MEMORY OF DEAD LEGISLATORS

Southland Times, Issue 22948, 22 July 1936, Page 12

MEMORY OF DEAD LEGISLATORS

TRIBUTES IN HOUSE WORK OF SIR WILLIAM HALL-JONES (From Our Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, July 21. Tributes to former legislators who have died recently were paid in the House of Representatives to-day by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage), the Leader of the Opposition (the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes) and other speakers. The House passed resolutions recording appreciation of the services of the Hon. Sir William Hall-Jones, a former Prime Minister and member of the Seddon and Ward Cabinets, Mi’ G. H. Smith, member for Pahiatua from 1916 to 1919 and Captain J. H. Bradney, member for Auckland West from 1911 to 1914. “I think Sir William Hall-Jones was the last of that wonderful band of men responsible for letting at least some light into the dark period of the early 90’s,” said the Prime Minister. “He was one of those who dared to do what they thought best in the interests of the country and who succeeded in doing so, in the face of considerable opposition. As representing the Government of this country, I feel that we are indebted to that band of men and to the late honourable gentleman. Perhaps they did not go as far as they would have liked to have gone, but I think the country owes them a debt for the lead they gave, not only to New Zealand, but to the world in general in social and economic legislation.” A Kindly Man. Sir William had been a kindly man, continued Mr Savage, and intensely human, and Parliament was poorer by his passing. The people of New Zealand had lost a real friend, a humanitarian and a man of vision, who had determination to do his share in making the world better than he found it. Mr Forbes referred to Sir William s lengthy record of public service in New Zealand, both as a Minister of the Crown and as High Commissioner in London. Sir William had left a record of which his family might well feel proud. “The passing of Sir William HallJones removes one of the greatest, political pioneers of this country,” said the Minister of Public Works (the Hon. R. Semple). “He was one of the band that blazed trails in this country which have led to better things.” Reference to Sir William’s career was also made by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates (Nat., Kaipara), who described him as a robust imperialist. The Rev. C. L. Carr (Lab., Tirnaru) and the Attorney-General (the Hon. H. G. R. Mason) also spoke. Late Captain Bradney. In paying a tribute to the memory of Captain Bradney, the Prime Minister said that he was one of the old spirits who had played an important part in building New Zealand. Captain Bradney was a radical in many ways, Mr Savage said, and had a happy knack of saying just what he thought of people and things. He was often in “hot water,” but he stood up to what he thought was his right and was a friend to all those who met him. Although he was a short time in the House, Captain Bradney played his part in shaping the destinies of New Zealand. Mr Forbes, Mr Coates and Mr W. P. Endean (Nat., Parnell) also paid a tribute to Captain Bradney’s progressive outlook and integrity. Mr Savage referred to Mr Smith as a man who had been universally popular during his short term as a Member of Parliament. He was supported in his remarks by Mr Forbes and Mr Coates. After resolutions of sympathy had been passed, the House adjourned until to-morrow afternoon as a mark of respect.