LATE HON. J. GRIMMOND

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1925, Page 4

LATE HON. J. GRIMMOND

lu the House oil Friday night the following references were made to Habile Hon .1. Griinnioi-d : Til Hon J. G. Coates said the late Joseph Griminond, M.1..C. was horn in Ireland in 1842 and came to New Zealand via the Vh-iorinn goldfields, and was ever a miner, lie was 111 the Gabriel’s Gully rush in 1895, and

in many mining matters was very success rul. Mayor of Boss for 10 years, lie was elected in 1887 as member for Westland, but in 1800 was defeated by B. J. Seddon for the same seat. In 1918 lie entered the Legislative Council. “He was a man of the hardy old type, and a man who managed to retain his youth.” said the Prime Minister of him. “He was loud of young people’s society, and could always look on the bright side of things. His death snaps another link with the older generation. New Zealand was good to him, and he gave of his host to New Zealand.”

“We all called him ‘dad.’ Everyone in this House called him ‘dad, Mr Wi I fori I added to Ihe tribute of the Leader of the Government. “He was one of the most kindly and generous of souls, and lew men hived race meetings as the old gentleman did. The name ‘West Coaster’ was an open sesame to his heart and fo his pocket. He was a most generous giver. and one whom this House can illafford to lose.

Mr J. O’Brien (Westland) in lib tribute said that tho dead legislator was a, man who had helped to mould the country, lit- belonged to the old-

time type, the digger type, and everyone loved and respected him. lie was It) limes .Mayor of Ross and live times chairman of the YNesthmd County Council, and his death had removed from the West Coast one who was universally loved.

The Minister for Tamils (Mr G. -I. Anderson) dropped a. kindly phrase; about 11 'legislator who had borne the bunion of the early days. Mr J. Horn (Wakalipu) referred to him as a man of the old stock, and Mr Holland as a member of the “vanguard, a pioneer who carried the rollicking spirit ot the early gold digging days with him wherever lie went. He was, too. tho one member of the Legislative Council to contribute to the Labour Parly’;' funds.