THE LATE MR G. LAURENSON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16602, 14 July 1914, Page 7

THE LATE MR G. LAURENSON.

PORTRAIT UNVEILED BY SIR JOSEPH WARD.

A REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING. Abisai ' three hundred persons assembled in tho Excelsior Hall at Lyttelton last evening on the occasion of the unveiling by Sir Joseph Ward of. a portrait of the late member for Lyttelton, Mr George Laurenson. The gathering was a thoroughly representative one, amongst those present being the Hon R. H. Rhodes, Postmas-ter-General, the Hon H. F- Wigram, M.L.C.; Hon John Barr, DI.L.C.; Dir J. M’Combs, DI.P. for Lyttelton; Dir G. Forbes, DI.P- for Hurunui; Dir G. Witty, M.P. for Riccarton: Mr W. Dickie, DI.P. for Selwyn; the Dlayor of Christchurch (Dir H. Holland), who also represented the Christchurch Drainage Board; town clerk of Christchurch (Dir H. R. Smith), city engineer (Mr A. D. Dobson), town clerk of Dunedin (Dir G- A. Leivin), Dlayor of Lyttelton (Mr J. R. WebbL town clerk of Lyttelton (Mr L. A. Stringer), Dlayor of Sumner (Dir G. W. G. Smithson), Dlayor of Akaroa (Mr G- Armstrong), Mayor of Spreydon (Mr G. R. Whiting). Dlayor of Ashburton (Dir 11. Davis), chairman of Lyttelt-on Harbour Board (Mr R. Dloore). secretary to Lyttelton Harbour Board (Dir Cyrus J. R. Williams), chairman Heatlfeote County Council (Dir G. Scott), Canon Coates, and many members of public bodies. Mr J. B. Laurenson, Dlrs Laurenson and Dliss Laurenson were also present. THE CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. Dir W. Radcliffe presided, and in opening the proceedings said that the gathering that evening was representative not only of Lyttelton and Christchurch.- but of tho whole province' of Canterbury. The speaker had been a Eersonal friend of the late member for yttelton for many years, and bad worked arid fought for him. The late Mr Laurenson was a manly man, and fought his battles in a straightforward, manner. Everyone in Lyttelton had the deepest respect for Dlr Laurenson’s memory, for lie was a man of high ideals and noble altruism. It might be said of him that he gave his life for the people. He was a citizen of, the best typo, and in his death Lyttelton had lost a dearly-loved friendMr Laurenson was not parochial, and he had devoted himself especially to the welfare of the children of the dominion. (Applause.)

