GREAT LOSS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 88, 14 April 1945, Page 7

GREAT LOSS

DEATH OF PRESIDENT

MEMORIAL SERVICES

P.A. WELLINGTON, Friday The acting-Prime Minister, Mr. Nash, said to-night that in connec ticn with the death of President Roosevelt the heads of the Churches in New Zealand had been invited and had agreed to arrange for memo rial or other appropriate services tc be; held in churches throughout the Dominion on Sunday.

Mr. Nash also stated that the funeral of the late President would be observed in New Zealand by a twominute silence at 11 a.m. on Monday. Knowing the very high place the late President held in the hearts and minds of the people, he was sure the Government's wishes would be readily acceded to by all sections of the community. Mayors, county chairmen and chairmen of town boards and road boards had been requested by telegram to take any action, necessary in their own districts to arrange for this observance.

Inspiring Leadership

The following message has been sent by Mr. Nash to the Secretary of State at Washington:—

"We learned with the deepest regret of the tragic news of the death of President Roosevelt. His passing is a blow to the free peoples of all countries of the world. Democracy had no greater friend, and his inspiring leadership in its cause will ever be, remembered. He was an ardent champion of the under-privileged, not only in his own country but everywhere. His contribution toward lifting the world out of depression was unsurpassed. His wise measures and kindly counsel were listened to and were to the benefit of all people of all countries.

"We here in New Zealand will ever cherish a grateful memory of his friendship and inspiration, both before and during the present world war. His guidance of his country during the pre-war period and the early years of the war came second only to his unparalleled contribution after the United States entered the conflict. Ijend-lease, among other epoch-making conceptions, will keep his memory green in all countries that have been saved by its help. His decisions as Commander-in-Chief of the United States have made a major contribution in the direction of the conflict toward the victory we hope to enjoy soon. Loss to Cause of Freedom

"Like earlier great leaders, he has led the world toward a victory that will make, possible peace among the nations, but he will not be here to enjoy the fruits of the work which he has done. He was a citizen of the world in the greatest and • truest sense, and his death is an irreparable loss to the cause of freedom. To Mrs. Roosevelt and family, to his colleagues in the Government, and all United States citizens, the Government and people of New Zealand and its island territories extend their sympathy at the loss of a great son of a great people."

"LOSS OF STAUNCH FRIEND"

The fact, that in the death of President Roosevelt New Zealand had lost a staunch friend was emphasised by Mr. Nash in a tribute to the President paid in a broadcast last night. Mr. Nash said that in 1937, 1939 and again just before he came back from the United States, President Roosevelt had promised him that he planned to visit New Zealand and Australia. President Roosevelt appreciated how much this small nation had done in improving the average life of the people, said Mr. Nash, and he also admired the magnificent achievements of her armed forces. Ido not know how a country so small could have done so much," had been the President's comment to Mr. Nash. * V