A MODEL MINISTER

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 217, 27 August 1927, Page 8

A MODEL MINISTER

LATE HON. R. F. BOLLARD TRIBUTES IN BOTH HOUSES. Wellington, Aug. 26. The Legislative Council met at 2.31) p.m. to-day. „ The Leader of the Council, Sir Francis Bell, in moving a motion of regret and sympathy in the death of the Hon R. F. Bollard, said he felt the loss of his colleage very heavily. Mr. Bollard performed the multi farious duties in charge of his depart ment and various sub-departments fully and faithfully; indeed, hd was a model Minister for such a department. He was quiet, self-controlled, courteous, considerate ready to listen to criticism and complaint, and able to exercise sound judgment in the decisions he was called upon to make almost daily. His Cabinet colleagues, his departmental officers and others who knew him recognised the value of his work and felt the greatest confidence in him. Sir Francis Bell spoke feelingly of the personal loss of a friend and said that feeling was shared bv member* of both chambers of the Legislature who knew the man and his quiet and unostentatious manner.

Seconding the motion, Sir R. Heaton Rhodes referred to Mr. Hoilard’s conscientiousness and tho ough ness. and said he was a worthv son of his father. Members would feel through his loss a blank in their political lives and deep sympathy with his relatives. After the Hon. G. J. Garland and the Hon R. Scott had added tributes the motion was carried, all standing The Council adjourned at 3 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday. MR. COATES’ TRIBUTE. The House of Representatives met at 2.30 p.m. At the close ot the formal business, the Prime Minister moved the customary motion expressing appreciation oi the services oi the lace Hon. R. !•'. Rciiard ano conveying the sympathy ci the House to his widow and lumuy in their bereavement.

In moving his motion, Mr. Coates said ho couid not imagine any occasion where it nad given inm more pain than to move a resolution such as that which lie proposed. Speaking with obvious emotion. Mr. Coates saiu Mr Bollard was a loss to the Government and the country. He was an upright, honest and loyal man. A quiet man. his personal worth appeal ed to those with whom he came in contact. Mr. Bollard was a man who had sincere human sympathies and who could always he trusted undei all circumstances. Throughout his history he had been clean ano straightforward ana was never known to have been concerned in anything underhand, because he was a man who kepi his word. Mr. Bollard -as respected in the House. He was a good administrator and had the confidence and loyal of his sub. ordinates. The late Mr. Bollard was an excellent father and loving husband, and the sympathy of the House would go out to his widow. The members of the House bad lost a friend whom they would ever remember.

NO POLITICAL ENEMIES. The Leader of the Opposition (Mi. H. E. Holland) seconded the motion, ft could be truthfully said that Mr. Bollard had no enemies among ins political opponents. He was what might be called the silent member, but he was a man whom all deepiy respected. Those on the Opposition benches knew that when Mr. Bollard was chief whip his word, like that <jt the present whip, could always be relied on. All had been deeply shocked uy the news of Mr, Bollard’s death, especially when it was recalled that a week ago he was in his seat in the House. The speaker joined with Jit Prime Minister in offering sincere condolences to Mrs Bollard and family. The loss to the Government was a great one but it was, indeed, greater to {he late gentleman's family. A REAL FRIEND.

Mr. G. W. Forbes. Leader of the Nationalists, associated himself wiUi the motion, remarking that the news ol the death ol his old friend came as a great shock to him. They looked upon the late Mr, Bollard as a lea friend. He had maintained the repu tation of his father in the House and had invited the confidence and friendship of every member. No one could have bee n missed more than the late Mr. Bollard, who had always shown a desire to do justice, as instanced m the recent racing dispute. No matter what happened, those who were ,n trouble knew that "Dick” was with them to the end. His qualities were such as were valued very highly 05 all sections of the community.

TRIBUTES BY OTHER MEMBERS.

Mr. J. S. Dickson (Parnell) said ne had been associated with the late Mr. Bollard over a long period of years. He had justly earned the name of "Honest Dick Bollard’’ and his loss would be deeply deplored. Mr. W. J. Jordan (Manukau) expressed his sincere regret at the loss they had sustained. A s a man the late Minister was held in the highest jxissible esteem by the people of his electorate. He (the speaker) had fought th late Mr. Bollard at the 1919 election, and he knew him as a bip. man, a real man. If they could get some of the spirit of the late Mr. Bollard he felt they would be better for it. His deeds, not words, would live long after him Mr V. H. Potter (Roskill) asked Mr. bpeaker, on behalf of the messengers and staff of the House to convey to Mrs Bollard and family their expression of sympathy and appreciation of the many kindnesses ne naa performed for them. The Hon. J. A. Young (Minister tor Health) said the late Mr. Bollard had served on all local bodies *n ms district. He was a man of genial character and one of Nature’s gentlemen, was a loyal and dependable man, who would be missed throughout the South Auckland district. The Minister conveyed the sympathy of the members of the Raglan County C< uncil.

Mr. A. Harris (Waitemata) remarked that Mr. Bollard was a lovable man who had a charm about him which drew people unto him. All would share in the sorrow caused by the late gentleman’s passing. Mr. I). G Sullivan (Avon) said he bad been specially asked to express the regret Christchurch local body leaders felt at Mr. Bollard’s death. The late Minister had treated them always with courtesy and endeavour-

ed to help them in their difficulties as no other Minister of Internal Affairs had done. Mr Sullivan said Mr. Bollard could always be relied on to keep his word. That was characteristic of him. MAN OF SOUND JUDGMENT. Ths Hon.' W. Nosworthy (Fosi-master-General) said he found it difficult to express his feelings on such an occasion. He had been iersonallv associated with the deceased for many years and knew his value. His loss to the Government was great, but the loss to the family vas greater. He was not an orator, but he was a man of sound judgment -nd great discernment, which showed, that the late Mr Massey was a good judge of men in selecting him for Cabinet rank. He had lost an old and sincere friend and he wished to join with others in helping the family to carry the burden which they were now asked to bear Mr. T. W. Rhodes (Thames) said the deceased was a worthy son of » worthy sire, and these qualities were reflected in the unbounded confidence his constituents reposed In him. Mr W. E. Pnrrv (Auckland Cen tral) said one of Mr. Bollard’s most outstanding characteristics was hi’ sympathy with the poor. If there was anv doubt in a case he wa’ always on the side or the unfortunate Messrs J. A Nash G. R Sykes M. J Savage. A. Bell and A. M Samuel also paid feeling tributes The motion moved hv the Prime Minister was then agreed tn ir silence and as a mark of respect io the memory of the deceased. ~h” Hnc-o rn*e at 3.30 n.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday next.