LATE LIBERAL LEADER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10687, 6 September 1920, Page 5

LATE LIBERAL LEADER

A COLLEAGUE’S TRIBUTE

ESTEEMED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE COUNTRY. The Hon. G. W. Russell telegraphs to tho “New Zealand Times” from Rangitaiki as-under:.—“l have just learned of the sad death of tho Hon. Mr MacDonald with deep sorrow and regret. His political career, though comparatively short, was a distinguished one. Entering the House in 1908, bis .fidelity, earnestness, and ability soon marked him an destined for Ministerial rank. Having been associated with him in two Oahinets, I desire bo pay a tribute to his singleness of purpose, his conscientious discharge ot duty to his public office. He had only one thought—that of the opportunity it gave for service to the people of this country. He was a typical country Liberal of the class created by Mr Seddon’s great and broad policy. Of him it can. be said that he never sought office or honour. They were forced upon him. Ab Minister for Mines ho keenly desired the social and economic advancement of tho State miners. His eudden death has cut short his opportunities as a Liberal leader. Had his life been spared, tber© can be no doubt he would, have proved a worthy successor of the great men who preceded him in the leadership of the Liberal party. He goes to his rest honoured and esteemed by the people of tho country, and will be affectionately remembered by a host of friends all over New Zealand.” ■ “STALWART IN PRINCIPLE; SCRUPULOUS IN DUTY.” In a touching’ lament for a lost leader, “Matanga,” in the “New Zealand Herald,’’ thus refers to the passing of the late Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald:—“The 'tragic" passing of the Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald has evoked a sincere and s.orrowful eulogy. Stalwart in principle and scrupulous in duty, he had come to honour in the country he served, and in Parliament ho was held in high esteem by men of varying. political creeds; and the House), of Representatives found its best self in its. endeavour to express the : sense of Bereavement his sudden 'decease occasioned. The , , country echoes the tribute thus'paid-? We are nil the" poorer for the removal of a faithful public servant, who unsparingly gave his strength of body and mind to tho legislative and administrative work with which he had been entrusted; and, now that he is gone from Us, we acknowledge his worth and make confession of the exactions that his service of tho public interests demanded of him.” .