; APOLOGIES. , The town clerk of Lyttelton then read ! a number of apologies for absence. The Prime Minister telegraphed the following message:—“l regret exceedingly that Parliamentary duties prevent me being absent from .Wellington, and I shall therefore be unable to bo present this evening at the unveiling of the memorial to your late worthy and highly esteemed member. In Parliament the late Dir George Laurenson was marked for his sincerity, strength of purpose and integrity, and the New Zealand Parliament to-day is the poorer through his loss. It is fitting that the citizens amongst whom he lived and worked for so many years should take steps to keep his memory green.—W. F. Massey.” Mr L. M. lsitt, M.P. for Christchurch North, wrote as follows: —I am exceedingly sorry that indisposition will prevent? mv being with you at the unveiling of Dir Laurenson’s portrait. . I should have valued the opportunity ol saying a few words on the life and character of one who set an example that is rare in tho political life of this or any other land. The temptation that assails and continually assails every member of Parliament is that of ordering or modifying by popular opinion. I do not think I ever knew a man who more resolutely resisted this temptation, and whose attitude and utterance on vexed questions "were so little affected by the query, “ Is it politic?” He was, in the truest sense of tiro word a humanitarian. He loved the people, and at all personal risks always sought the uplift and benefit the many. The rewards of this world are very uneven: Expedient mediocrity is often guerdoned, while exceptional ability and unselfish service pass comparatively unnoticed, but there pro many men in New Zealand to-day who treasure the memory of George Laurenson as that of a man of high ideals, of philosophic mind and wide reading, whose instincts, generous and svmpa- . thetic from the outset, quickened more and more as the years taught him the prevalence of human need and suffering and the delight, the dignity and nobility of service.-—Yours sincerely. Leonard M. Tsitt.” Anologies were also received from Mr T. H. Davey, M.P., Mr J. Craigie, DI.P., the chairman of the Christchurch Tramway Board (Mr J. A. Flcslier), Mayor of AVoolston'(Mr J. Graham). Mayor of Rangiora (Dir C. T. Jennings), chairman North Canterbury Hospital Board (Mr F. Horrell), chairman "Waimairi County Council (Mr S. A. Staples), chairman of the* Christchurch Domains Board (Dir H. J. Beswick), Captain J. A. H. Dlarciel, Colonel R. A. Chaffev, the President of the Christchurch Prohibition League (Rev J. Cocker), and Mr T. C. Field. SIR JOSEPH WARD’S TRIBUTE. Sir Joseph Ward, who was received with hearty applause, said: “I want to express to one and. all of you my appreciation of the high honour conferred upon me iu inviting me to perform this ceremonial function in connection with a very old friend of mine and a very sincere friend of this important portion of the country. I recognise that on an occasion such as this there must be mixed feelings in the minds of those who compose this representative gathering. Memories of the late Dtr Laurenson present* themselves, and the fact that many of those present were closely associated with him in his lifetime makes the occasion of this evening s ceremony to them a cause ot very deep regret. This ceremony is to mark the memory of a very devoted man. It- is very seldom that one sees on such an occasion as this representatives of the Ministry, of tho Legislative Council and of the House of Representatives, mayors of cities, and the beads of many important public bodies, but apart from these men who represent particular portions of the legislative and civic life of the country the fact remains that the esteemed widow and family and the brother of our late friend are here to look on and see a ceremony performed out of deep respect to tho memory of one whom they loved so deeply. “ The late Dir George Laurenson was only a boy when he came to Lyttelton, ifor at nineteen years of age he had not arrived at what we consider man s estate. It would’ be impossible for one who came here so young, and spent thirty years of his life amongst you, to ipass away to tho other world without* leaving deep attachments amongst those of the older generation and a very fine feeling of regret on the part of the younger generation that is now springing up. Mr Laurenson was engaged in every branch of life that goes to make up the everyday being of the community, and it follows that our minds are” not only'occupied by happy memories regarding him, but by very deep regret at bis untimely death. i ,T Everyone realises that the energetic, active man, who was actuated by a spirit too strong at last for his bodily capacity, devoted the best part of bis life to the service of his district- and to the service of the great mass of the people of New Zealand. We realise what an enormous amount of good work he must have done in that strenuous thirty years during the last fourteen years of which he was. in the forum of this country as a public man. I remember, as every man engaged 1 in public lifo in this dominion must remember, what a courageous man Dir George Laurenson was. He knew no •

fear- He was always on the side of the people; on the side of the. weak. He had a great respect for the strong in the sense in which wo know strength, but notwithstanding that, if you look at his record you will find that in all the parliamentary combats in this country he was on the side of the weak, helping them to gain positions that were strong. “ I remember many of those wordy battle;', that took place in the Legislak.'iyvj during the fourteen -years Mr Laurenson was in Parliament, and I mover know him to fail in his duty to the country. Ho never forgot Lyttelton, it is true, but he had a widervision, which - embraced the whole domain of the dominion. Even if you did not agree with liis political views you were hound to come to the conclusion that he never- failed, whether in a minority or standing alone, to voice With all the eloquence that he undoubtedly had 1 at his command the cause that he believed to be right and best in the interests of the people. He was a humanist in the strictest sense of the term. Mr Laurenson’s fondness for the younger portion of the community, mentioned by the chairman, was well known to every member of the Legislature. y‘‘ln private life Mr Laurenson set a fine example to every member of the community. He was fond of his homo and devoted to his family, and liis example was one that was well worthy of imitation. I am proud to say that during the fourteen years he was in Parliament I was a friend, of his and recognised him as a friend of mine. 1' never knew him to do anything unworthy of a man or derogatory to his | position as a public man. He acted up i to the highest point of honour in every j possible way. He was removed alto-1 gether too soon, and lie left behind him! not an enemy in the political arena on either side of politics. When you remember the fierce battles in which ho was engaged, and the intrepidity with which he took part in those battles, you must recognise that, having passed to that bourne from which no traveller returns, the fact that lie left no enemies behind him is the highest tribute that can be paid his memory.

