TRIBUTES PAID

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27212, 15 October 1949, Page 8

TRIBUTES PAID

DECEASED LEGISLATORS HOUSE ADJOURNS AS MARK OF RESPECT PA WELLINGTON, Oct. 14. Tributes to the memory of the late Mr Matiu Ratana, who was member of Parliament for Western Maori at the time of his death, and to the late Mr Frederick Lye, a former member of Parliament for 10 years, were paid by members of the House of Representatives this morning when resolutions recording the faithful service given to New Zealand by them were passed. Mr Ratana's death was unexpected, and occurred with tragic suddenness, said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser. Though Mr Ratana did not often take part in debates ih the House, he was very earnest in his views and painstakingly assiduous in looking after the affairs of the Maori people in his electorate. The sympathy of every member of the House would be extended to his widow and family of six young children. Mr Holland, on behalf of the Opposition, endorsed the Prime Minister’s tribute to Mr Ratana, and said that Mr Ratana, as a leader of his people and his church, had the esteem and affection of those he represented. The news of his death came as a profound shock, and to Mrs Ratana and family the Opposition offered its sympathy. Others who paid their personal tributes to Mr Ratana were Mr E. T. Tirikatene, Mr K. J. Holyoake, Mr T. Omana, and Mr J. B. Cotterill. The late Mr Frederick Lye was a man whose character compelled friendship, said Mr Fraser. He was sincere and straightforward, and grew up in the political school of Liberalism. He was nationally popular, and sincerity was the keynote of his character. Mr Holland said that, though the late Mr Lye was born in England, he lived all but five years of his life in New Zealand, and could be regarded as a real New Zealander. He played a very important part in the growth of the dairy industry in the Waikato, and had a wide knowledge and deep appreciation of human needs. . He was an example of what a New Zealander should be. Mr G. F. Sim (Waikato) also paid tribute to the late Mr Lye, and the sympathy of the House was extended to his widow and family living at Cambridge. The House adjourned as a mark of respect at 11.25 a.m. until 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday.