PARLIAMENT

Grey River Argus, 27 June 1925, Page 5

PARLIAMENT

Late Prime Minister | HIGH IRIHUTES IX HOUSE. (Special to “Argus.”) WELLINGTON, June 2(1. Eitting references were made hi tlie House to-day ‘to the late Mr. Mas soy, and the foilowing' resolution v.as agreed to: — "That this House d - sires t'> place on record its high s.-i:-.-of the devoted and distinguished sei' vices rendered to New Zealand and lo the Empire, by the late Prime Min ister. the |{- .Hou. Win. Ferguson Massey, P.C.. L.L.D., and of the great loss the Dominion Ims sustained by his death, and respectlully ten deis to Mrs Massey and hei lam.i;. the assurance of its sincere syiupiitlii with them in their bereavement. Mr. Coates referred at some length to Mr. Massey's public record, a.i oi which had been recently public. Mr. Coates described Mt. Massevas a great career, and Mr Massey i s a big mail, who despised meanness From the day he entered Pai lianiem to the day he left it, no betrayal <>. public interest ever crossed his record. He gained and kept to tin end his complete trust and confidence all his followers. He had a firm faith in God and th,- British Empire. He had a fixed purpose to see trouble through, and he pursued his purpose with an iron will. Hie Empire would long cherish his memory, and would miss his rock-like firmness mid faith. In Parliament, those who remained would always miss tlie cheeriness of the strong man who fought without malice against his opponents. New -.Zvalaiid would not forget his capable handling of its affairs during the war, and ever would remember the humanitarian legislation which was passed during his period of office. Might his political life ever serve as an example. Mr. Wilford cemented himself wit., reading the reference he had made at the time of Mr Massey s death. Mr. Holland declared that, while the politics of the late Mr. Masset and those of Labour were as wide apart as the polls, those on the La hour benches were able to say that once Mr. Massey had given his w i> that word could be relied on. Mr. Massey had possessed a great light ing personality and he, Mr. Holland: had often come into conflict with him in the clash of political battle in the House. Now they were standing, us It were, by Mr. Massey’s open grave drawing the curtains over the battles of the past, and joining with the Prime Minister and the other section of the Opposition in expressing their sympathy. f HOX. JOSEPH CRIMMOXD. NOTABLE EULOGIES. WELLINGTON. Juno 26. References were made in i InHouse to-day to the Hon. Joseph Grimmond, who died during th? re cess. "He was one of the 1.-.trdy old types, and a man who managed to retain his youth,” said the Prime Minister of him. He was fond ! young people’s society and could . 1wavs look on the bright side i.f things. His death snaps another link with 'he older generation. New Zealand was good to him, and he gave bis best to New Zealand in this house we :--b called him "Dad.”

Mr. Wilford added to the. tribu c of the leader of the Government ■ He was one of the most kindly an-.i generous of souls, and few men lo' - i ed race meetings as the gentleman did. The name "West Coaster was an open sesame to his heart, and to his pocket. He was a most generous giver, and one whom this House can Hl afford to lose.” Mr. Jas. O'Brien, in his tribute, added that -the dead legislator was a man who had helped to mould the country. He belonged to the o.a time type, the digger type, and every one loved and respected him. He wa? ten times Mayor of Ross, and n-e times Chairman of the Westlan-l County Council, and his death mi removed from the West Coast ne who was universally loved. The Minister of Mines, Hon. Mi. Anderson, dropped a kindly phrase about a legislator who Had borne -he burden of the early days. Mr J. Horn (Waikatipu) referred to the late Mr. Grimmond as a man of the old stock. . Mr. H. E. Holland said Mr. Gnnirnond was a member of the guard—a pioneer who carriec < rollicking spirit of the early go c ,“ nir days with him. wherever 1 e went He was too, the one menl ber of the Legislative Council to eonSute to the labour Party’s fundsquestions. WELLINGTON. June 2«I Mr Fraser is asking if the ren I Diction legislation will be eontmueW I Mr M llvride seeks to bat' ■ legislation consolidated in ordc avoid confusion. Ml- Parry asks to have old ago P" sions raised tn 25s weekly. , vnr k Mr MeKeen asks how long the workers would have to wait for loans afte making application. , Mr Atmore will inquire whethei old age pensions could be raise' 17/fi pel- week, irrespective of property 7 and income; also whether the w>d ows’ pensions could be raised to level of Hie 1918 epidemic widows pensions. Ml- E J. Howard yants to knov wbethi-r the Minister of Fin alice would make a statement for publie. tion showing how far the Department ' was successful in satisfying applicants • who had applied for loans eightewi , months ago.