REFUSED LIFEBOAT

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 23, 27 July 1944, Page 3

REFUSED LIFEBOAT

DEATH OF HON. A. COOK

The circumstances of the death ofthe Hon. Arthur Cook, M.L.C., whose ship Avas torpedoed in the Atlantic-on March 4, 1943, by an enemy submarine, were outlined by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon,- v\*hen tributes Avere being paid to d ceased legislators. Mr. Fraser said that Mr. Cpok refused a place in a lifeboat because there was insufficient, accommodation for'everybody, and preferred to take his chance on a raft. When last seen he Avas on the raft in a fairly rough sea. • ' '■ Mr. Fraser said that Mr. Cook Avas appointed .to the Legislative Council in 1942 after 13 years' contnuoiis service as' secretary of the 'NeAV Zealand Workers' Union. He left, for Australia on a health-recruiting trip, and while he Avas.away Avas elected a delegate to the International Trade Unions Conference. The circumstances, of his death Avere particularly tragic. He was travelling to the.United Kingdom via Panama., and Mr. Fraser's last words Avere to try to persuade him to cross the Atlantic by air. Mr. Cook adhered to his previously-expressed preference for travelling by sea, and _v_r. Fraser said that if he changed his mind at Panama he could communicate Avith Mr. Nash for an air passage to be arranged. The ship was torpedoed off the Azores. From the report of the master, who was saved, it was learned that Mr. Cook had made himself' a great favourite on the voyage and had done useful work in painting and Other jobs. The master said Mr.' Cook preferred to take his chance with others on a raft rather than accept a seat in a boat;

Mr. Fraser's motion. expressing appreciation of Mr. Cook's Avork and sympathy' Avith his relatives was seconded bj the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Holland), and many members spoke of Mr. Cook's untiring efforts .on behalf of New ,Zealand workers, particularly those employed in farming. - _