“1 have heard him on many occasions defending Lyttelton, and there is a lighter side to theso memories. Once the inadequacy of the depth of water at Lyttelton was under discussion, and Mr Fisher replied to. Mr Laurenson’s arguments by comparisons with Wellington, adding that Lyttelton was only fit for a flounder to enter. Mr Laurenson retorted that lie did not believo even a flounder could survive the ordeal of getting into the port of Wellington. He had a happy side to his character which endeared him to liis associates. Within the walls of Parliament. apart from the political chamber, lie stood on the highest terms of friendship with everyone in politics. I knew of no -man who endeared himself more to the "hearts of*, his. friends and associates in Parliament than Georgo Laurenson did. /. “ Speaking for the men associated with him in the political life of this country, I can say that he was a man that we all respected, and that we have the deepest sympathy with his family, from whom ho was removed altogether too soon. To-night it is my duty to unveil a visible intimation of the respect and esteem in which George Laurenson was held hy his own people. It is a portrait which will take its place iu the civic chamber of the port of Lyttelton. It now only devolves upon me to say in conclusion that I regret deeply that we are gathered together for such a purpose, and, anomalous as it may seem, that I am very glad we sre here to pay a testimony to the memory of a man who has done so much for the people of New Zealand. 3 want to congratulate those who have fiven this testimony to his devotion. have pleasure in unveiling the painting, and I hope we will in future have men as good as*Georgo Laurenson to take part in the politics of this country, whatever side of politics they may be on.” (Applause.) . Sir Joseph then unveiled the portrait, a striking likeness of the late member, the work of Mr R. IVallwork, of Christchurch, and asked the Mayor of Lyttelton to accept it on behalf of the town and place it in the municipal chamber. The Mayor of Lyttelton briefly replied. accepting tho picture, and expressing the regret felt by all the people of Lyttelton at Mr Laurenson’s untimely demise. THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL’S TRIBUTE. The Hon R. H. Rhodes said that be gladly availed himself of tho invitation to say a few words on this occasion, an occasion when friends,, neighbours and constituents had met together to do honour to the man they all loved in his lifetime. From the time, when Mr Laurenson and the speaker entered Parliament, in 1899, as members of neighbouring constituencies, they had much in common, and there was always the friendliest feeling between thorn.. In the stress of debate men hit hard and hit straight, but they all recognised that Mr Laurenson felt the justice of his cause and that behind what he said there was always a friendly feeling towards his opponents. His opponents acknowledged Mr Laurenson’s integrity and sincerity of purpose. The speaker could bear testimony to the fact that Mr Laurenson championed no cause which he did not believe to be just and for tho betterment and uplifting of humanity. Mr Laurenson had been taken from them before his time, cut -off in his career of usefulness, and his political opponents sincerely regretted that that fate should have befallen him. (Applause.) THE MEMBER FOR HURUNUI’S speech Forbes, M.P., said he was pleased to be present to gay a tribute to the memory of-a very old friend. He had been associated with Mr Laurenson almost froiii the time the late member landed in Lyttelton, and in his death the speaker had sustained' one of the greatest losses he had;ever experienced. _lt ‘was difficult'for him to ipeak of Mr Laurenson’s good qualities to his audience, for most of those present knew them as well as he did. They knew that above all things George Laurenson was a sincere man. That stood .out above all else. He was a man of ability, an eloquent man, with the eloquence of sincerity, and there was no doubt that when he was removed from the public life of this countiy they, lost a man with the very Highest ideals respecting public duties. Another great thing ab'out Mr Laurenson, continued the speaker wm, his enthusiasm. He was enthusiastic 'for, progress, enthusiastic in the cause of reform, and enthusiastic for everything that made for the bettor-V-ifV h ? People ‘ / all k «ew vliav it Mr Laurenson had devoted his tinie .t? commercial ends, for which be was particularly well equipped for Buccess, he might have been alive and * wedthy man that day. In devoting his life to public service Mr Laurenson had followed the only path possible to a-man of his nature. He believed that adman’s public duty was the first thing’that-counted-. In doing honour to the memory of their late member his hearers should not forget tho devoted wife who ungrudgingly encouraged him-in dedicating his‘life to the public service. George Lauren■on’s life* would' always be an inspiration to'those who -had been'associated with' him and to those who would come afterwards. The man who had 60 high a conception of his responsibilities could not but exercise a lasting influence upon the community in which he had lived. As a Lyttelton boy the speaker had been proud to see Lyttelton so well represented as it was in the person of George Laurenson. (Applause).

