STATE FUNERAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 136, 9 May 1928, Page 7

STATE FUNERAL.

LATE HON. H. E. PRATTEN. GREAT LOSS TO AUSTRALIA. SYDNEY, May S. Hon. H. E. Pratten, Minister of Trade and Customs in the Federal Government, who died suddenly when addressing a women’s meeting at a Sydney suburb, will be given a State funeral tomorrow-. Both the Federal Houses have adjourned to enable Ministers to attend. Mr Bruce, who is remaining in Sydney for the purpose, said that the Federal Government had been kept closely in touch by the late Minister with iiis work in connection with the suppression of the drug traffic. and what he. had commenced Cabinet would complete. He added that Mr Pratten’s death was a great loss to the Government and the whole people of Australia. Mr Pratten had sacrificed his health to the country. REGRET IN NEW ZEALAND. STATEMENT BY PREMIER. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 8. In connection with the death at Sydney of Hon. H. E. Pratten, Mr Coates stilted to-day :—‘ ‘My colleagues and I have received with deep regret the news of Mr Pratten’s _ tragically sudden death. It was practically only the other day that he was here in cur midst, and when we bade him 'God speed’ on his return journey there was > nothing to indicate that he was other than in the enjoyment of good health. “During his visit to New Zealand, which was primarily undertaken for the purpose of discussing problems of trade and commerce, we were impressed by his keen desire to arrive at a mutually satisfactory arrangement to both countries. “The late Mr Pratten made many friends during his stay in the Dominion, and we retain the happiest memories of .his visit. “We extend our sincere sympathy to the Government of the Commonwealth in the loss of one of its distinguished members.”