OUR STATESMEN.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 21 August 1901, Page 2

OUR STATESMEN.

Some years ago the Party now in power organised and succeeded in getting sufficient funds to erect a statue to the memory of the late Mr. Balance, for which they are deserving of credit. Another movement is now on foot with the object of paying a like tribute to the late Sir John M'Kenzie, which is also a fit and prop'er proceeding for those who have so long worked side by side with the late Minister of Lands. But why should we forget one who in by-gone years worked so assiduously for the welfare of the colony, who both as soldier and statesman showed how he loved New Zealand; who by many beneficial measures indicated his sympathy with the people and endeavoured to better their position ? He it was who first proposed a general pension for old age, of which the present Old Age Pension is the outcome. It was during his premiership that Mr. Eolleston’s famous land laws were past. These laws were the foundation upon which the late Sir John M'Kenzie built his admirable enactments He it was who as Colonial Treasurer took over the reins of Government when the country was on the brink of insolvency, and by judicious care and statecraft placed New Zealand’s securities on a sound footing. After long years of public service, his health at length broke down and he passed away in comparative poverty. Certainly when the history of New Zealand is written his name—Sir Harry Atkinson—will be found prominent among those who, in the younger days of the colony, took a prominent part in the general advancement of the colony, and in this way his memory will be perpetuated. At the same time something more might be done, something akin to what is now being done for Sir John M'Kenzie. It is a movement in which the Premier and Captain Russell might well go hand in hand in ; both were intimate friends; both appreciated his sterling worth, though one—-our Premier—was on the opposite side of the H >use. Let these two leading men of the colony give the movement countenance, and success will crown the effort.