LOOKING BACK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 172, 22 July 1936, Page 10

LOOKING BACK.

SIR W. HALL-JONES.

TRIBUTES IN PARLIAMENT,

LAST OF SEDDON'S BAND. (By Telegraph.—Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Eloquent tributes to the notable part which the late Sir William Hall-Jones played in the political life of New Zealand over a long period of years, were paid in the House of Representatives to-day, when a motion placing on record the House's high sense of his distinguished services was passed.

Sir William was born in the Old Conntry and on coming to New Zealand settled in Timaru, where he began business as a builder and contractor. He was- elected to Parliament in August, IS9O, as member for Timaru, and represented that constituency continuously until December, 1908, when he became High Commissioner for New Zealand in- London. Sir William became a member of the Seddon Ministry in 1893. and on the death of Sir. Seddon in 1000. was. Premier from June 21 to August (i of that year. ' From 1913 until his death, he was a member of the Legislative Council.

"I think that the late member was the last of that wonderful band of men who were responsible for letting at least some light into the dark periods of the early nineties," said the Prime Slinister, Mr. Savage. "He was one of those men who dared to do what they thought to be in the best interests of the people. They had to do it against considerable opposition, but in spite of the opposition, they, succeeded.

"Personally, representing the Government, I feel that we are indebted to that band of men, and to the late right lion, gentleman. Perhaps they did not go as far as they would like" to have gone, but they certainly did go.a fairly long distance. It seems to me that New Zealand is indebted to them for the lead they gave not only to this country, but also to the- world in general as far as social and economic legislation is concerned. Big Men Who Fought. "I feel, sir, that it is difficult for the people to express or to meet the obligations they owe to" the big men who fought their battles in those days. They were surrounded by similar conditions as we are to-day, perhaps not so pronounced, but in many ways the same. These men had to face up to the position, and because of what they did one would always feel indebted to the .men and women of those days who had the courage and wisdom to legislate for the people, and to stand up for what was right.

"Apart from politics altogether, the late right lion, gentleman was a kindly soul—a man that one had no difficulty in getting close to. He was human to the finger tips, and for that reason too I feel that Parliament is the poorer for his passing. In him the people of this country have lost a real friend."

Mr. Savage referred to Sir William Hall-Jones' humanitarianism and his vision to interpret the economic conditions. ,He was a man of will and determination, who did his share to make the world better than he found it. In moving the resolution he felt that lion, members would be unanimous in extending to the widow the assurance of the sincere sympathy of the House in her bereavement. Important Public Works. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Forbes, said that Sir William Hall-Jones had taken an active part in.the development of the country and had put through a number of important public works, including the South Island Main Trunk railway line to Parnassus. He was a most friendly man, and in his administration of the Public Works Department showed great sympathy towards the men engaged on public works. Later as High Commissioner in London he did a great deal towards establishing the high reputation of New Zealand in the Old Country. As a citizen and as one who played a great part in the development of the country he left behind him a record of which anyone could be proud, a, record not- only of public work but of the firm friendshiji of those with whom lie worked. 1

The Minister of Public Works, Mr. Seniple, said he had met no man who was more familiar with the political struggles of the past than Sir William Hall-Jones. He was a member of a band of men who took their courage in both hands an<J went ahead, and his work would last as his epitaph. He was one of tl'o trail blazers—one of the men who mattered in his day. "Another Totara Fallen." Mr. J. G. Coates (National, Kaipara) said that the Maoris had an apt quotation, "Another totara lias fallen." Sir William was one of those who made a forward move in modernising the roads and railways of the country. Not only did he gain the respect of the whole community, but he retained that respect right up to the day of his death. He was a robust Imperialist and maintained fervently that the British system was the best system.

The Rev. Clyde Carr (Government, Timaru) said that Sir William began as a Carpenter in a small way of business and rose to great heights. He was one of the elder statesmen of the Dominion —a man of dignity and refinement —and, though he was physically frail in his later years, he was always mentally alert.

The Attorney-General, Mr. Mason, also paid a tribute to Sir William HallJones.