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Rh colleagues were no less remarkable in their application to responsibilities, and New Zealand saw a rapid change over from the Conservative policy to the Liberal policy. The latter was marked by much reform in social life and industrial activities. The land administration was liberalised generously, and many changes enacted, including the initiation of a labour policy with the principle of arbitration established. His imperial policy was indicated by his response to the Empire position when the South African war ensued, and in other ways he showed the greatest affection to the Homeland with which he sought to create the strongest ties. His national work—in fact Empire service, too—is recorded in the public acts and history of the colony, as New Zealand was in his time, and need not be dilated on here, suffice to say that his passing drew forth a remarkable tribute from the people who revered his life-work and ultimate sacrifice (for he died at the early age of 61) as one of the greatest service to those who enjoyed the fruits of his good work, and which was the foundation for further enlargement as time went on.

“The West Coast remains indebted to him for his vigorous service on local bodies for a period of years, during which he was most active in striving for the opening up of the country. As a Member of Parliament, and