The Guardian. AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16th, 1921.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 February 1921, Page 2

The Guardian. AND EVENING STAR, With which is incorporated “The West Coast Times.” WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16th, 1921.

PRIME MINISTER’S. VISIT. Mixistkiuai. visits to Westland are few and fleeting, and a visit irom the Prime Minister is a rare event indeed

nowadays. Mr Massey’s p rescue l amongst us this evening, however, wil be none the less welcome, and we an sure that bis reception, as it deserve: to be, will be a very cordial one iron this community. His high and bon otirnhlc positiifti in the country is full; appreciated, and as such alone bode serves the fullest recognition. How ever, he comes amongst us at a tiim when he is not only extremely bus; with large and important matters o State affecting internal and externa affairs, but also at a time when lie it preparing for a somewhat importaui mission to the Old Country. Mr Massey is fulfilling rather more than a Minister’s part in the present Ministry and having so lately lost such able lieutenants as Sir Janies Allen, Sir Will Fraser and Sir Win. Merries—all men of ripe parliamentary experience—lu •must have bis bands particularly full to-day in seeking to direct .the affairs of tlie country with so many “colts” in bis team. Mr Massey appears to shoulder his burdens lightly, and one of the reasons'which makes his visit welcome is to acclaim him for bis personal worth during strenuous times, and by an expression of genuine appreciation encourage him to go forward with the task 'ie appears; to take such a delight in handl-ing-heavy though his end may be at times. Tt cannot lie said that party polities obtrude very much these times. The war period brought parties together, and the national government period created an atmosphere that is far from dissipated yet. There is, in point of fact, no very active political opposition to the Government. Certainly the accredited opposition party was laid low at the last General Elections and by apparently common consent, tho Government lias had very much its own way since. The Leader of the Opposition is but seldom heard of. Criticsm on party lines is seldom even whispered nowadays, so that Mr Massey appears to be enjoying a unique position of affairs. However, in favor- j ing Westland with a visit to-day, we can only anticipate to-night’s welcome 1 by ourselves and saying how pleased the j public will be to see Mr Massey among them ill good heart. They recognise his service, an ! they recoejiisp bis worth, and in appreciating the man and bis office they cannot as loyal citizens do less. We are sure the people of Westland will manifest to Mr Massey, as they did to Sir James Allen, that they are with the Government in the desire to see law and order upheld. The people believe in the fair deal all round, for Westlnnders are democrats all. Mr Massey we hope will be helped and encouraged by his flying visit to the, district. It is very brief as all Ministerial visits are of late-

and an some recompense we hope Mr Massey will depute one of his Cabinet Ministers to tour Westland as a whole so as to have a first hand record of the needs and requirements of the hackblocks of Westland where the future of the district is being steadily built up.