DEATH OF HON. D. H. GUTHRIE

Evening Star, Issue 19521, 31 March 1927, Page 9

DEATH OF HON. D. H. GUTHRIE

LATE MINISTER DF LANDS A Masterton Association message announces the death, at 9.30 this morning, of the Hon. D. H. Guthrie, aged seventy-two. The funeral takes place from the Presbyterian Church, Feilding, at 2 p.m. on Friday. [The late Mr Guthrie was born in Ireland, arrived in New Zealand in 1876, took up land in 1881, and showed at once his calibre in service on the Wanganui Education Board and as a prominent member of the Farmers’ Union. He was elected M.P. for Oroua in 1908, and represented that electorate continuously till elevation to the Upper House in 1925. Ho joined the National Cabinet in 1918 as Minister of Lands, but since 1924, on account of illhealth, has been Minister without portfolio in the Coates Government.) It was only a .few days ago that bis illness took a critical turn.

HOH. J. A. HAHAN’S TRIBUTE “ It was with sincere regret that I heard of the death of the late Hon. D. H. Guthrie,” said the Hon. J. A. Hanan, when asked for a few words concerning the character and services of the ex-Miuister of Lands. Mr Hanan said that he had known the late Mr Guthrie all the time that the latter had been a member of the Lower House, a period of twenty years. During that thsu, and particularly when serving with him as a colleague in the National Cabinet and in frequent social ihtercourse, Mr Hanan had constant opportunity to observe and study the admirable traits of his character and his devotion to duty. He was a man endowed with a quiet, but steady, enthusiasm, and brought to the performance of his duties sincere conviction and purity of motive. Even those who differed from him most widely in his political beliefs recognised his sincerity and honesty of purpose, adu respected him as a worthy and most honorable political opponent. The late Mr Guthrie enjoyed the sincere respect of every man in the House, and he more than deserved it. t He was not a man of artifice or tricks; he always spoke what he believed to be the truth, and made no distinction in kind attentions He had the warm, generous nature characteristic _of his Irish nationality—ho was gonial, he was kind, and he was a true friend. When he came to Now Zealand the late Hon. D. H. Guthrie obtained a position as a teacher, which he afterwards retired from to take up farming, in wiiich pursuit he was most successful. For many years he was a member of tho Wanganui Education Board, doing most useful work in educational matters. Being well informed concerning agriculture and land settlement, his speeches were always interesting. As Minister of Lftfids during the time of the National Government particularly, he had difficult tasks before him m tho nature of providing land for returned soldiers, and Mr Hanan said he' was disposed to think that the late Minister’s devotion to duty as a member of the Cabinet impaired his health and caused that breakdown from which he never recovered.

It should not be forgotten that before his elevation to the Ministry he was Chief Whip to tl»e Reform Party, and in that position showed alertness, diligence, and tact much above the average. Ho was a very close personal friend of the late Mr Massey, who held him in very high esteem for his high character, his ability, and loyalty.

TRIBUTE FROM PREMIER [Pvr United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, March 31. Tribute is paid by Mr Coates to Mr Guthrie in tho capacity of Chief Whip of the Reform Party. His duties brought him into close contact with all sections of the Legislature, and, notwithstanding the fact that during those times party feeling ran high, he thought he was safe in saying that Mr Guthrie had practically no enemies during the time ho filled the position. _ It was no surprise when Mr Massey raised him to Cabinet rank. There was little doubt but the heavy official burdens he carried undermined his health, leading to the necessity of his retirement. “ A genial, kindly personality,” said_ Mr Coates, “ his advice and counsel will he greatly missed.”