RECEIPT OF NEWS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21617, 9 October 1933, Page 8

RECEIPT OF NEWS

SORROW IN WELLINGTON LAST SPEECH ON FRIDAY GREAT DEVOTION TO DUTY PHYSICAL INFIRMITY OVERCOME [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON Sunday The n6ws of Mr. Holland's sudden death caused a profound sensation when the sad tidings were heard in Wellington late this afternoon, and the flag was immediateb' hoisted at half-mast over Parliament Buildings. The shock caused by Mr. Holland's passing was greater because, as Leader of the Opposition, he was conspicuously in the public eye during the recent Address-in-Replv debate, and when the House was about to adjourn for the week at 5.30 p.m. on l'riday, he was on his feet inquiring from the Prime Minister the nature of the business to be taken during the coming week. He then appeared to be in normal health. Mr. Holland's last speech was made on Friday afternoon, when the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies' Bill was under discussion. He then expressed the view that agricultural shows should be of sufficient educational interest in themselves as to make unnecessary the promotion of extraneous side shows. His last major speech was one in which he moved a no-confidence amendment against the Government in the recent Address-in-Reply debate, but his last real oration, and Mi'. Holland "was among the best speakers in the House, was his moving tribute early in the session to the memory of the late Mr. J. McCombs. The passing of Mr. McCombs on August 1 last caused the firsjt gap in the ranks of the Labour Party by death since the party has been a compact Parliamentary group, and the party has thus been dealt two severe blows in quick succession. No member of Parliament applied himself more diligently to his Parliamentary duties than Mr. Holland. He allowed only very urgent business to interfere with his attendance in the House, and at much personal discomfort to himself, for he was latterly never robust, and walked with a pronounced limp, he would remain at his bench through wearying hours of a long stonewall. Naturally an austere man, Mr. Holland, nevertheless, was always courteous and obliging, and while he lived there was never any question about his continued leadership of the party. Among the younger members of the party he was frequently referred to "the old chief." Because of his physical infirmity Mr. Holland had latterly lived on the premises at Parliament Buildings during the session. ADJOURNMENT OF PARLIAMENT BODY TO LIP: IN STATE [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Sunday On arrival at Wellington on Tuesday morning the body of Mr. Holland will probably be conveyed to Parliament Buildings to lie in state. It is probable that tributes to his memory will be paid* immediately the House of Representatives reassembles on Tuesday afternoon and that an adjournment of several days duration will then be taken. Tributes from Mr. Holland s colleagues in Parliament, including the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, and the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, and a review of his life and work appear on page 11.