MR RYAN’S DEATH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16494, 3 August 1921, Page 5

MR RYAN’S DEATH.

MR HOLLAND’S EULOGY. [Per Press Association.! WESTPORT, August\2. Speaking at a Labour gathering at Westport this evening, Mr H. E. Holland, M.P., chairman of the Parliamentary Labour, Party, made reference to the death of Mr T. J. Ryan, formerly Premier of Queensland and latterly deputy-leader of the Labour Partv in the Commonwealth Parliament. Although, comparatively speaking, Mr Ryan was a new man in the Australian Labour movement, he was, said Mr Holland, one of its strongest .personalities. He was, indeed, the strongest personality in Australian politics. From the time of his first active participation in Labour politics, Mr Ryan had always been ready to obey the voice of the movement, and he lost no opportunity of championing the cause of all who were ■victims of oppression. He was, consequently, one of the most profusely slandered men in Australasia. In the fight against conscription lie was one of the most conspicuous figures, and likewise ono of the most powerful influences. On all sides he was regarded as the soundest exponent of constitutional law. He was an intrepid fighter where working-class interests were affected. It could be truly said of him that he died in the fighting lines, for his death was the direct o*esult of his active and energetic participation in the Maranoa by-election campaign.