MR CHAMBERLAIN’S DEATH

Southland Times, Issue 17697, 8 July 1914, Page 5

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S DEATH

BIRMINGHAM IN MOURNING. SERVICE AT WESTMINSTER. HOUSE OF COMMONS ADJOURNS. By Telegraph.—Press .Assn. —Copyright. LONDON, July 6. Birmingham is manifesting profound .sorrow over Mr Chamberlain s death. The service at the Unitarian Church was attended by the leading men of the Midland counties. Tens of thousands of workers thronged the streets, spending their dinner hour in paying their last homage while the coffin was being removed to Keyhill Cemetery. Only the members of the family participated in the burial. ~ , A memorial service was hold at bL Margaret's Church. Westminster. It was attended by the Speaker, Mr Asquith, and the members of the Cabinet. Lord Stamfordham represented the King, and Mr Balfour and other loading politicians. Sir G. Reid, Hon. T. Mackenzie and the ■Agents-Gencral were among those present. . On Mr Asquith's motion the House of Commons adjourned, as a token of the debt they owed to Mr Chamberlain's life and example. TRIBUTES IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT LONDON, July 7. Received July 7, 9.50 p.m. Mr Asquith in the House of Commons said that Mr Chamberlain was the pioneer of a new generation. No statesman of any time surpassed him in. confidence and courage. Mr Bonar Law said that the two principles at the basis of Mr Chamberlain's political action were his desire to improve the people’s condition and his almost aggressive national pride. Mr Balfour said that as Colonial Secretary he had done the greatest work which perhaps had ever fallen to the lot of a single British statesman. Ho was a great idealist and had the unconquerable soul of a great statesman. Tributes were also passed in the House of Lords. REFERENCES IN NEW ZEALAND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON. July 7. In the House of Representatives this afternoon the Rt. Hon XV. F. Massey (Prime Minister), intimated that on hearing of the death of the Rt. Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, he sent a cable to Mrs Chamberlain, condoling ■ with her on the death of her distinguished husband, and had that day received a reply tendering thanks from the family for the sympathy on. behalf of his side of the House. Sir Joseph Ward (Leader of the Opposition), endorsed the sentiments expressed in the Prime Minister’s cable. He eulogised the life work of Mr Chamberlain as one of the greatest Englishmen. The fell text of the message received by Mr Massey is as follows —“I thank the New Zealand Government and people from my heart for their sympathy.— Mary Chamberlain.” The Prime Minister, at th© invitation of the London Daily Mail, cabled the following tribute to tlio memory of the deceased statesman — Am quite confident that, apart altogether from political opinions, the people of New Zealand remember with appreciation the great work don© hy the late Mr Chamberlain while holding the important and responsible position of Secretary of State for the Colonies, and have hoard of his death with sincere regret. That the different parts of the Empire are so closely united and bound together by ties of sentiment stronger than any legislative enactment is owing in great part to the patriotism and ability of the deceased statesman. In th© Overseas Dominions Mr Chamberlain's memory will be kept green as that of a strong, fearless, and far-seeing man, and at the same time tactful and impartial administrator. To a similar request from th© editor of the London Daily Express, Mr Massey replied as follows — In common with other Overseas Dominions. Now Zealand deeply regrets the death of Mr Chamberlain as a distinguished and patriotic statesman. His memory will over be respected and vered as one who took a prominent part in laying the foundations of and building up a great Imperial policy.