THE LATE SIR JAMES WILSON

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3964, 4 July 1929, Page 3

THE LATE SIR JAMES WILSON

SERVICES RECOGNISED. TRIBUTE PROM HOUSE. The House of Representatives on Tlnesday placed on record its high appreciation to the services rendered to New Zealand.toy cx-lmemtoers of the Legislature whose deaths had occurred during the recess. The Prime Minister, referring to the death of Sir James Wilson, sTiid deceased arrived in New Zealand in 1874 aud represented Foxton from 1882 to 1890. Palmerston froim 1890 to 1893, and Otaki from 1893 to 189(1. He was one of the founders of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union, and his interests in (he cause of agriculture were recognised bv the bestowal of a knighthood -on him in 1915. Sir James Wilson gave a lifetime of service t-o his fellow colonists in the Palmerston and Manawatu districts, aud was a splendid type of the pioneer settler. He was an upright, 'honourable man, who had earned the respect of every section of the community.

The Leader of the Opposition said that not only had Sir Jaimes a long Parliamentary -career, tout also a lifelong connection with local politics. His work probably was best known among the farmers of New Zealand. His death had marked the passing -of a, great pioneer. Mr. M. J. Savage (Auckland Yfiest), also paid tribute to the deceased, stating that -right up fill the time of his death l Sir James Wilson had talkien a keen interest- in public -matters. Mr. J. A. Young (Hamilton) staled- that Sir James Wilson was a •leader among the fanners, and was loved tnyall with wholm he came in contact. , Mr. W. J. Poison (Stratford) said that to Sir James Wilson the farmer owed much for the legislation that has been placed on the Statute Book in their interests. Mr. W. H. Field (Otaki) said Sir Janies Wiilson was -a founder of the Forestry League. lie was a lower of nature and was always pleased to give advice on forestrv matters. The Minister of Lands (Hon. G. W. Forbes) said that in the passing of the deceased the public had suffered a. great loss. Mr. J. Linkla-ter, |M.P., paid a high -tribute to-the late Sir James Wilson, whom he styled as one of New Zealand’s greatest pioneers. The late Sir James Wlison, said Mr. Linklater, came to this Dominion when quite a young man iand took up land in the Manawatu district nea(r Bulls, where lie spent most of his useful and active life when not engaged in public work.

-Seven years after his arrival in New Zealand toe was elected to Parliament and represented in succession, Foxton, Palmerston and Otaki electorates until 1897, when he decided to retire from polities to .the great regret of the people whom he represented. He did his work faithfully and well under conditions that cannot toe realised toy those of the present generation and during his life-time heHiad the opportunity of seeing the tonsil and swamp develop to the beautiful pasture lands of to-day. His chief activities were devoted to the furtherance of agriculture, and during his term in the House he was a strenuous advocate of any movejment in this direction. He had the confidence -of the farmers of this country and was President of the Farmers’ Union for 20 \ eaji's. He was also one. of the founders of the Manawatu Agricultural and (Pasteral Association, which has grown to a very large and important institution. When he retired from Parliament, he took up local body work and served on the Manawatu County Council for 30 years. He was chairman of the Hospital Board for a great numbejr of years and did a great deal for the sick and suffering in this capacity. He was also one of the founders of the maternity Lome at Palmerston, and toy work and financial assistance did a great deal to see ils establishment. In his life and work lie set an example that we all might well follow, for his time was spent largely in the service of others, and it can toe said of him that he died in harness, and worked till the time el' his death in his 80th year. I am sure I am echoing the sentiments iof thousands of New Zealanders when 1 say that this Dominion has been helped and enriched by the woilla -of Sir Janies Wiilson and is mulch poorer through his passing. Mr. J. A. Nash (Palmerston N.) said Mi ait Sir, James Wilson’s work among the farming comhnuiity would never toe forgotten. It was typical of him that almsot up till the oay of his death lie look a keen interest in the welfare of the country. The Minister of Health (Hon. A. J Stall worthy) said Sir Jaimes would ever remain an inspiration to (lie wide circle of friends who mourned bis loss.

Sir George Hunter said that Sir James had led a noble life, and had rendered memorable service to the country he had loved .so well.