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Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1923, Page 2

The passing of Sir William Homes removes not only a. genial figure from the public life of this Dominion, but also a very good friend to and an admirer of the fortunes of Westland. Sir William was a type of Knglish gentleman of the highest standing, always considerate and urbane to those about him. His earliest visit to this district was when he was in the cool shades of Opposition in the late Mr Seddon’s day. Mr Massey accompanied Mr Merries on the occasion in question, and both made many- friends on that tour through the neighboring district. Mr Hetiies always expressed gratefulness for being so well received by the people on that oeeasiott and Westland had thereafter a very warm place in his heart. Sir William Herries was the type of man who was necessarily a good sport, and loved the Sport of Kings for the equine contests and not for personal profit. Sport loses from file inner circle of the political life probably its very U>st friend, for he wits one distinctly impartial in bis judgment, with the benefit of the fullest inside knowledge as to the operations of -port. Me was a scholarly gentleman withal, ami indeed a titan much above the average. He was n most likeable man and memories of hint will not readily pass away.

The report of the Wellington newspapers of the recent deputation to the Rt. Hon. the Prime Minister regarding timber royalties indicates that Mr Massey was very definite in his promise of a Royal Commission to settle the vexed question. ‘‘l think you may go home satisfied,” continued Mr Massey, “that tilings will he hotter in tliis respect—that you will get your commission, and it will be set up ns soon as can he arranged. You will have an opportunity to give evidence. There will bo representatives of the Crown and the Government, giving evidence ns well. I believe some adjustment is necessary, and I only hope that, in the readjustment, the finances of the country itself will not suffer. I cannot tell you that you are going to get any definite sum.” Thus is an as-

surance which there is every reason to expect- will be kept in its entirety. In any ease the local bodies having obtained so definite a promise will lie lacking in their duty if they do not see that it is fulfilled. Judging by the organisation adopted in Wellington the local bodies may be expected to do | their part. It means a great deal to them, for as matters stand, the forestry legislation cuts away the whole of thy rf-vpjt'V; uUimatc-iy, from timber

sources, and that on the face of it is not only grossly unfair, but a total departure from former Ministerial promises on the matter.