“THIS GOOD MAN”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20209, 30 March 1940, Page 5

“THIS GOOD MAN”

LATE MR. SAVAGE AUCKLAND MASS BISHOP LISTON’S TRIBUTE, LIFE’S WORK UNFINISHED (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. The affectionate and high regard in which the late Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, was held by the people of Auckland was demonstrated this morning when St. Patrick’s Cathedral was filled to overflowing at the solemn Pontifical requiem mass for the repose of his soul. More than one-third of the seating accommodation was reserved for official representatives and the remainder of the cathedral was filled by people of all shades of political opinion. Those without tickets formed a queue long before 10 o’clock, at which hour the procession of clergy entered thq church. Bishop Liston was the celebrant of the mass, and the director of the priests- choir was the Rev. Dr. Terry. In his sermon Bishop Liston said: “To-morrow with all the world of New Zealand and far beyond looking on- in affectionate sorrow we shall place in a hallowed grave the mortal remains of Michael Joseph Savage. In the presence of the majesty of death one would, if possible, be silent, but the heart must speak at a time of national loss and grief. Death came to this good man in the maturity of his powers with his life’s work as we see it unfinished and his heart’s aspirations for the people’s welfare unquenehed. Approach of Death “For many, many months Mr. Savage noted the approach of death and measured it as a Christian will, giving himself to patience in suffering, prayer, thought upon the eternal years, hope, and the strong, refreshing graces of the sacraments. This man whom we knew held high office with a clear understanding of the rights and needs of men in their relations with their fellowmen and of the burdens that often press heavily upon them. “Conscious of the ties binding him to his neighbour he stayed with his comrades to lead them to a mass escape from many of the bitternesses of life that God does not wish for his children. Because of this exalted purpose, suffused with Christian kindliness, and because of his goodness of life do all men speak the name Michael Joseph Savage with reverence,” *