DEATH OF LIBERAL LEADER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20041, 2 September 1920, Page 2

DEATH OF LIBERAL LEADER.

PARLIAMENTS TRIBUTE TO THE HON W. D. S. MACDONALD. [From Ode Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, September 1. Ifc was correctly suggested by Mr Isitt, to-day _ that the House of Representatives, in passing a, -motion of condolence with the relatives of the late Liberal leader, was. more expressive in ijie tone and atmosphere of the occasion than in the eloquent tributes which were 18 Af C * MacDonald’s memory. Mr Massey, who moved the motion, outlined Mr MacDonald’s career, and went on to say that he had never befbre seen members so shocked at the news that a colleague bad passed away. It was difficult to realise that one who was in his place on tho previous evening would be seen there no more. They jiao lost one of the moat popular members. One of the finest phases of Parliamentary life was that when death came in politics were put aside and all shades of political opinion joined in remembering only the best qualities of the man who had gone. He could never forget tho manner in which Mr MacDonald had played the man during the long weary years of war, when the Empire was pouring out its best manhood. * j w ? l t abVa >' 3 remember with gratitude how Mr Mac Donald rose to the •6ieat occasion, assisting his colleagues i? I’ho National Cabinet in every’ possible way to enable New Zealand to carry on its share of the war. It was m a crisis like this that the fibre of a man carrying serious responsibility was decided, and he was glad to be able to sincerely say that Mr Mac Donald was one of many who came through the test with credit. He was straightforward and Mncero in his political work, and his sound common sense Was of great valud. niough the speaker had not been on the same side-of politics, he was glad to say this had made no difference in their steady friendship. Mr Milford seconded the motion. He was greatly affected as he stood in his place, near which his old colleague had sat during the previous evening, though he held notes in his hand, he quietly remarked that the leader of the Houso had paid a fitting tribute to his ola tnend, and ho personally could not say more at the moment. , Mr E -Newman stated that the Lands Committee had held a special meeting, at whic.i it passed a resolution of sympathy with Mrs Mac Donald and family, and acknowledgment of the loiig-con-tinued, valuable work which deceased had done m the interests of laud settlement. Mr Newman added that Mr MacDonald was intensely interested in land settlement, and particularly concerned about the welfare of the backblocks lOttler. It had been the speaker’s privi-. <pto have been associated with Mr -UacDcmald in tho sheepowners’ fund tor the relief of British sailors. Nobody could have been more liberal and earnest m his efforts in connection with "V s ‘ u . n^- , ,His freedom from party, "nth his obvious, kindliness and enthusiasm for everything he took in hand, • won the admiration and regard of all. *li Sidey said that death had taken ■heavy toll of Parliament, and had the late Mr Mac Donald been more thoughtful of himself than of his duty he might have survived longer. His selection as Opposition leader was on account of his hne qualities of heart and head. Even his most vigorious speeches were free tram personalities, and while enjoying the complete loyalty of his party he had also the esteem of everyone in Parliament. Sir William Herries. as one who had oeen associated with Mr Mac Donald in the representation of the Bast Coast, testified to his entire friendliness and mck of party feeling. They had been sincere friends, working together for aims on whioh_the whole East Coast was united. No man was better informed on Native matters, nor more desirous of doing good to the Natives, tie mshed t° add his tribute to Mr Mac Donald s assistance to the National Cabinet, for a great deal of the smoothness of Cabinet work was due to his influence. Everyone in the House had lost a mend, and the Dominion bad lost a man who in the place he occupied might have attained a high position. It would be found that the country itself was touched to tho quick by the loss 6f so nno a man. The Hon J. A. Hanan reminded the House of the manner in which Mr Mac-, Donald, by his tact and fairness, and he warm regard in which he was held by the_ workers, had avoided a great industrial upheaval during the war. To all his public duties ho brought knowedge and honesty to bear. His oolleagues had lost a genial, kindly friend. The Hon A. T Ngata said that Mr Mac Donald had lived a vigorous life and dmd an harness. It was a good death. The Maori people owed a debt of gratitude to deceased, who assisted them to found one of the most successful co-operative farming ventures on the East Coast. His last great effort in tho House was in defence of the Maori people. Through the whole speech ran the note of deep sympathy with the Native race in their difficulties. As one closely associated with deceased, he could testify that there was no keener advocate of settlement. He had a great sense of fairness. Tho country at +hia juncture needed men of good balance, and Mr Mac Donald could look round him and steer a steady course. Mr Lysmvr said he desired to pay a tribute on behalf of the people of Gisborne and the closely-interwoven djsvr IC \r Plenty. He had known Air Mac Donald for many years, and remembered his early reputation as the best stockman in the district. He s6rve“ ' public capably on local bodies and had done good work in politiefe for the whole Dominion. The heavy work cast upon him in the National Cabinet permanently impaired his health, so that he had made a great sacrifice to his country. Everyone would mourn u lr i e ß arable loss of Mr Mac Donald, who died without an enemy. He had had a true partner in his wife, who greatly assisted him in bis w.ork. Mr Hockly, n.s representative of an adjoining electorate, spoke of the general respect in which Mr MacDofiald was held in the whole district. * Mr Veitch suggested that possibly t '!® re fas no greater recompense for the difficulties of public life than the strong friendships formed, regardless of party hues. 'Mr Mac Donald had always been found where national service was want* cd. Strength, fairness and firmness wore tho most satisfactory features of Ins character, and he had remarkable personal magnetism, intense loyalty (o his friends, his country and the ‘Empire. Mr Holland associated the Labour rarty with the sentiments which had been uttered. They forgot all the strife on such occasions, remembering only the good. The cdal-miuefs os a, whole regarded Mr Mac Donald as the most capable Minister of Mines that tlm country ever possessed. He was keenly anxious to build up conditions which Would make mining more safe and tolerable. One would choose to die in harness, and eo it had come to the lata member. The speaker had had keen differences with Mr Mac Donald, but be could testify that he Was always a fair opponent. Mr Forbes spoke feelingly of the loss of his leader and friend. Mr Mac Donald was a manly man, whdse personal qualities were outstanding throughout his whole career. Mr Mac Donald had been guiltless of any political trick. NV thing but good could come of the party system conducted on the high unes folowed by the late Liberal leader. Mr Sullivan paid the tribute of a new aember to the nobleness and generosity ot the late Mr MacDonald’s character'

