"BELOVED LEADER."

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 73, 27 March 1940, Page 9

"BELOVED LEADER."

N.Z. LABOUR PARTY.

CONFERENCE TRIBUTE. SAD CLOSING SCENE. (By Telegraph—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. A gloom »as cast over the Labour party conference this morning as the result of Mr. Savage's death, and a number of delegates did not conceal their displays of emotion at the loss of their leader. The conference did not resume until 10.30 a.m.. half an hour behind schedule, and while the waiting delegates stood in mournful groups the only business done was the making of the official statement by the acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, concerning Mr. Savage's death and tfce proposed funeral arrangements, and the passing of a resolution recording the grief of delegates at his death. The resolution was moved by the president, Mr. J. Roberts, and carried with every delegate standing in silence for one minute. The conference then terminated, and it was reported that the remaining business would be attended to by the national executive. The resolution read: "We, the delegates attending the twenty-fourth conference of the Xew Zealand Labour party, voice our deepest sorrow at the death of our beloved leader, Mr. Savage, Prime Minister of Xew Zealand. With grief-laden hearts we record the great sense of personal, part\- and national loss which is irreparable, while we deeply deplore the tragic fact that he has passed away in the midst of his labours for the people of Xew Zealand, Maori and pakeha, and particularly for the mothers, the children, the aged, the sick and the infirm and all those who needed the helping hand of his kindly and sympathetic assistance. We are comforted by the fact that thousands have benefited by his'life's work, which will continue to bring happiness to future generations and be a lasting memorial to his name. We pledge ourselves to carry on the great humanitarian mission to which Mr. Sava whole life was dedicated."