TRIBUTES IN PARLIAMENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1075, 23 July 1924, Page 4

TRIBUTES IN PARLIAMENT.

“LOVED BY ALL WHO CAME IN CONTACT WITH HIM.”

WELLINGTON, July 22. When the House of Representatives resumed at 7.30 p.pi. the Prime Minister moved that tho House record its high sense of the distinguished services rendered to New Zealand by the late Sir Walter Buchanan, a member or the Legislative Council and a former member of the House of Represent atives. In doing so, he briefly sketched the life of the deceased, tracing his pioneering days in Australia and New Zealand, his interest in education and sport, his keenness as a critic in politics and his enthusiasm in all patriotic movements. Continuing, lie said that the late Sir Walter Buchanan was probably the best known ot all the politicians in New Zealand to-day; certainly he was one of the most remarkable men who ever stood in tliis country. He was loved by all "who came in contact with him, and this was proved by tlie large numbers who in bitter winter weather attended liis graveside to-day. It was certainly one of the greatest assemblages he had , ever seen under similar circumstances. He was a man blessed with great vigour, both mental and physical, eivabling him ts. get through a great amount of work, far more than moat people could do. He left no stone un* : turned to promote the welfare aijd interest of this the country of Ills adoption.

Mr Massey next referred to the war services of the deceased and described how he took his full share in the grout work of re-establishing -returning soldiers. He left behind him a record of thrift, industry, fair dealing and loyalty which might well be emulated by the present generation. There was nothing small about the late Sir Walter Buchanan; he was ever generous und open-handed, ever ready to assist those who had fallen by the way. There were many to-day who had good cause to rise up and bless him for assistance which had helped them over a time of stress and trouble. He was practically the pioneer of the freezing industry in the North Island, and ill that way he helped build up one of the greatest- industries the Dominion now possessed. As a personal friend Sip Walter was ever true and faithful, and for that reason he (Mr probably felt his loss more keenly- than anyone outside his own family circles so closely had they been associated for many years. After referring to Sir Walter Buchanan’s gift of £IO,OOO towards establishing a Chair of Agriculture at Victoria College, and his recent declaration that he was prepared to do more in the same direption if necessary, the Prime Minister recalling that in his private dealings Sir Walter was as straight as in his public actions. He was an honest man, and it had been truly said that an honest man was the noblest work of Gcd. The motion was feelingly seconded by Mr Wilford, Leader of the Opposition, and supported with evident signs of emotion by Mr Holland, the Hon. A. D.. MacLeod, Sir George Hunw, H°ii,. C. J. Parr, Mr Sykes. Mr ■l'mld and the Hon. W. Nosworthy. The motion was agreed to in silence' S'oT, lmme diatel> the House rose till 2.30 to-morrow as a mark of respect to the memory of deceased.