Tributes Paid

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 153, 1 July 1939, Page 6

Tributes Paid

Parliament Honours Dead Legislators

SERVICES TO COUNTRY EULOGISED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 30. The House met at 10.30 o’clock, when Mr. T. L. MacDonald gave notice to ask tho Minister of Defence if he would state his reasons for fixing the strength of the Territorial forces at 16,000, and whether in view of the situation in the Far East it would not be better to have all physically fit persons trained. The Deputy-Leader of the House, Hon. P. Frazer, then moved a resolution of appreciation of the services and sympathy with the relatives of the late Chairman of Committees, Mr. E. J. Howard. After briefly outlining Mr. Howard’s career, Mr. Fraser stated that his death had come as a blow to all members of the House and particularly to thoSe with whom he was associated before he was elected to the House in 1919. His unostentatious and sympathetic understanding, and nevei failing sense of humour, had endeared him to all who knew him. Mr. Howard had been widely interested in almost every public topic and if he had been spared to us he would have been of even greater assistance to this country than he had been in the past. The motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Adam Hamilton, who stated that Mr. Howard’s death had proved a severe loss both to the Labour Party and to the House, where he had been universally popular and a genial Chairman of Committees. Mr. Howard was beloved by all and the Opposition joined with members of the Government in expressing sincere regret at liis death. Expressions of regret and sympathy at Mr. Howard’s passing were also voiced by Messrs K. M. MacFarlane, J. A. Lee, J. G. Coates, the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Hon. D'. G. Sullivan), T. H. McCombs, M. Atmore F. W. Schramm, E. T. Tirikatene, S. G. Holland, C. L. Carr, H. S. Kyle ant the Minister of Housing (Hon. H. T. Armstrong). Mr. Fraser, in paying tribute to tlxe late Hon. A. D. McLeod, said he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1919 and represented Wairarapa from then until 1928 and again from 1931 until 1935. Ho was Minister of Lands from 1924 until 1928 and in

1926 also lield the portfolio of Minister of Industries and Commerce. No one who knew him, said Mr. Fraser, could but be impressed by his manly character, his straight-forward nature and his indominitable courage in fighting tor the principles in whicli lie believeu. He was a staunch fighter in the ranks of the party to which he belonged and enjoyed the respect of his political opponents. Mr. Adam Hamilton said that Mr. McLeod had had a record of which any New Zealander might be proud. He was sure he shortened his life by his work for the public. Other tributes were also paid to Mr. McLeod by Sir Alfred Hansom, Hon. Lee Martin, and Messrs J. G. Coates and T. D. Burnett. Motions of sympathy and appreciation were carried in connection with the late Messrs Howard and McLeod. The House adjourned at 1 p.m. until 2.30 p.m. Practically the whole of this afternoon’s session of Parliament was taken up with tributes to deceased legislators and the passing of resolutions of appreciation of their work and sympathy with relatives. In moving the customary motion of condolence with relatives of tho late Sir Thomas Wilford, and appreciation of his services to the country, the Deputy-Leader of the House, Hon. P. Fraser, said he had served in Parliament for thirty years and towards the end of that period was father of the House. Mr. Fraser went on to pay a high tribute to the late Sir Thomas’ many outstanding characteristics and his long and useful period of active service for the Dominion. The motion was seconded by Sir Alfred Ransom \\ho said he had been closely associated with tho late Sir Thomas since boyhood. He also wished to add his testimony to that of Mr. Fraser concerning deceased’s sterling services in many walks of life. He had shown throughout his career what could be done by a man of enterprise and initiative. The resolution moved by Mr. Fraser was passed after several other members had added their tributes. Similar resolutions were passed throughout the afternoon in connection with the deaths of Dr. 11. T. J. Thacker (Christchurch), Lt.-Col. George Mitchell D.S.O. (Wellington), Messrs. Taite Te Tomo (Western Maori), Thomas Buxton (Geraldine), W. W. Tanner (Christchurch), James W. Kelly (Invercargill), all of w r hom had been members of the House of Representatives, and Hon. D. T. Fleming, a late member of the Legislative Council. The House adjourned at 4.53 as a mark of respect to the deceased legislators, until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday after-