“BELOVED OF ALL”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19978, 1 July 1939, Page 7

“BELOVED OF ALL”

LATE MR. E. J. HOWARD TRIBUTES IN HOUSE THE HON. A. D. McLEOD (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A resolution of appreciation of the services and sympathy with the relatives of the late chairman of committees, Mr. E. J. Howard, was moved in the House of Representatives today by the deputy-leader of the House, the Hon. P. Fraser.

After briefly outlining Mr. Howard's career, Mr. Fraser stated that his death had come as a blow to all members of the House and particularly to those with whom he ’was associated. Before he was elected to the House in 1919, his unostentatious and sympathetic understanding and nevertailing sense of humour had endeared him to all who knew him.

Mr. Howard, he said, had been widely interested in almost every public topic and, if he had been s-pai-ed to us, he would have been of even greater assistance to this country than he had been in the past. “Universally Popular”

The motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Adam Hamilton, who stated that Mr. Howard’s death had proved a severe loss both to the Labour Party and to the House where he had been a universally popular and genial chairman of committees. Mr. Howard was oeloved of all, and the Opposition joined with members of the Government m expressing sincere regret at his death. Expressions of regret and sympathy at Mr. Howard’s passing, were also voiced by Mr. R. M. Macfarlane, Mr. J. A. Lee, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Mr, T. H. McCombs, Mr. 11. Atmore, Mr. F. W. Schramm, Mr. E. T. Tirikatene, Mr. S. G. Holland, Mr. Clyde Carr, the Minister of Housing, the Hon. 11. T. Armstrong, and Mr. H. S. S. Kyle. Mr. Fraser, in paying a tribute to the late Hon. A. D. McLeod, said he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1919 and represented Wairarapa from then until 1928, and again from 1931 until 1935. He was Minister of Lands from 1924 until 1923 and, in 1926, he also held the portfolio of Minister of Industries and Commerce.

A Staunch Fighter

No one who knew him, said Mr. Fraser, could but be impressed by his manly character, his straightforward nature and his undoubted courage in fighting for the principles in which he believed. He was a staunch fighter in the ranks of the party to which he belonged and enjoyed the respect of his political opponents. The Hon. Adam Hamilton said Mr. McLeod had had if record of which any New Zealander might be proud. He was sure he had shortened his life by his work for the public. Other 'tributes were also paid by Mr. B. Roberts, Sir Alfred Ransom, the Hon. W. Lee Martin, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, and Mr. T. D. Burnett. The motions of sympathy and appreciation were carried and 1 the House adjourned at 1 p.m. until 2.30 p.m.