DEATH OF MR ARMSTRONG

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 292, 9 November 1942, Page 4

DEATH OF MR ARMSTRONG

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. S. The death occurred just before 8 o’clock to-night of the Minister of Public Works (Hon. 11. T. Armstrong). Members of his family, Messrs Fraser and his private secretary (Air J. AA r . Nisson) were at his bedside when he passed away. Air Armstrong will be accorded a State funeral. A service will be held in AVellington on AVedncsday at a time to be announced and the funeral will take place in Christchurch on Thursday.

Air Armstrong had a long association with the Labour Party and bold portfolios since its accession to power in 1935 He was born in Hulls in 1875 and educated there. He was later employed as a flaxmill worker, bushman and miner. He became president .of the Waihi Afincrs’ Union and was prominently identified with the industrial and nolitical organisation of the _ Labour movement. Ho was for a time vice-presi-dent of the Labour Party, and after local body service in AVaihi and Runanga be settled in Christchurch in 1916, where he became secretary of the I ramway Employees’ Union. He sat on the City Council, the Harbour Board and other bodies. Air Armstrong unsuccessfully contested the Ohincmuri scat in Parliament in 1908 and Christchurch North in 1919. He was returned for Christchurch East in 1922 and represented that constituency ever since. Avlien the first Labour Alinistrv was sworn in lie,was given the portfolios of Labour and Immigration, and subsequently became Minister of Health and Housing. Of late he has been Minister of Public Works and Housing. Air Armstrong leaves a widow, a daughter and four sons, one of whom is overseas with the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The daughter is Mrs Kemp, whose husband is a son of Mrs P. Eraser, wife of the Primo Alinistcr.