MOVING SCENE

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

MOVING SCENE

PASTY CONFERENCE

MEETING BROUGHT TO CLOSE

SENSE OF GREAT LOSS

[by telegraph—press association] WELLINGTON, Wednesday

There was a moving scene at the Xew Zealand Labour Party conference this morning, when 750 delegates, standing in silence and with bowed heads, honoured the memory of the late Prime Minister. The conference was to have resumed at 9.30 o'clock, but owing to Mr. Savage's death the delegates did not meet until 10.30, and after the passing of a resolution paying a tribute to Mr. Savage the conference, which was to-have concluded to-morrow, was brought to a close. Bern its not discussed were referred to the incoming executive.

When the conference met, the deputyPrime Minister, the Hon. P. Eraser, mode the announcement of Mr. Savage's death and of the proposed funeral arrangements. The national president, Mr. James Roberts, then notified delegates that in the circumstances it was deemed advisable that the conference should terminate immediately after the passing of an appropriate resolution.

Mr. Roberts moved as follows: —"We, the delegates attending the 24th annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party, voice our deepest sorrow at the death of our beloved leader, the Rt. Hon. Michael Joseph Savage, Prime Minister of New Zealand. With griefladen hearts we record our great sense of the personal, party and national loss, which is irreparable. White we deeply deplore the tragic fact that he has passed away in the midst of his labours for the people of New Zealand, Maori and pakeha, particularly for mothers, children, the aged, sick and infirm, and all those who needed the helping hand of kindly and sympathetic assistance, we are comforted by the fact that thousands have benefited by his life's work, which will continue to bring happiness to future generations and be a lasting memorial to his name. We pledge ourselves to carry on the great humanitarian mission to which Mr. Savage's whole life was dedicated."

MR. EDEN'S BROADCAST

LONDON, March 27

The Secretary of State for 'the Dominions, Mr. Anthony Eden, will broadcast a tribute to Air. Savage at 6.15 'a.m. Greenwich mean time tomorrow (6.15 p.m. to-day, New Zealand time).