THE MEMBER FOR LYTTELTON’S , . TRIBLTE. . Mr J. M’Combs, M.P., said that Mr Laurenson was a sincere and courageous reformer. The parliamentary machinery did not work fast enough to satisfy him, so anxious was he to have legislation placed on the Statute Book that would mean the political and industrial emancipation of the people of New Zealand. Mr Laurenson loved the people, and the speaker believed he truly gave his lito for the people. His struggles m I arliament in the interests of the great mass of the people were responsible for his untimely death, and in his death New Zealand lost one or its greatest land reformers and one 11 its "reatest economic reformers, Ine speaker had known Mr Laurenson for fifteen veals and more, and could boar testimony to bis devotion to the interests of children. When the Children's Aid Society wanted certain legislative reforms or a grant in aid of its work it could always depend upon George Laurenson for sympathetic aid and support. The speaker expressed bis gratitude to Sir Joseph Ward for his very eloquent testimony to the late member for Lyttelton. (Applause). OTHER SPEAKERS.

The Hon H. F. Wigram said lie was vferv proud to be present to pay lus tribute to the memory of tho late member for Lyttelton, because lie regarded Mr Laurenson’s integrity and earnestness as a good example to all. Such men were rare in politics and were therefore the more esteemed ''hen tnc\» did appear. Ho did not intend to make a speech, but ho did wish to express his high appreciation of the charactei of the Jate member for the district and of the work lie had done for the community at large. (Applause.) The Mayor of Christchurch said that the large attendance that evening spoke more eloquently than any voids he could employ of the esteem m which Mr Laurenson was held in this district. He had had the privilege of knowing Mr Laurenson for some years, and ha<l worked with him. on various committees. He -'desired on behalf of the City of Christchurch and on Ins own behalf to pav £i tribute to the memory of t-lio Into member for Lyttelton. The people or Lyttelton did not require a portrait to remind them of George Laurenson, for the Diamond Harbour settlement across tlic harbour would in years to come be a striking memorial of tho late member’s foresight and. devotion to the interests of his district. (Applause.) The Mayor of Sumner paid a brief tribute to the memory of Mr Laurenson, saying that Mr Laurenson not only looked after the interests of Lyttelton faithfully and well, but was careful of the interests of every part oi liis constituency. Anything that be was asked to do he did with pleasure. The Mayor oi Ashburton also paid a very high tribute to the late member, making especial reference to Mr Lauren son’s love of children, and the manner in which lie had championed their interests throughout liis political career. Mr G. Witty, M.P., said that a truer or straighter man than George Lauren--6011 it was impossible to find. He had been with -Mr Laurenson in Parliament for eleven years, and could testify that the late member was a keen fighter, always prepared to fight when there was anything to fight for. He carried no bitterness outside the House. He was always ilic saiiie kind soul that liis friends in Lyttelton knew. His best trait was his love of children. Nothing pleased him better than to have children around him, or to do something on their behalf. From a worldly point* of view, Mr Laurenson might have done better for himself had he kept out of politics and devoted himself to his private business, but lie preferred a higher destiny, and devoted his abilities to tho service of his fellow-men. (Applause.) Mr R. Moore made .reference to the long and valuable services rendered by Mr Laurenson as a member of the Lyttelton Harbour Board. Politically Mr Laurenson and the speaker did not see eye to eye, but on the Board they were on the same side, and were always good friends. Mr Laurenson did good work for Lyttelton, but be had the interests of the whole of North Canterbury just as keenly at heart. There was no man who went into matters of detail more thoroughly, or who carried to his public duties higher qualities of enthusiasm(Applause.) The Mayor of Spreydon paid testimony to the high esteem in which he had always held the late member, from the beginning to the end of liis political career. Ho had hoped that Mr laurenson would be spared to be the Lloyd Georgo of land reform in New Zealand, for no man was better equipped for the task. (Applause.) Mr A. Kaye, in the course of a brief tribute, made especial reference to Mr Laurenson’s work as a church member, and said that he was always glad to do work amongst young men. The high character of the late member would exercise a lasting and beneficial influence on the many young people in Lyttelton with whom he had come iu contact as a church .worker.

Mr W. J. Dickie, M.P.. spoke of the respect and esteem in which Mr Laurenson was held in Parliament) and expressed his regret at the late member’s untimely death. Mr M. J. Miller, as an old friend of Mr Laurenson’s, also added a tribute to liis memory)

At the conclusion of the proceedings, Sir Joseph Ward called for cheers for Mrs Laurenson, which were heartily given, and a vote of thanks to the chairman was carried by declamation.