ENNOBLED BY PAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23616, 28 March 1940, Page 13

ENNOBLED BY PAIN

FAITII IN SUFFERING LIFE'S SERVICE CROWNED BISHOP LISTON'S TRIBUTE "It is given to the rare few to gain the respect of all their fellows and the affection of multitudes. This was the lot of Mr. Savage, because men felt that he was very true, and saw something of the self that made linn what he was—wise, sincere, helpful, of absolute rectitude, with a heart as tender as a woman's, and as dauntless as a hero's," said Bishop Liston yesterday, in an appreciation of the Prime Minister. "It was not merely the things be believed in, and loved, but rather Hie thoroughness of his convictions Hi at gave to Ji is life and ways in the eyes of men moaning, dignity and charm. "A fine life such as his," the Bishop continued, "running on with its added moments and responsibilities, needs the touch of sull'ering for its ennobling. Suffering brings us nearer to God, our Maker. We need Mini, so we need suffering. And this thoughtful, good man, religious by very blood, by baptism and iu heart, found his soul in days of sickness, and with it the God and Lord Who gave gladness to the heart of his Catholic youth. "He had been well instructed by Irish lather and mother in the Catholic faith, had practised it, received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and all his life had given his heart to do what is right ior others. When a man has reached that point God is not far off. These things are too like Himself not to lead to Jliiu. The Gospel cherishes the man who loves his fellows. And what is more, the outlook of justico and the exercise of charity furnish the heart \«fiih intuitions that teach a man what his heavenly Father is. 'As you do to others, so also will your heavenly Father do to you.' And suffering is sent to lift up the soul, to heal and bless. "In the midst of it this bravo man. while fulfilling the duties of his high office, gave himself during the last seven months of life to a duty of greater moment still: humbly and eagerly, in prayer and patience, in the strength of the Sacraments frequently j received, in simple trust in Christ, he prepared his soul for judgment, t 'Soldier, take thy rest, thy warfare's | over.' " !

GOVERNMENT OFFICES

| MOST CLOSE UNTIL MONDAY | NO SCHOOLS TO BE OPEN Primary and secondary schools under the control of the Auckland Education Board will be closed to-day and tomorrow as a mark of respect to the late Prime Minister. Schools under the Grammar Schools' Board, Roman Catholic and private schools in tho city, will also be closed for the same period. Apart from those which have to remain open for the transaction of I urgent public business. Government j offices will be closed until Monday. The Avondale .Jockey Club's meet- ! iug, scheduled to open on Saturday, ; has been postponed until next week. 34 YEARS' ASSOCIATION MR. AND MRS. A. FRENCH SIMPLE PERSONAL TASTES [bv telegraph OWN COR respondent] WELLIXGTON, Wednesday Of all the tributes to the late Prime Minister the most touching in the personal sense came from Air. and Airs. A. French, with whom he lived for 31 years. When Mr. Savage became Prime Minister his old friends came to live in the Ministerial residence. He took them as honoured guests to public functions, sharing with them as far as possible the privileges of his high position. "He was the most unselfish man who ever lived. He had no concern for sell at all," declared Mr. French. "He was the same to everybody, and 1 often said he took the same sized bat when Prime Minister as when we first knew him." "And he loved home life." said Mrs. French. "He preferred a quiet fireside with his hooks, and was always reading matter pertaining to the cause he had at heart." That outdoor recreation, except for walk's, was not the Prime Minister's concern, was another interesting point, explained his old friends. Once Mr. Savage was induced to join a bowling club, but he never played a game. He was also persuaded to go shooting, lie bought a <*un, but only went out once, declaring he had no time. "Loyalty to his friends was the great feature of his life," declared Mrs. French. "Loyalty to his friends and his Cabinet."