MODEST AND ABLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23616, 28 March 1940, Page 14

MODEST AND ABLE

ADMIRED El 7 OPPONENTS MR. HAMILTON SPEAKS MR. FORBES' RETROSPECT [ lIV TKLI'.G KA I'll -\V FLTi IX 0 TON. V>>d »™ lla V A tribute of respect to the memory of a "Teat colleague was paid by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton. Both party leaders entered Parliament in 1919, and. although they held widely-divergent political views, tl.ey never allowed this to lliaf their long Parliamentary friendship. "Mr. Savage was distinguished for ' his'kindliness/' Mr. Hamilton said. ! "He was a keen debater and a great i advocate of bis cause. His rise to the ' highest position in the public Hie of the land was truly indicative of his ability and personality. "Though differing from him in politics. I always deeply appreciated bis qualities. 1 regret that at a time like the present, when failed upon to carry such n great extra load of responsibility, his health should have been so troublesome to him. He iought I against his dilliculties gallantly and v.e all admire him for that. We are sure that as a man and a politician he will leave behind him a cherished memory. Immediate Predecessor It was on November 10.'•». that the lit. Hon. 0. W. Forbes, then Prime Minister, banded over the reins of (Jovern men t to Mr. Savage, who formed New Zealand's first Labour Cabinet. To-dav, Mr. Forbes said it was with great regret that he heard the news of Mr. Savage's death. "| feel I have lost an old friend." said Mr. Forbes. "From his earliest days in Parliament. Mr. Savage and I had been on terms of the closest friendship. In the days when he was Leader of the Opposition and 1 was Prime Minister, he showed himself a man capable of rising above mere technicalities. As an opponent lie could always take n, hroadinindcd view that made working with him a pleasure. Indeed, the relations between us in Mr. Savage's Opposition days were always the happiest, and I shall never forget the chivalrous attitude hi' showed toward nie after he became Prime Minister. There was no talk or boasting from him of his victory. Mr. Savage looked on his success as one of those changes that take place in politics, and he accepted his election as au opportunity to give practical effect to the ideals toward which he had striven for ninny yonrs. Supremely Honest ! "He was a modest man who felt be had inherited a great responsibility and endeavoured always to do his best to carrv out the ideals in which he so i firmly believed. In all his dealings with j political • friends and opponents Mr. ! Savage was a gentleman in the best I acceptance of the term and his loss to j Parliament is great. ! . "1 know that his passing will be I mourned by a large circle of friends | and his death means a big loss to New : Zealand. Mr. Savage maintained the i highest traditions of Parliament and ! in carrying on the business of the I nation he was courteous, fair-minded, j sincere and supremely honest. In his j dealings with the Opposition Mr. i Savage was the soul of fairness. His ! word was his bond, Mr. Forbes 0011- | eluded.

HUMBLE BEGINNING IHSE TO POLITICAL FAME INSPIRATION TO MINISTERS MR. SEMPLE'S ADMIRATION [llY IT.!,KG H A I'll —PITKSS association] AYF, 1, F ,1X n TO", AYeii n csd a y "Never in all my life have T admired any one personality ns T did that of Michael .Joseph Savage, and as I admired him in life so shall ] mourn him in death," said the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. H. Scmplo, tonight. "He was a man revered by all for his uprightness of character, his steadfastness of purpose, the faith lie had in his ideals, and his love of humanity. From a humble beginning he rose to the pinnacle of political fame and that fame was widespread. It extended far beyond the confines of the British Commonwealth of Nations. It was well earned and justifiably bestowed. "Joe, as he was popularly known, was an Australian by birth and a Now Zealander by adoption, and no better Now Zealander was over born. In his short term of office as Prime Minister lie did more than any other man has over done for his less fortunate, fellowbeings. Although kindly, tolerant and forgiving, ho feared no man nor cringed lor any man's favour. "All told. I have known Joe for .'lO years, the last four of which 1 was associated with him in the Cabinet. Because of bis faith in mankind bis leadership became an inspiration to every one of his Ministers. As I look ba('k along the road travelled with my late chief 1 well remember my talks with him on numerous occasions when the fight was hard and reverses and defeat" were many, and when one was inclined to feel a little downhearted and disappointed. His advice, given alvvavs with indescribable courage and a smile, was: '.Defeat to-day is victory to-morrow.' lie had one object in life, to servo the people, and because of the faith he had in tlie principles lie stood for. and because of the love he had for humanity, lie did not understand the word defeat."

" LOVABLE PERSONALITY " HF(AHFT OF MR. COATKS Sincere regret at the passing of Mr. Savage was expressed yesterday by a former Prime Minister of New Zealand. the Rt. Hon. .1. G. Coatcs. who recalled his long acquaintance, both inside and outside Parliament, with the late Prime Minister. "To mo lie was a lovable personality," Mr. Coates said. "I deeply regret his'death. Although we wore on opposite sides of tbo political arena. 1 always found Mr. Savage most friendly and com tonus in our personal relations, and I enjoyed many a long and pleasant conviM^ntion willi him. Invnrinhly hj«» was ready to help a friend in need, and also, as a member of Parliament, lie was always ready to help en committees. On many occasions lie was at pains to oblige me personally." Mr. Coatcs also referred to the unswerving determination of Mr. Savage to put into effect his beliefs, and to the direct manner in which be proceeded to do so on attaining power, llis convictions wore strongh field, and he was consistently determined to bring about changes that he sincerely believed to bo host for the people. "Mr. Savage's sincerity was so obvious as to be completely beyond question." Mr. Coatcs concluded. "His heart was in his work, and never did solf-ngnraijdisomont enter his mind, IBs one aim was to work for the people ho served."