LABOUR CONFERENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 March 1940, Page 5

LABOUR CONFERENCE

TRIBUTE PAID TO LATE LEADER PLEDGE TO CARRY ON MISSION. IMMEDIATE ADJOURNMENT.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The 750 delegates to the annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party stood in silence when the conference formally resumed yesterday, as a mark of respect to the-memory of the late Mr Savage. The conference concluded after the passing of a motion expressing regret at Mr Savage’s death and paying tribute to his qualities. In the normal course of events, the conference would have sat yester-, day and today, but yesterday the national president, Mr James Roberts, notified delegates that in the circumstances it was deemed advisable that the conference should terminate immediately after the passing of an appropriate motion, which he moved. Remits not discussed were referred to the incoming executive. The motion was: — “We the delegates attending the twenty-fourth annual conference of the New Zealand Labour Party, voice our deepest sorrow at the death of our beloved leader, the Rt Hon Michael Joseph Savage, Prime Minister of New Zealand. With grief-laden hearts we record our great sense of personal, party, and national loss, which is irreparable. While we deeply deplore the tragic fact that he has passed away in the midst of his labours for the people of New Zealand, Maori and Pakeha, particularly for the mothers, the . children, the aged, the sick and infirm, and all those who needed the helping hand of kindly and sympathetic assistance, we are comforted by the fact that thousands have benefited by his life’s work, which will continue to bring happiness, to future generations and be a lasting memorial to his name. We pledge ourselves to carry on the great humanitarian mission to which Mr Savage’s whole life was dedicated.” The delegates then dispersed. Most of them will remain in Wellington till the weekend.

HEARTFELT SORROW EXPRESSED BY VISCOUNT’ GALWAY. ADMIRATION FOR MR SAVAGE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Deputy-Prinie Minister, Mr Fraser, has received the following letter from the Governor-General, Viscount Galway:— “My Dear Mr Fraser,— “My wife and I have learned of the passing of Mr Savage with heartfelt sorrow, and we should like to convey to you and to the members of the Government our deepest sympathy on the loss of such a distinguished leader. “As Prime Minister. Mr Savage guided the destinies of this country through what have proved to be five years, and those who, like myself, have had the opportunity of being closely associated with him during that period could not fail to appreciate and admire his firmness of character and honesty and steadfastness of purpose.

“I gratefully recall his fortitude during the various crises of that period, terminating with the outbreak of war, and his determination that New Zealand should play a part worthy of her destiny in helping the cause of the Allies.

“The outstanding feature of Mr Savage’s character seemed to he his kindness of heart, and the wish to improve the lot of those less fortunately placed. His charm of manner, simplicity of character, and his ever evident desire to avoid personal, advantage or popularity earned for him the respect of all true New Zealanders by whom his loss will be deeply mourned. “Yours sincerely, (Sgd) GALWAY."