DEATH OF MR PRATTEN

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 51

DEATH OF MR PRATTEN

COLLAPSES AT MEETING. SYDNEY, May 8. Mr H. E. Pratten collapsed whilst addressing a women’s meeting at Turramurra suburb. His last words were: “ I wonder what view the historian 100 years hence will take of the politicians of to-day?” Mr Pratten fell, momentarilv revived, and died within five minutes. "The audience was stunned. It was Mr Pratten’s sixty-third birthday. The women had a huge cake on which were 6.3 lighted candles to present after the gathering. His -widow and son were among the audience. Mr Pratten had a long political and public career. SYDNEY, May 9. The State funeral to Mr Pratten was largely attended by a representative gathering, the mourners Including the Prime Minister, most of the Federal Ministers, members of the House of Representatives, the Governor-General and all the members of the State Govdisclosed. TRIBUTE BY MR COATES. WELLINGTON, May 8. In connection with the death of Mr Pratten, Mr Coates said: “ My colleagues and I have received with deep regret the news of Mr Pratten’s tragically-sudden death. It was practically only the other day that he was here in our midst, and when he bado him ‘ God sneed ’ on his return journey there was nothing to indicate that he was other than in the enjoyment of good health. During his visit to New Zealand, which was primarily undertaken for the purpose of discussing problems of trade and commerce, we were impressed by his keen desire to arrive at a mutually-satisfactory arrangement to ’ ’ both our countries. The late Mr Pratten made many friends during his stay in the Dominion, and we retain the happiest memories of his visit. We extend our sincere sympathy to the Government of the Commonwealth in the loss of one of its distinguished members.” WELLINGTON, May 11. Mr Coates has received from Mr Bruce the following message respecting Mr Pratten’s death:—“l very aT)nw : i‘e the message of sympathy from yourself and colleagues in the sudden decease of Mr Pratten. His loss is greatly deplored, and the members of the Government feel they have been denrived of a very valuable colleague. T have suitably conveyed vour message to his family.”