His keen differences with Labour members had nob prevented Mr Mac Donald from, treating them with the greatest kindness and generosity. Mr Isitt said he could only reiterate all that had' been said about Mr MacDonald. The truest tribute to his memory had perhaps not been in verbal utterance but in the character of the atmosphere in, the House. There had been nothing perfunctory about the tributes. Mr MacDonald'had been a true patriot and a singularly fair and honest opponent. . The motion was carried silently, and the House adjourned until Thursday. TN THE COUNCIL. [Per Press Assocunrts _ WELLINGTON, September 1. J When the Legislative Council met tins afternoon. Sir Francis Bell referred to the tragic death of the Leader of the Opposition, aiki spoke of his singular modesty, coupled with his marked administrative abilitv. From bis association with Mr MacDonald daring the days of the -National Cabinet he had come to appreciate the latter’s conscientiousness and hig desire to do the best for the people of the Dominion, and, there had been formed then lies of friendship which had held to the end An honourable, upright and capable legislator had been lost. Sir Francis moveda motion placing on record the Council s appreciation of Mr MacDonald’s services and expressing sympathy with his relatives. . The Hons G. Jones. Sir William Fraser, J. B. Gow,, W. J, Gcddis, J. Gmnmond and Sir William Hall-Jones also spoke. ■ The motion was pn«ed, „ m ] lhe cil rose at 3 p-m. until 2.30 p.m,:to-mor-

A FORMER COLLEAGUE,

MB ELL’S .TRIBUTE. “One impression that was left on the mmrls of all those who came into' intimate association with him in public life was of his deep earnestness,” said Mr H. G. Ell, concerning tbo late Hon W, u. S._ Mac Donald, whose colleague he was m the Mackenzie Ministry, and who was for many years associated with him as a fellow member. "Ho was never wanting in courage in support of his convictions. During the time the was acting as Minister of Agriculture in the National Government he showed grejit force ot, character on many occasions in connection with the settlement of terms and conditions relative to the supply of .foodstuffs to the people. Theri is little doubt that it was this gepuineness that had much to do with- keeping down the price of food during the war period.. He was one of the most useful men that any constituency ever sent to Parliament. His strong, political mind and his wide experience as a farmer made him exceedingly useful as a' legislator, and as one who held a position in the counsel or the affairs of the country. He was always a hard-working Minister, .and one who always insisted upon personal knowledge of the affairs of his department It Was his capacity and earnestness in his wOrk that made him such a useful man as a Minister, It was a great loss to the country when the Hon Mr Mac Donald relinquished his position as a Minister of the Crown. “As a Liberal,, his sincerity was never in question. ‘ He had the unstinted confidence of every member of the Party, and it was his genuineness that won for him the position of leader —a responsibility which he discharged with satisfaction to the Party—and T feel very confident that had his health but lasted he would have gradually drawn together a strong body of men iii the House, The leader of thq Liberal Party, Sir Joseph Ward, always .had implicit confidence in the late Mr MacDonald, and this Was shared by every one of the members on his sidO of the House. I know from personal observation that he won tbo respect and esteem of those in opposition to him.”

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