WIDESPREAD SYMPATHY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 29, 3 August 1939, Page 10

WIDESPREAD SYMPATHY

Commenting in an editorial on Mr. Savage's illness, the "New Zealand Herald" states:

"Few New Zealand Prime Ministers have enjoyed the measure of personal popularity that has been Avon by Mr. Savage. It is a popularity that transcends mere partly allegiances, for even those diametrically opposed to Mr. Savage in politics respect and admire him for his honesty and sincerity of purpose. The neAvs of, his latest illness, therefore, will be received with regret throughout the Dominion and sympathy will be extended to him not only as Prime Minister of the country and the leader of a powerful political party, but also as a man who has striven always, in his own fashion, to serve his fellow-men. The illness from which Mr. Savage is suffering is one of fairly long standing and it is no secret that, during the last two years in particular, his attention to the heaAry duties of his office has imposed on him a severe physical strain. Under these circumstances, it is, perhaps, to be regretted that the Prime Minister undertook the task of presenting the Budget to Parliament on Tuesday night Avhen he knew that this morning he would have to enter hospital for a serious operation. It Avas not necessary for him to perform this task; the Financial Statement had been prepared in accordance with Government policy and that policy would not have been affected in the slightest if another Minister hud made the Budget speech. The Prime Minister's sense of duty, hoAvever, compelled him to undergo what must have been a mental as well as a physical ordeal. When he enters hospital this morning he will do so in the knowledge that NeAV Zealanders, irrespective of party, wish him Avell in the trying experience ahead of him and hope earnestly for his early and complete recovery."