THE LATE BRIGADIER HARGEST

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 278, 21 August 1944, Page 4

THE LATE BRIGADIER HARGEST

By the death of Brigadier James Hargest, D. 5.0., M.C., New Zealand has suffered a grievous loss. He was not only an exceptionally good, and gallant soldier, with an inspiring record of service in two wars, but also a distinguished citizen whose public life was a model of earnest, energetic service to the community. Such qualities are rare, yet in Brigadier Hargest they were combined with simplicity of life and taste, an unassuming nature and a wise tolerance toward men and affairs. These latter characteristics marked his private life as a Southlander and farmer. It was in the Army that his capacity for leadership came early to the fore. Soldiering was as a second nature to him, and the adventure of active service an irresistible challenge. His notable record stands as proof of this; and although his death was tragically inopportune, the manner of it proclaimed the man: He had won tenaciously to freedom after capture in the field, and was again in the thick of the fighting, spurred by an enthusiasm and determination which his years of campaigning had served merely to deepen. The late Brigadier Hargest’s public life in this country had its apprenticeship in local administrative affairs in the ’twenties and entered the broader political field 14 years ago when he successfully contested the Invercargill seat. As a member of Parliament since 1931, latterly-representing Awarua, he earned the respect and esteem of members of all parties-as well as the confidence of the public. It is deeply to be regretted that his knowledge as a soldier-administrator, so widely enriched by his recent term of service abroad in a high and responsible post, has been lost to this country. In matters concerning the welfare of ex-servicemen, rehabilitation, and the post-war strengthening of our primary industries, the great need after the war will be for men of vigour, judgment and real experience. Brigadier Hargest was outstanding among such men. His whole career, particularly in its recent phases, had fitted him to play a valuable, leading part in the future he helped so actively to make secure. It is in this respect that the loss caused by his death is especially severe and untimely; but his example as a citizen and soldier remains, and —it is to be hoped—will not be overlooked by younger men of this Dominion when they return, their military duty done, to plan and build the nation of tomorrow.