MR BATCHELOR'S DEATH

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 93, 10 October 1911, Page 5

MR BATCHELOR'S DEATH

TRIBUTES TO HIS STERLING QUALITIES. 8r» Cable—Press Association—Copyright Melbourne, October 9. Mr. Batchelor was walking, and remarked that 'he had not had much exercise lately, and' was not feeling in good form. He then fell forward, dead. Mr. Fisher was .greatly affected by the news, lie described Mr. Batchelor as an ideal Minister and the most popular man of the party. Tha newspapers pay tributes to Mr. Batchelor's sterling qualities.

THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. Received 10, 1 a.m. Adelaide, October 9. The South Australian Government is carrying out the arrangements for the late Mr. Batchelor'* funeral. SIR JOSEPH WARD'S CONDOLENCES. TRIBUTE TO DEAD STATESMAN. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Prime Minister. Sir Joseph Ward, to-day scut a cable message to Mr. Andrew Fisher. Prime Minister of Australia, ami his colleagues, and one to Mrs. Batchelor. expressing sorrow and sympathy at the sudden death of Mr. E. L. Batchelor. Minister of External Affairs. In the course of a conversation with a Times representative, Sir Joseph Ward said he knew Mr. Batchelor personally. The deceased gentleman was one of three representatives' of the Commonwealth Ministry at the recent Imperial Conference in London. Sir Joseph Ward said "good-bye" to him on his departure for Australia. Mir. Batchelor and his colleague. Senator Peaive, Minister of Defence, returned to Australia by way of Siberia.

■Anybody who had bad an opportunity of meeting Mr. Batcilieilor, said Sir Joseph, must have been struck with Ms practical common-sense. He was a very honest man. and took a very deep interest in the work of the conference.

"J feel,'' said Sir Joseph, "I am right in raying that all who had an opportunity to meet him there formed a very high opinion of hi.si capacity. I was very grieved indeed to hear of the sudden ending of so promising a man."

.Mr. Egerton Lee llatohelor was born in Adelaide .in JSli.l. At first a State school ttachcr. he was later an employee in the (liiven'iiment locomotive workshops, and was connected with the Adelaide branch of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers for a number of years, being four year* its president, lie was also president of the Railway Association, and secretary and president of the United Ijibor Party. Prior to federation he held olliie as Minister for Education and Agriculture in the Holder (lovernment, from ].S!I!» till lilol. when he resigned to enter the House of Representatives. He was .Minister for Home Allah's in the Watson Covernineiu. He was regarded as one of the mine successful members of (he party, lie was appointed Minister of External Affairs in. i tie Fisher (lovcirninent that succeeded the Deakiu-C'ook Administration in April of last year. Mr. J3atchelor accompanied his Prime Minister to London, and look part in the it cent Imperial Conference.