TARANAKPS LATE MEMBER.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 September 1918, Page 4

TARANAKPS LATE MEMBER.

By the death of Mr. H. J. H. Okey, Taranaki and the Dominion generally have lost a faithful, hard-working and conscientions public man. The experience he gained on the Taranaki County Council was of great service to him in the performance of those higher dutiqs in Parliament, and, though not a prominent speaker in debates, he was a most useful member of committees. An outstanding feature of his parliamentary career was the pains he took over all matters brought under his notice by his numerous constituents, and the whole-hearted manner in which he discharged the great trust reposed in him by his constituency. Even those who could not see eye to eye with him in politics recognised Mr Okey's many excellent qualities, and respected the conscientious way in. which he served the district. As a public man, entrusted with the highest privilege of representing his fellows in Parliament, it can justly be claimed that he was loyal to the core. His deßth is a national loss, but it will be mostly felt in the constituency he so worthily represented. The fact that the late member was ao highly esteemed, and his work for the people so highly appreciated, may, it is hoped, soften the blow which has fallen on the bereaved wife and family. The highest tribute that can be paid to any man is the acknowledgment that he served his country well, and Mr. Okey worthily earned that tribute.