DIFFICULT YEARS

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

DIFFICULT YEARS

FINE LEADERSHIP LORD G ALWAY'S SORROW LASTING MARK IN HISTORY [BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION*] WELLINGTON, .Wednesday The deputy-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Krascr, lias received the following message of sympathy from the Governor-General, Viscount Galway:— "My wife and 1 learned of the passing of Mr. Savage with heartfelt sorrow, and we should like to convey to you and the members of the Government our deepest sympathy in the loss of such a distinguished leader as the Prime Minister. Mr. Savage guided the destinies of this country through what proved to be five difficult years, and those who,* like myself, have had an opportunity of being closely associated with him during that period could not fail to appreciate and admire his firmness of character and honesty and Steadfastness of purpose. Fortitude in Crises "1 gratefully recall his fortitude during the various crises of that period, terminating with the outbreak of war, and his determination that New Zealand should play a part worthy of her destiny in helping the cause of the Allies." "The outstanding feature of Mr. Savage's character seemed to be his kindness of heart and wish to improve the lot of those less fortunately placed. His charm of manner, simplicity of character and his ever evident desire to avoid personal advantage or popularity earned for him the respect of all true New Zealandcrs, by whom his loss will be deeply mourned." High Principles A tribute to Mr. Savage was paid by Lord Galway when he attended a meeting of (he Wellington Provincial Patriotic Council to-day. "We meet to-day rather under the shadow of the passing of the Prime .Minister, and 1 feel I must say just one word on how deeply many people will mourn the passing of a man of high principles and of great character, who rose to the highest position in the State. "I know a vast number of people will greatly deplore the loss of a man who was very kind of heart and who possessed great ability and determination anil high principles, and who will leave a lasting mark in the history of this Dominion."