GRIEVOUS LOSS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22447, 30 September 1947, Page 4

GRIEVOUS LOSS

DEATH DEVOTION TO DUTY TRIBUTE BY MR. FRASER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 29. ‘With the death of Mr. J O'Brien, New Zealand has suffered a grievous loss." said the Prime Minister Mr. P. Fraser. "His life is a record of devoted service to his fellow-mcn. Parliament has been enriched by his long years of service, and as a member of the Government his efficiency and untiring devotion to duty won him the greatest esteem and affection of all his colleagues.” Mr. Fraser said that Mr. O’Brien had worked with unremitting zeal in the service of his country, and had spared nothing to, do his best for his fellowmen. Mr. O’Brien was esteemed by everyone with whom he lived and worked. Loyalty and Co-operation “I and my colleagues particularly valued his ioyalty and co-operation, his clear understanding, and his ready sympathy,” said Mr. Fraser. “To the Government and the Labour movement as a whole, the loss is irreparable. "His personal experiences in undertaking the hardest kinds of work under varying occupational and climatic conditions, including Northern Queensland and New Guinea, together with his knowledge of economics, and his general wide culture provided him with a unique equipment for the duties of a member of Parliament and of a Minister of the Crown. To every task of administration he brought a great love of efficiency and order, together with an inspiring enthusiasm for achieving solid progress. He was both an idealist and a realist.

‘‘His close application, indeed his devotion, to duty made him a most thorough and effective Minister, while his unfailing good humour and cheerfulness made him an ideal colleague. Work for Constituents

“As a private member of Parliament he was untiring in work for his constituents As Minister of Labour and Mines he drew liberally on his own extensive knowledge and experience to the great advantage ol both legislation and-administration. The duties of his other portfolios he carried out in an outstanding fashion. His work on behalf of road safety will endure in beneficial results. The Prime Minister said that Mr. O’Brien was upheld and inspired in all he did with a great love of his fellowmen. His unfailing and unyielding courage throughout his long period of illness deeply impressed all who witnessed it.