SIR JOHN HALL'S DEATH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13941, 28 June 1907, Page 3

SIR JOHN HALL'S DEATH

EULOGIES IN PARLIAMENT. (From Our Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Juno 27. This afternoon, in the Upper House, Dr Findlay moved tho resolution regarding the death of Sir John Ilall. He said it would to idle for any person who had watched the political history of (his country for any time, to say that Sir John Hall's name would not find a permanent place in the history of this colony. Sir John Hall had risen to the highest position that a colonist. Could occupy—viz., that of Prime .Minister. In the earlier stages of his political history ho had bocn a member of the Legislative Council, and generally ho bad displayed earnestness, judgment, and ! insight in furthering the interests of all classes of the community. Among the reforms that. Mere attributable to his efforts was that of the gift of tJie franchise to the women. To his persistent eloquence and advocacy that reform was mainly due.

Mr Lotlisson, in seconding the motion, added his tribute to Sir John Hall's many excellent attributes. While it was in Canterbury that ho was best known, lie also bad a colonial reputation. His career in Tegard to that Chamber even, was a unique one, as he. had been appointed to it, on throe or four occasions during different periods of his life. Mr 1,/Ouisson also referred to Sir John Hall's long and intimate connection with municipal and other local institutions in Canterbury. With regard to municipal matters, Sir John Hall had not. only been successful in establishing municipal institutions in Chri=tehurch. bu£ bo was tho first chairman of the Christchurch Municipal Council. His life and his works wero portion of fho history of tho colony. Mr \V. C. Smith In a very few words endowed tho motion. Mr J. G. Siniih also spoke. Ho eaid that anyono who know Sir John Hall could not but be struck with tho fact, that in his character he oombined the conscientiousness and courtcsy and all tho other characteristics that were associated with an English gentleman. He had in his lifo set an example that the young people of this colony should strive to live no to. The affection tho people of Christehiircb boro him was shown by their asking him 1o assume the mayoralty during the year of tho International Exhibition. The esteem in which ho was held showed that a man could servo his country in politics and still earn the respect and admiration of all classes of tho community. The members of the Council ro«e to their feet and the motion was carried in silencc. In tho House tho Premier moved a resolution expressing recognition of tho services rendered to the colony by the late Sir John Mali. After reviewing Sir John's rcpord as a. publiv. man. Sir Joseph Ward made mention of tho lato statesman's long ami successful liplit. in eupporl, of Uio enfranchisement of women. For a long period of years Sir John had held an important position in this colony, and although he had been out of the political arena for some vcurs, they must all recognise, whatever their political opinions, that the colony had lost a great man, apd one whose loss would bo severely felt, particular!*- by Ihose who were near and dear to him: Amongst- the old pioneers of tho colony there were liono whose name would

stand out more prominently than that of Sir John Hall. Mr Mawoy, in seconding, said that although ho did not share tho closo porsonal knowledge of Sir John Hall onjoyed by the Premier, ho felt (hat an able man had passed awav, Sir John was ono of tho most prominent of the carlv settlers of Canterbury, who, in tho early davs, ba<] taken a prominent part ill (lie colonisation and legislation of tho colony. They wero sometimes inclined to fore-ct the good work done by those carl? pioneers, but such work' as tha.t done by tho late Sir John Hall was of immense benefit to tho colony and tho Empire generally. "Full of years and honours," added Mr Masscy, "ho has (rono (o his rest, ono of New Zealand's best ami greatest men." Mr (J ray added his testimony to the high character borne bv Sir John Hall. Speaking of the decoasod's period of office a.s Mayor of Christchurch, Mr Gray said that many men of the age of Sir John would liavo Preferred to enjoy a wellearned and deserved rest, but Sir John responded most willingly to the call of the citizens, and coming out of his long retirement at Jlororatn. he. again came into the busy scone of pmiiie like, taking upon himself burdens that many stronger men would lmvc boon unable In bear. His was a willing spirit in a weak frame, and it might be fnily said that lie had died in harness. lie was one.' of the fine old band of pioneers who had laid Urn foundations of tho colonv broad and deep, and who wero so rapidly disappearing from our midst. Mr T. Mackenzie spoke of the great assistance rendered' to himself und other new mcmbors when thev first, entered the House as young men, 20 years aro. All those who camo into contact with Sir John recognised that he had a great gift for 6eoing into the future, His work reflected great credit noon himself and his country, and he had furnished an example which theymight ail well trv to emulate. Tho motion wa9 carried in silence. (Pjr United Priss Association.) WELLINGTON. June 27. It was tho intention of Sir Joseph Ward and a number of members of the Legislature to proceed lo Lvttelton to-nipht by tho Ilinemoa in order to attend tho funeral of the late Sir John llall. but owing to tho prevalence nf heavy weather on the coast, through which the steamer could only make her way after considerable delay, the trip had to ho abandoned.