HON. J. A. HANAN'S TRIBUTE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 25

HON. J. A. HANAN'S TRIBUTE.

A FINE RECORD. A PEN PICTURE. The Hon. J. A. Ilanan (ex-Minister el Education and Justice), when asked by Otago Daily Times reporter to pav a tribute to tho deceased statesman, said he deemed

k his duty to join with those belonging to all sections of public opinion in expressing his appreciation of the private worth, domestic virtues, as well as the distinguished national career of the late Prime Minister.

Mr Massey showed during last session of Parliament, in beariner his physical sufferings, that strength of character and greatness of spirit which were the conspicuous qualities which greatly helped him to reach the high and distinguished office of Prime Minister of New "Zealand. “In my mind’s eye,” said Mr Hanan, “I see him during last session limping into the House, taking part in the discussions of the House, and carrying on the business of the Chamber without murmur or complaint, despite the fact that he was suppressing excruciating pain, which was then believed to be sciatica.” When spoken to about his physical condition he complained but little, showing a cheerful disposition and a devotion to duty which commanded the admiration of all.' . It was now about 25 years since he first made the acquaintance of Mr Massey, in the House of Representatives. He was then Senior Whip to the Opposition, led by Captain (afterwards Sir William) Russell. He was a tall, well-built, pleasant-featured man. He wore a dark brown beard. He was of much lighter build then, and was not so massive in body as he became in later years. He struck one a 3 a man who had worked hard and had engaged in farming pussuits. He did not make many speeches, the few which he made dealt with the subjects of agricultural interests and public works. He spoke with a distinct North of Ireland accent. His language was simple and his manner was not dramatic or artificial in any degree. He impressed one with his earnestness and honesty of purpose. It was when he became Leader of the Opposition that he showed indications of those qualities of mind that became so marked in his later career. He was a tireless worker, always in his seat, and led tho Opposition in its fight against the Government of the day with determination and undauunted courage. Notwithstanding defeat after defeat, the determination he showed, tho tenacity of purpose, and the courage which ho displayed made it oloin that he was a fighting man in every fibre. It was only after he had gone through the country os Loader of the then Opposition that he inspired the people with confidence in his ability and integrity and intimate grasp and knowledge of public questions and his force as a platform speaker. His commanding figure, his powerful physique, hi& genial manner, supported by the influence of a strong personality, and a gift of fluoncy and his earnestness made a deep impression on his Audience. There was no mon now serving in Uie House of Representatives who was serving there during Mr Massey’s first torm in Parliament. It was a fitting eulogy upon him to say that during his long term he continued to enjoy the confidence of his constituents. Ha may bo pointed to as an inspiring example of the possibilities of Now Zealand citizenship as a man who, by

the simplicity of his life, his industry, and .ability, rose from a humble being to the heights of honour and fame. The career of Mr Massey was undoubtedly an other of those recurring lessons offered to young New Zealand manhood and demon strated that energy, integrity, and courags, if seconded by real ability, may conquei all the weary paths that lie between the lowliest and the highest estate and lead triumphantly to the most exalted station, for he rose with no aid but his merit. “Some of us,’’ said Mr Hanan, “have often asked ourselves the question whethei Mr Massey would have attained such a position of national distinction as he did if he had had a university education.” Mr Hanan said that the statement made by the late Sir William Russell in reference to the late Mr Seddon was relevant as a reply to the question. -*• “Sir William Russell,” continued Mr Hanan, “said: ‘Many have asked, Had Mr Seddon enjoyed the benefit of a university education, would he have been a greater man? I doubt it. Education polishes the exterior, but God alone creates the material out of which a man is fashioned. Many are dwarfed by fears of precedent, and the personality and inherent force of anv but the strongest men may be contortecf by the formalism of too much training. Possibly Mr Seddon would have been less great had early discipline taught him to consider more carefully the conventionalities* of the world. His genius had greater scope owing to an untrammelled brain.’

“Mr Massey, in his speeches paying tribute of respect to the memory of deceased members, was always warm, generous, and eloquent in his appreciation of their life, character, and public service. I am reminded hero of the following statement mado by Mr Massey when Mr Seddon died: ‘I don’t think I ever received such a s'hock as I experienced on receiving telegrams notifying me of 'the Premier’s startlingly sudden death. Only this morning I had received a cable from him to the effect that all was well, and that he was leaving on the Oswestry Grange, and would arrive in Auckland on Thursday morning. I am glad to think now that, though we were strong political opponents, we were never personal enemies. Mr Seddon has died in harness at the zepith bf his powers, and of him it may bo said that “a great man hath fallen in Israel.” He has passed away; our differences are over; and I can honestly say that outside the members of his family, to whom, in thetr bereavement, I extend my utmost sympathy, there are few who will regret Mr Sleddon’s death more sincerely than I do. As a matter of fact, while Mr Seddon was a good fighter and a hard hitter, there was something about him which always commanded the respect and admiration even of his opponents. I knew him woll. I have watched him closely for tho last 12 years. I differed from him on many points. I have crossed swords with him on many occasions, but if I were asked to say who, in my opinion, was the ablest man who ever took part in tho colony’s legislation, who was the greatest man that ever occupied the position of Minister of the Grown in this colony, my answer to

both questions, and without any doubt or hesitation, would be, Richard John Seddon.’ His private life was pure and lofty, and his public career was ever distinguished by integrity and fidelity to duty. It was true to say that Mr Massey’s Life was dedicated to tho service of the State. In all his dealings he had a high sense of public duty, and was always anxious to preserve his good name and character from the slightest suspicion of using his position to benefit himself or his relations financially. ‘‘When a colleague of the late Mr Massey in the National Government I remember,” said Mr Hanan, “submitting a proposal to purchase premises in Auckland for the purpose of a Probation Home, which the Education Department wished to establish in that city. When I mentioned the name of the vendor Mr Massey at once said that the vendor was a relative of his, and ho would not countenance in any way the consideration of the recommendation although the property was weil worth the money asked for it and eminently suitable for the purnose intended.” “ Mr Massey had many true friends because he was a true friend, as many of his supporters can attest. He never kept aloof from his supporters in the House, blit mixed with them in a social way. Outside the Chamber he was always agreeable and genial with all the members of Parliament. Speaking of my closer acquaintance with him when I became a colleague of his on the National Government, I may add that I was impressed with his quick perception and comprehension, his shrewdness and practical common sense, and his simple habits. He was always cordial and fail and just in his relations with me and appreciative of my administrative work. “Mr Massey,” said Mr Hanan, “has left a memory of faithful public serviee, repre senting high ideals of duty and sendee. In the House we shall miss his towering personality, his genial smile, his tact, and his fighting speeches, whether in defence or in attack We shall always remember with admiration his steadfastness of purpose, courage, firm resolution, strength of character, and greatness of spirit as a leader of the party which he led with so much conspicuous ability and success, and his ardent desire to promote the welfare of New Zealand and the Empire to which he was so loyally and devotedly attached.”