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Hokitika Guardian, 7 January 1924, Page 2

l.x thinking these days of the pioneers a ltd their work in lhe past it is a pleasurable delight to see so many of the second general ion of Westland home for jubilee time. 'I lie Coasters are reputed to be clannish and always homelike. The young folk of the second and even third generation who have flocked here at this season of the year, proclaim at once that the trait of Const ohninotei has not died out. The call of tlie Coast in eonue; tinn with the jubilee celebrations, is being answered I.v hundreds of Coasters from all parts of the Dominion, and they have even < "me front Australia for the event. It is a very pleasant aspect, of tin* jubilee celebrations to lind that tile love of the i'M days and home associations are .sc much in the minds of the sons and daughters of the Coast, he they spread far afield or not. So this week and during these holidays we are having a gathering of the clans which does the heart good and makes the eye glad to see. It has an inspiring effect, for it means that there is nothing wrong genetically with the Coast, nr the men and women it has turned out. Particularly will it he a pleastlte and delight to the pioneers to know s () many are turning their steps this way just now for the celebrations. The thoughtful pilgrimage which so many are making, gives the occasion the home touch. It is the natural touch, and Coasters desire to he natuial always. From it all we may take further inspiration far the future, feeling sure that a people which has memories and affections for its home and home life, cannot go far astray. It means that in this great country of outs there is a leaven of stability about the people which has stood the lest of time, and left the people unchanged in regard to those natural affections which are the safeguard of our civilisation. Westland need not. turn-tire its worldly wealth in gold, or timber, or land produce. so long as it has a | eople sound in heart, leva! and true to i hcmselves and to the country, which has sheltered and fostered them. Westland is rich indeed I t voiid measure in having a contented, loval pcop!,- laigr- hearted, and devoted as they have been always to the bet torment of those about them.

(Ink of the great r-l ami meal- estimable characteristics of the true Brit»n i- that if lining a thorough “sport." 'I he goo) Britisher does not chase after mere empty baubles, hut. esteems ant victory or achievement for tho real viltuo that is attached to it. One cannot escape feelings of amazement, writes a correspondent in the I.ytte.lton Times, at the hollowness of the suggestion that Mr Massey should he allowed to remain in office for an extended period for 1 he, expie-s. purpose of surpassing i.lm late Mr Seddon’s record, in order to gratify mere perRonnl vc.nity, Tlio late Mr So'Tdon hold office entirely on the voice of the people, who hv overwhelming majorities declared again and again for him li cause of his 'Outstanding abilities and sterling statesmanship. He was removed from our midst, not as a fallen political star, hut by the hand of death, while at the zenith of his splendid political achievements. Had ho been lennilted to live, who can say ho would not to-day still have been retained hy the people ns the- head of the Government in this country? Tt is absurd to suppose that Mr Massey can in any measure equal, let alone surpass the record of the late Mr Seddon. When the voice, of our famous state-man was so tragically stilled for ever he had a genuine majority front Lite poof le of forty-eight ill a House oi eighty members, and was in the truest .sense of the term an unassailable political giant. Mow in (he mime of common sense can Mr Massey think of equalling this mighty testimony to Mr Seddon’s political worth. 1 There was no barnacle-like st ick-tn-oHire-b,v-an.v-means methods in that great record. It is an indisputable fact that Mr Massey has not for years held the position of Prime .Minister on the genuine, voice id the people. In charity, says the writer, he will leave the matter of the years of office and political metltotls at that. Beyond question he can never equal the Into Mr .Seddon’s tcoord. Mr .Seddon’s memory sLili lives, not only in the hearts of till true New Zealanders, hut far and wide as the strongt m and most colossal political figure \et known south of the line—a, memory that will live mi through generations t-vcuiis-o of liis great statesmanlike achievements and not. because of mere yeais of political office.