CHERISHED MEMORY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 March 1940, Page 5

CHERISHED MEMORY

OPPOSITION LEADER RECALLS LONG FRIENDSHIP. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This D,ay. A tribute of respect to the memory of the late Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage was paid by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Hamilton, when informed of the death of lhe Prime Minister. A great bond of friendship existed between the two party leaders. Both of them first entered Parliament at the same time over 20 years ago, and though they held widely divergent political views they never allowed this to mar their long friendship. The Primo Minister, said Mr Hamilton, would leave behind him a cherished memory.

"I recall at this time pleasant memories of our long association over 20 years in the public administration of our country,” said Mr Hamilton. "We both came into Parliament together in 1919, and I am sorry indeed today to lose so great a colleague. "Mr Savage .was distinguished for his kindliness, was a keen debater and a great advocate of his cause,” said Mr Hamilton. “His rise to the highest position in the public life of the land was truly indicative of his ability and personality. Though differing from him in politics I have always deeply appreciated his qualities. I regret that at a time like the present, when called upon to carry such a great extra load of responsibility, his health should have been so troublesome to him. He fought against his difficulties gallantly and we all admire him for that. We are sure that as a man and as a politician he will leave behind him a cherished memory.”

THE HON. D. WILSON SENSE OF LOSS & SORROW. “GREAT MAN HAS PASSED AWAY." (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The Hon David Wilson, Leader of the Legislative Council said of the late Prime Minister: — “He was my friend! I am more proud of that than of any other honour that could have been bestowed upon me., A great man has passed away; how great, only posterity will say. But certainly his name will live in New Zealand's history so long as love of freedom, justice and brotherhood prevails in this fair land. I first met the late Mr Savage in Auckland in 1917 and chance or fate has made our lives run parallel to a great degree since then. And never in all those years did I know him to do anything unworthy or swerve from his life's purpose to do his part in making the world a better place to live in for the poor, the weak and the downtrodden. His honest simplicity and his native sincerity macle him beloved by hundreds of thousands but specially was he loved by the aged and the children.

“There will be heavy hearts in New Zealand today not only among members of his own party, but also among those who, though opposed to him in politics, regarded him with affectionate esteem. He was a man among men, a brave and kindly soul, whose life was spent in the service of others and whose passing loaves a sense of loss and a sorrow that only the kindly hand of time will assuage. I mourn a great leader and a kind and generous friend, but I can only say in the words of J. W. Mackail: "Good-bye; no tears or cries Are fitting here and long lament were vain. Only the last low words ho softly said And the last greeting given above the dead, For soul more pure and beautiful our eyes i Never shall, see again.” ;

WORK & SERVICE EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Reference to the illness of the Prime Minister, Mr Savage, was made by the Mayor of Wellington, Mr Hislop, and the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Sir Harry-Batterbee, speaking at the meeting in the Town Hall last night addressed by Mr D. R. Grenfell, C.8.E.. M.P., representative of the United Kingdom branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association at the New Zealand Centennial celebrations. "We have in our minds and hearts a feeling of grief at the illness of the Prime Minister, whose life of service draws peacefully to its close." said Mr Hislop. “I am certain that lie would have this meeting go on, because its purpose is to dedicate ourselves to do everything that can be done to ensure a united effort to preserve liberty- and freedom in this world.” Sir Harry Batterbee said that on behalf of all the people in the Home land he would like to express his sympathy in the sorrow which was overshadowing all that night, and associated himself with the mayor’s reference lo the life of work and service which had distinguished Mr Savage! and endeared him to all. I

FLAGS AT HALF-MAST In connection with the death of the Prime Minister instructions have been issued by the Government to the custodians of Government buildings throughout New Zealand to fly flags at half-mast daily until sunset until the day of burial. The Government also requests that flags should bo flown at half-mast on, other public and private buildings during lhe same period.