MR. FORBES TRIBUTE

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 657, 9 October 1933, Page 5

MR. FORBES TRIBUTE

COUNTED AS A FRIEND Wellington, Sunday. The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G.W. Forbes, issued the following statement to-night: "It came as a great shock to me when I heard the sad news of the death of Mr. Holland, Leader of the Opposition. . "Those of us who were.in the House on Friday afternoon little thought that we would no more see his familiar face. He was a forceful debater and his speeches were of a high ord-. er, giving evidence of careful study and serious thought, hut no matter how heated the debate hecame, he never dealt an unfair blow. "In the arrangements which had sometimes to be made between myself as the Leader of the House and himself as Leader of the Opposition, his word was his hond and' while it was not lightly given, when it was given, it was never departed from in letter or spirit. "He was a close student of Parliamentary history and procedure and was most zealous in upholding the dignity of the House and preserving the rights of its members. His death leaves Parliament the poorer and there is no doubt that his party has lost a leader whose only thought was i its interest. My ' long associa- i tion with him in Parliament, although in different political camps, gave me knowledge of his sterling qualities and made me feel that I could count him as a friend. ' My deepest sympathy goes to his wife.and family in their sad bereavement." Dec'eased was born at Giniderra, near Canberra, N.S.W., on June 10, 1868. He was educated at Stone Hut School, Canberra, and at Giniderra public school. At the age of 14 he was appruiticed to the printing trade and served five years on the Queanbeyan Times He was for many years conneeted with the Labour and Socialist movement in Australia, and in 1901 led the great strike of tailoresses in which 2000 wom,eh and girls were involved. He suffered imprisonment due to his.writings and speeches in 1896, 1909 and 1913-14 at Newcastle, Brokcn Hill and Wellington. He came to New Zealand to benefit his health in 1912 and in 1914> and 1918 he contested the Wellington North seat. In 1913 he figured prominently in the endeavour to solulify the forces of Labour in New . Zealand and as editor of the "Worker" he was strongly opposed to conscription in the war. In May, 1918 he was ■elected for Grey on the disqualification of P. C. Webb. When the Grey electorate was wiped out in 1919 he contested Buller and has retained the seat ever since. He was the . author of many political puhlications his principal one being "Armageddon or Calvary" (a history of New Zealand conscientious objectors). He also Wrote pamphlets on "The Paris Commune," "The Marxian Theory of Value," "Indentured Labour," "Boy Conscription," "Samoa," "Red Roses on the ■ Highway," etc..