HARKY HOLLAND

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 657, 9 October 1933, Page 4

HARKY HOLLAND

The death of Harry Holland removes from the political stage of New Zealand a picturesque and sincere personality w'hose passing hence will be deeply regretted by every section of the community. Few men have gone through such stern political battles against pitiless antagonism. Yet he finally won a measure of populaority which was rivalled by no other leader of the people today.^ His pathway to a seat in Parliament was, indeed, a thorny one. He suifered punishment and ignominy for his convictions with outstanding courage. As a militant leader of industrial Labour he fought hard to better the condition of the working people and his championship of their cause brought him three terms of imprisonment. He faced the payment of these penalties without flinching, but they left their mark upon his health for all time. He was never blessed with very robust health and it has only been the inspiration of high purpose and love of his fellowmen which have enabled him to retain his leadership and carry through the arduous duties which were attached to the position. But he knew in his deep sympathy with the people that We are not here to dream, to drift; We have hard work to dot and loads to lift. i He had the pluck to carry his load with an unselfish.love for the people which was recognised by all who had the privilege of his intimate aequaintance. We know of no party leader who has i ever had more unanimous, loyal J and willing support'from his foli lowers than Harry Holland. I There have been more strenuous and forceful leaders of the people. Richard Seddon and William Massey were of the type which had the iron fist beneath the velvet glove of leadership, and they knew how to use it as occasion arose. But it has been different with Harry Holland. The bright light of his purpose has been a guiding star to the men who served with him. His j sincerity and gentleness in j thought towafd all men won him a respect and regard which it j might not have been possible to ■ give another more forceful and j arrogant leader. Although connected with the Labour movement throughout the whole of his lifetime, Mr. Holland had not served a very lengthy period in Parliament. He was elected for Grey in 1918 and when that electorate was absorbed, he was returned for Buller and has represented that constituency ever since. But as a newspaper man and writer upon political subjects he has long exercised a powerful influence in Labour circles and it has been largely due to his untiring energy and unswerving devotion that the party has been raised to its present-day strength and importance in the country. As a man of advanced thought and an agitator in the cause which he ponsidered right, Harry Holland neeessarily raised many bitter opponents in the ranks of conservatism. But although in the early days of his career there were many to condemn his teachings, and many who even . considered him a menace to law and order, there have never been any in the land who doubted his sincerity. In his younger days he saw much suffering and hardship endured by the industrial class and he early- dedicated his life to their servicel Throughout -the years he has faced the storm of bitterness and hostility unshaken in his purpose, undeter red by failure or unbalanced by success. Much of that animosity and bitterness has passed from the hearts a,nd minds of the people and Harry Holland lived long enough in the land he served to know that he had won the. respect and affection of the ; people from one end of New Zea-

gone out with the thoughts of all men turned kindly toward him. The agitator of 1912 became the well-loved leader of 1933, and it is written in his work and life that he did not strive in vain to leave the world better for his labours.