SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 21, 25 September 1913, Page 2

SIR WILLIAM RUSSELL.

PARLIAMENTARY EULOGIES. [Per Press Association.] Wellington, September 24. The Legislative Council met at 2.30. Immediately after formal business and been transacted the Hon. F. H. D. Bell rose to move a motion conveying die Council’s high sense of the respect it held to the memory of the -ate Sir William Russell, and of sympathy with his widow and family in their sad bereavement. Speaking with considerable emotion, Mr 801 l said that only the other day the late sir William had begun what all hoped would be a fitting end to a long parlianentary career. He had known the mte'Sir William all his life, had been honored with his personal friendship for more years than he cared to count, and it was upon the man he had known chat his> memory now dwelt, rather chan upon the faithful public servant. He moved the motion which he was about to submit to the Council in che' full knowledge that no words spoken in eulogy of the dead man were more than deserved, for he was a man who made no enemies, blit so conducted 'himself towards his fellow man as th make all who J knew ‘him feel that he -was their friend. When to this we added his long public career, we were sometimes apt to forget that he had been a gallant soldier, proud of hi: profession, or that he was an earh colonist, and as one of the old school they should always , remembe. jipw quietly and , with what dignity ue had ever preserved his honor , ana .conduct of his life. U( - y. }. *, ,/fhe motion was seconded by the Hon J. I). Ormond.

..'To these tributes were added thosof the lion. Captain Baillie, Hon. T. Kelly and the Hon. C. H. Mills. The . motion,. being put v. as carnet, in anc|, the Council then, joVu-nri till Friday next.

The House met at 2.30 in conne-> don with the death of Sir William Russell, M.L.C. The Prime Minister moved: “That this House places on record its high .sense of the faithful sendees rendude to the country by the late Sir \\ illiam Russell, Knight, Member of the Legislative Council, and respectfully tenders to his wife and family its assurance of sympathy in their bereavement.” Mr Massey said he knew, that the country had never known a more honorable gentleman than Sir William. He had known him in prosperity, he had known him in adversity, and he could say there never was a more unassuming, unaffected gentleman. He was one of the very best types of tho British race and British colonists. His personality would never be forgotten. He had lost one of the best and closest friends, and New r Zealand had lost one of its best and truest gentlemen. Mr G. W. Russell expressed regret that Sir Joseph Ward was unavoidably absent, and. that the duty of adding to the Opposition’s tribute devolved upon him. To know Sir William Russell was to love him, respect him and admire him.. Captain Russell (as he was then) bore himself nobly as Leader of the Opposition, to the admiration of his friends and political opponents, and no one could study his character without realising his gentlemanly amiability and natural chivalry and courtesy. He w r as one of Nature’s gentlemen and had left an example in the politics of this country of which New Zealand might he justly proud, and which would be a priceless heritage to the youth of the country in days to come—an example of fidelity and self-sacrifice and devotion to principles that he held. On behalf of members of that side of the House, he tendered to his wife and family their sincerest sympathy. Sir William Russell had passed away from their midst a great statesman and a true sportsman. God rest hie soul I

Messrs G. Hunter, J. V. Brown and H. M. Campbell referred in sympathetic terms to the deceased, and the House adjourned until 2.30 to-mor-row as a mark of respect, SIR JOSEPH WARD’S TRIBUTE. Wellington, September 24. The following telegram has been received by Mr G. W. Russell from Sir Joseph Ward, who is at present in Christchurch“ Kindly express my deep regret at the death of Sir Wil-

liara Russell. He was one of the most chivalrous men who added J.gnity to the public life of the Dominion and gave a high tone to its public life. Men of all shades of politics will regret the loss of a gentleman who worked so long and faithfully to promote the welfare of the Dominion. I join with my brother members in tendering sympathy to Lady Russell and her farailv.”