TRIBUTES OF RESPECT

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 253, 22 July 1936, Page 10

TRIBUTES OF RESPECT

Memory of Legislators of the Past POLITICAL PIONEERS Tributes to former legislators who died recently were paid in the House of Representatives on its resumption after the midwinter recess yesterday, by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage the Leader of the Opposition. Rt Hon G. IV. Forbes, and other speakers. Resolutions were carried recording appreciation of the services of Sir William Hall-Jones, a former Prime Minister and member of the Seddon and Ward Cabinets, and at the time of his death a member ot the Legislative Council; Mr. G. H. Smith, member for Pahiatua from 1916 to 1919; and Captain J. H. Bradney member for Auckland West from 1911 to 1914. “I think Sir William Hall-Jones was the last of that wonderful band of men responsible for letting at least some light into the dark period of the early nineties,” said the Prime Minister. “He was one of those who dared to do what they thought best in the interests of the country and who succeeded in doing so in the face of considerable opposition. As representing the Government of this country, I feel that we are indebted to that band of men and to the late honourable gentleman. Perhaps they did not go as far as they would have liked to have gone, but I think the country owes them a debt for the lead they gave, not only to New Zealand but to the world in general, in social and economic legislation.” . Sir William had been a kindly man and intensely human, continued Mr. Savage, and he felt that Parliament was the poorer for his passing. The people of New Zealand had lost a. leal friend a humanitarian, and a man of vision who had the determination to do his share in making the world better than h e found it. Mr Forbes referred to Sir William Hall-Jones’s long record of public service in New Zealand. He said that both as a Minister of the Crown and as High Commissioner in London, Sir William had left a record of which his family might well feel proud. “The passing of Sir 'William HallJones removed one of the great political pioneers of this country,” said the Minister of Public Works, Hon. R. Semple. “He was on e of a band that blazed trails in this country which will never die.” Reference to Sir William’s career was also made by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition, Kaipara), who described him as a robust Imperialist, the Rev. C. L. Carr (Government, Timaru), and the Attorney-General, Hon. H. G. R. Mason. The Prime Minister said that Captain Bradney was “one of the old spirits who played an important part in building New Zealand." Mr. Bradney was a radical in many ways, and had the happy knack of saying just what he thought of people and things. He was often in "hot water,” but he stood up to what he thought was his right and was a friend to all those who met him. Although he was a short time, in the House, Mr. Bradney played his part in shaping the destinies of New Zealand. Mr. Forbes, Mr. Coates, and Mr. W. P. Endean (Opposition, Parnell) also spoke of Mr. Bradney, all paying a tribute to his progressive outlook and integrity. “Mr. Smith was another of the old pioneers who helped to blaze the trail,” said Mr. Savage. His remarks were endorsed by Mr. Forbes and Mr. Coates, who spoke of Mr. Smith as a man of high ideals and one who had made many friends. The House then adjourned as a tribute of respect to the memory of the three former legislators.

REFERENCES IN COUNCIL Sir William Hall-Jones Sympathetic references to the memory of the late Sir William HallJones were made in the Legislative Council yesterday afternoon, and after carrying a resolution expressing appreciation of his services and sympathy with his relatives the Council adjourned until Tuesday next as a mark of respect to Sir William’s, memory. The Leader of the Council, Hon. M. Fagan, said that Sir William had been a member of the Council since 1913. and his death severed the last link with the Seddon Government. The Government with which he had been associated had been responsible for much humanitarian legislation and it would not be easily forgotten. _ Sir William bad had a long and distinguished public life. . The Hons. D. Buddo, T. Brindle, W H. Mclntyre, J. Trevethick, T. O’Byrne and Sir Heaton Rhodes all referred to Sir William’s distinguished career, and the part he had played in the early development of the country.