LATE LABOUR LEADER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 259, 2 November 1933, Page 6

LATE LABOUR LEADER.

A NATIONAL TESTIMONIAL.

(To the Editor.) The distinguished services which the late Mr. H. E. Holland rendered to this country, as Leader of the Parliamentary Opposition, have been testified to by all sections of the Dominion's life. He slipped away before many realised ' the greatness of his character, and the extent of the personal sacrifices made in his devotion to duty. The debt New Zealand owes to Henry Edmond Holland must remain unpaid, but something can be done to honour his memory by a national testimonial to his widow. Some years before the late Mr. W. F. Massey became Prime Minister people of all political parties, recognising his efforts as Opposition Leader, opened a subscription list for the'purpose of presenting a purse of sovereigns to him. Subscriptions of a shilling upwards were accepted, and when the lists closed a sum exceeding £1000 was presented to Mr. Massey. The position of Opposition Leader demands everlasting watchfulness, indefatigable energy, foresight and a knowledge of and ability to lead men. The Canadian people recognise the importance of the post to such an extent that a substantial official salary is paid to the holder. Intimate political associates of the late leader have stated that he was often short of life's requirements. It is only natural and human in these circumstances to ask, "How is the widow faring?" Could something of the debt New Zealand owes her late husband be honoured by presenting Mrs. Holland with a national testimonial of a practical nature which would help to lighten her burden along the lonely highway? C. M. DO WD.