The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, DECEMBER 22nd, 1921. THE HOUR AND THE MAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 December 1924, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, DECEMBER 22nd, 1921. THE HOUR AND THE MAN.

It is a matter for very great regret that the health of the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey is giving so much concern that his retirement from the premiership is even suggested. Mr Massey has reigned so long that it would he sad indeed that health reasons should drive

him from olliee. llut such seems to he the ease, ami already the political (|iiidntiucs are speculating a.s to hi.s possible successor as leader of the party. Mr .Massey has so distinguished himself over .so long a term and held such undisputed possession of the leadership, that it is dillii lilt now to eomeivc the Deform party without Mr Massey at the head. Of course time is an iufallihle test, hut Mr Massey has Is-eil so enduring, and during this year up to the dose of the late session, was so much in the forefront that it is difficult to realise hi.s health is in such a

state that his .successor is now a matter for close speculation. Mr Massey has occupied the premiership since duly. 1912, and lias thus l»vn in olliee for over twelve years. .Mr Scddon’s record is longer, for lie took olliee in May, 189.'1, and retained the position till his demise in dune. iDOfl, just over thirteen years. The vigor Mr Massey lias shown during his term of olliee has proved him to he a man of robust health, but be lias been under a heavy strain, and lias bad to carry a great burden personallv. 11 <• has passed

tliroiif'li strenuous times in :i very re,s|>onsilile position-;-and litis ticliieved tlio outstanding record of hoine the only Prime Minister who has weathered the political turmoil of the war period and its aftermath. Wo should hope that it is not yet necessary to speculate too closely on his prohahle successor, hop-

mg that with tno relaxation loiiowing a difficult session, and a less serious period of financial stringency ahead, be may recuperate sufficiently to retain bis post, and meet the House again with bis uncustomed vigor and resource. As to a successor it is satisfactory to know that if there are not rivals for the post, there are at least Ministers with a degree of eligibility which suggest that the party contains some lieutenants worthy of consideration. The names most freely mentioned are Hon. Mr Coates, Hon. Mr Parr and the Hon. Mr Mcbeod. The last named as Minister of bands has been touring the South Island of late, and bis preference lias been strongly urged by a Southland paper. This was taken up by tile mouthpiece of the party—the Wellington "Dominion”— which is somewhat significant. Mr Parr will have the Auckland prestige behind him should there be occasion for ;i change, but Itlie Minister likely to make the greatest appeal throughout New Zealand is Mr Coates. Mr Coates lias Liberal leanings which would stand him in good stead. He lias proved a

hard-working Minister handling big issues. Tie lias gained tremendously in experience during bis term of office, wherein bis frankness has been a characteristic. All things considered, if a change should become a necessity in the near future for health reasons,—which we sincerely hope will not

be the ease—Mr Coates seems to have the best qualifications and general experience for the position.