a quiet and conscientious worker for the welfare of others, and his kindness had always been at the disposal of those in trouble. Mr Savage described Mr Connolly as a friend to' be depended on. He said that Mr Connolly as a private citizen and in his public capacity had left very little to be ashamed of. His heart had always been in his work for the public welfare. Mr Connolly had left the greatest monument possible—a great number of friends who would mourn his death.

‘"Mr Connolly was a. faithful friend and a generous political opponent,” said Mr Savage. “His appreciation or the feelings and opinions of others, and his desire to do the right thing, made him a friend to all of us, whether he held the same political views or not.”

Affection and Respect. Mr T. I>. Burnett (Temuka) said that Mr Connolly had%een known throughout the South Island as a great sheepdealer, and that in his time many mil-

lions of sheep had passed through his hands. He had won the respect and love of all classes in Canterbury, and he was known widely by the affectionate title of “Jerry Connolly.” Mr Connolly had never taken advantage of anyone, and in the whole of Canterbury nobody had been more helpful in assisting those who were in trouble. Time and again he had helped struggling settlers by financing them out of his own pocket. Other speakers were Messrs W. A. Veitch (Wanganui), D. G. Sullivan (Avon), the Hon. Sir Alfred Ransom, Messrs J. A. Nash (Chairman of Committees), P. C. Webb (Buller), J. A. Macpherson (Oamaru), and H. S. S. Kyle (Riccarton).

COUNTY COUNCIL SYMPATHY. At the meeting of the Ashburton County Council this afternoon the following resolution was carried in silence:

“That this council place on record its regret at the death of Mr J. Connolly, Member foi‘ Mid-Canterbury, and extends to his x'elatives its deepest sympathy in their loss.”

COMMERCE CHAMBER’S VOTE.

A* a meeting of the Ashburton Chamber of Commerce last evening a motion of sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr J. Connolly, M.P., was carried in silence.