The Press FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1963. Mr F. P. Walsh

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30133, 17 May 1963, Page 10

The Press FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1963. Mr F. P. Walsh

It is difficult to think of organised labour in NewZealand without Mr F. P. Walsh. His death removes from the national scene one of its most impressive and most controversial figures. He could be said to have thrived on controversy; yet he pursued assiduously what he conceived to be the best interests of the New Zealand trade unionist. Nobody with whom he came in contact could fail to be impressed by his mental powers and by the rugged force of his personality. His independence led him repeatedly into clashes not only with the employers’ organisations and opponents of the Labour Party, but also with sections of political Labour and of the industrial movement. During and immediately after the Second World War the Labour Government frequently availed itself of his services as an administrator and adviser. He was a particularly close friend of Mr Peter Fraser; they, together with Mr Angus McLagan. formed probably the most influential group in New Zealand politics of the time. Indeed, in Parliamentary circles Mr Walsh was known jocularly as the “Black Prince”. More recently Mr Walsh’s

public pronouncements on matters of national importance were invariably stimulating and provocative. A prosperous dairy farmer as well as the acknowledged spokesman of the trade unions, he managed to maintain a remarkable ascendancy in the union movement. He was never afraid to differ from the leaders of the Labour Party or rival union leaders if he considered their views unacceptable. Inevitably, he aroused strong feelings; and it is probably true that at various times he had as many enemies among the ranks of organised labour as friends among the more conservative elements of the community. However, there was rarely any question of his ability to impose firm discipline upon his followers, never any doubt about his courage in an argument. His opposition to communism was as unequivocal as his insistence upon his own ideal of workers’ rights. Only occasionally in any field of endeavour does New Zealand produce a leader of Mr Walsh’s capacities or strength of character. Time alone will show the extent to which he served New Zealand well or ill.