THE REFORM LEADER.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1415, 16 April 1912, Page 6

THE REFORM LEADER.

HIS SERVICES TO THE STATE,

(By Telecraph.-Spccial Correspondent.) Auckland, April 15. In a letter published in the "Herald" this morning, Mr. H. H. B. Wily, a wellknown icsident of tho Waniku district, "Speaking at Eltliain, tho Prime Minister challenged Mr. Massey to put a face value on his services to tho country against his (Air. Mackenzie's). Will you kindly alfow a humble supporter ol Mr. Massoy's to point, out to the Prime lliii-is-tei- that there is something absolutely priceless, namely, the moral fibre of a nation. Perhaps the Hon. T. ■ Slnckcimo has made thousands of pounds tor Mw Zealand by his handling or the frozen meat trade, perhaps his management or tho experimental farms has Hived many moro thousands; but when on those lour separata occasions during the past eight vears Mr. Massey refused the portfolio offered him because of his principles, lie did that which was worth, millions, could a price bo put on it. liy his action ho has made possible tho sweeping jwny.n-. those Tammany methods gradually being introduced. Mr. Mackenzie did not refuse tliD portfolio. During the last few years Mr. Massoy, without the help of his former friend, Mr. .Mackenzie, has fought against (lie Tammaiiv methods of that part}-, which Mr. Mackenzie formerly called "a parly of 'humbugs," while Air. Mackenzie " has been enjoying .the honnnrium and patronage of a Cabinet Minister. And what a hopeless fight it seemed till the numbers began to go up last election. Yet the seeming hopelessness of it did not deter Mr. Massey. Onco during a critical time in Rome one of her generals sustained a crushing defeat. The Senate could not decree him "a triumph." but it could, and did, give.him a vote of thanks because ho had not despaired of the republic. What a debt of gratitude this country owes Mr. Massey for not despairing of tho Dominion by joining the party of spoils to the victors and sharing in 'tlio patronage.