MR. RYAN’S DEATH

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 265, 3 August 1921, Page 5

MR. RYAN’S DEATH

FEDERAL PREMIER GREATLY DISTRESSED A LOSS TO PUBLIC LIFE OF AUSTRALIA By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, August 1. When the news of Mr. T. J. Ryan’s death was communicated to Mr. W. JI. Hughes ha was greatly distressed. Mr. Hughes said: "It conies as a positive shock that a man in the prime of life should be thus cut off. It is so utterly unexpected, tragic, and sad as to leave one almost bereft of words. I, ns one of his old friends, whether political opponents or not, am very sorry and sad. I disagreed with him in politics, but liked him as a man. His untimely and sudden death leaves a gap in ths public life, of Australia which will not be readily filled. All sections of the Federal Parliament will deeply mourn his loss. I do so sincerely, and tender my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Ryan and her family." The Hon. J. M. Hunter (Agent-Gen-eral for Queensland) also expressed his sympathy and sorrow. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Brisbane, August 8. Mr. Ryan was in the middle of a strenuous by-election campaign. Just before the fatal seizure, he delivered an hour’s speech. His voice was husky, but otherwise ho was apparently in good health.—Press Assn. NEW ZEALAND LABOUR SYMPATHY The national secretary of the New Zealand Labour Party (Mr. Moses Ayrton) has forwarded the following cablegram to the Premier of Queensland: — “New Zealand Labour Party extend deepest sympathy to relatives of late Mr. T. J. Ryan, and regret the loss sustained bv the international Labour movement." MR. HOLLAND’S TRIBUTE. By Telegraph—Press Association. Westport, Aqgust 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., Jormerly Premier of Queensland, and latterly deputy-leader of the Labour Party in the Commonwealth Parliament. Although comparatively speaking a new man in the Australian Labour movement, said Mr. Holland, ho was one of its strongest personalities. Ho 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 tho voice of the movement, and ho 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 ho was one of the most conspicuous figures,* and likewise one of the most powerful Influences. On all sides he wag regarded as the soundest exponent of constitutional law*. He was an intrepid fighter where working-class interests were affected amj it could b» truly said of him that he died in the fighting lines, for his death was the direct , result of hi* active amj energetic participation in the Maronoa by-election' campaign.