MR. PRATTEN DEAD

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 186, 9 May 1928, Page 11

MR. PRATTEN DEAD

TRAGICALLY SUDDEN END AT GATHERING ON HIS BIRTHDAY ’ COLLAPSE WHILE ADDRESSING MEETING (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Sydney, May 8. The Hon. 11. E. Pratteu, Commonwealth Minister of Trade and Customs, died suddenly yesterday. He was 63 years of age.

Mr. Pratten collapsed whilst addressing a women’s meeting at Turramurra, a suburb of Sydney. Bis last words were: “I wonder what view the historian of a hundreds years hence will take of the politicians of to-day.” Mr. Pratten fell forward, but momentarily revived, dying, however, within five minutes. The audience was stunned by the occurrence.

The occasion was Mr. Pratten’s sixty-third birthday, and the women present had prepared a huge cake on which were sixty-three lighted candles. The cake was to have been presented after the gathering.

Mr. Pratten’s wife and son were among the audience. Mr. Pratten had had a long political and public career, and was a former Senator. He recently visited New Zealand.

SUPPRESSION OF DRUG TRAFFIC

CABINET TO COMPLETE WORK

(Rec. May 8/8.45 p.m.)

Sydney, May 8.

Mr. Pratten will be given a State funeral to-morrow and both the Federal Houses have adjourned to enable Ministers to attend.

Mr. Bruce, who is remaining in Sydney for this purpose, said the Federal Government had been kept closely in touch by the late Minister with his work in connection with the suppression of the drug traffic, and what he had commenced Cabinet would complete. He added that Mr. Pratten’s death was a great loss to the Government and the whole people of Australia. Mr. Pratten had sacrificed his health to the country.

NEW ZEALAND’S SYMPATHY

In connection with the death of Mr. Pratten, the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) made the following statement yesterday:—

“My colleagues and I have received with deep regret the news of Mr. Pratten’s tragically sudden' death. It was practically only the other day that he was here in our midst, and when we bade him ‘God-speed’ on his return journey, there was nothing to indicate that he was other than in the enjoyment of good health. During his visit to New Zealand, which was primarily undertaken for the purpose of discussing problems of trade and commerce, we were impressed by his keen desire to arrive at a mutually satisfactory arrangement to both our countries.

“The late Mr. Pratten made many friends during his stay in the Dominion, and we retain the happiest memories of his visit.

“We extend our sincere sympathy to the Government of the Commonwealth in the loss of one of its distinguished members.”