A NATIONAL LOSS.
The Dominion is not so richly endowed with public men worthy of a place in the front, rank that It can well afford tho loss of a man like the late Leader of the Liberal Party, the Hon. W. D. S. Mac Donald, whose sudden death on Tuesday night will be sincerely and deeply deplored. Mr. Mac Donald was first elected to Parliament in November, MO3, as the representative for Bay of Plenty, and retained that seat up to tho time of his death. On the formation of the short-lived Mackenzie Ministry in 1912, Mr. Mac Donald became Native Minister and Minister of Public Works, and during his five months of office proved a painstaking, courteous and able administrator. When the defeat of Sir Joseph Ward at the last general election rendered, necessary the appointment of another Leader of the Opposition, it was evident that the choice must fall on Mr. Mac Donald, and this happened. His sudden death will be regarded as a national loss, for he was a man of high ideals, broad views, and pleasing personality. Owing to ill health recently, Mr. Mac Donald had not the opportunity of fully demonstrating his ability as Leader of an Opposition that had become considerably decreased in numbers, but he had gained the respect and esteem of all members of the House, and would assuredly have added to his good reputation had he not been removed by the hand of death. He had reached a time of life when his services to his country were of great benefit, and we join in the regret which is universally felt in the Dominion that so promising a life should have been brought to an end at ft comparatively early | stage.
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Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1920, Page 4
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291A NATIONAL LOSS. Taranaki Daily News, 2 September 1920, Page 4
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