A SUPPORTER'S APPRECIATION.

New Zealand Graphic, 27 June 1906, Page 57

A SUPPORTER'S APPRECIATION.

Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.R. for Masterton, writing in the “ Wairarap* Daily Times,” says: “In his absence from the House debates were apt to become tame and monotonous: but the moment he appeared on the scene interest was aroused, and the members would rush to their places. Though not a correct speaker —public men rarely are—he was a most powerful debater, bringing home his arguments with convincing force. But no public man could be more generous to a fallen adversary. His kindness of heart and readiness to forget and forgive conquered and converted hundreds, if not thousands, of adversaries. Nor did he ever turn his back on a friend. His political successes placed him in a position of patronage, and few things gave him more pleasure thin to have the opportunity of acknowledging in a practical way the claims of deserving associates. In battling for the rights of the masses his powers of endurance were frequently put to a severe test. When the news of the late Mr. Ballance's death was conveyed to him he mournfully remarked: ‘His battles are over —ours are to begin.’ From that moment he took up a martyr's role. Four or five years ago a number of members one evening approached him, for the sake of his family, to do less work, and take a little rest. ‘Leave my work to others!’ he replied; ‘I would die first.’ Often the remark was made that he had a constitution of cast-iron, but he had repeated warnings on several occasions.”