Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 12 May 1925, Page 2

N'ati'HAl.i.v there is a great tribute outpouring to the late Prime Minister. ,\lr Massey so filled the position that he loomed large from every angle, and in person as indeed, he "as a notable figure. Mr Coates the other day referred to Mr Massey as always placing his country first. In that respec tMr .Massey never failed New Zealand. In his Ministerial work his countrycame first. No matter how arduous the ] revious day’s task, or how late the hour retiring, the next nr,ruing he was in his office punctual to time, ready for the dispatch of business. He was a horn patriot in that there "ns never rea-.nl for him to neglect the doty he owed his office, through which in turn he served his country. With patriotism os the main spring of his activities, there could he no doubt about his fidelity of purpse, and his keenness to do all he could for the Donininn. Many fine eulogies are being j assed upon Mr Massey from the King, the King’s Ministers and ox-Ministers. the King's official repre-ontatives, and the King's Ministers who were the colleagues of Mr Massey through strenuous days. The tributes from political opponents are no less generous and e 'eh and all give a fresh sidelight to a very noble eharaeier whose life "as devoted to his

country. Mr Massey is being honored in all lands and rightly so. for service well directed and well given. His ehara t-er was like that of his great predecessor. MrSeddou. democratic, and lie remained of the ; pc] le. The interest in his work (sick man though lie must have been) carried him through a somewhat difficult session, and aim e then little was seen of him. For a time lie worked behind (.heed doors, and kept to his task till nature asserted itself and laid him on a painful bed of sickness. In the last few weeks ho underwent a time of trial and suffering, hut it "as characteristic of the man t u ar lie bore it with fortitude, end field on bravely to the end. It was typical of the man that it should le so. TI is

i ■ -Dengues are arranging to ac ord him what will tie of the nature of a nation-t-1 funeral. Tr is right to pay this last tribute of respect, and it is proper j that all parts of the country should he represented to do, him a final honor. In all quarters there will he deep sympathy for the family and for Mrs Massey in particular, who herself is on a sick bed of suffering. That is another sad aspect of the Frime Minister’s ending, and adds to the poignancy of the occasion. I-et us hope the universal sympathy expressed .will afford some

consolation to tho sadlv bereaved fain ilv.

•Mr .A I ass my lias been so identified with Hie polities of the* country for a good quarter of a century, that it "ill bo difficult to tliink of the political situation without counting him in. In his political capacity he ] roved a very adaptable leader. He had the lone of character to command and he could di-

rect- that with a firm but easy rein. Those who had to meet Mr Massey on public huciness met one who would give an attentive ear to what hud to he raid, and had a way of handling deputation- v.hb h seemed 1,0 satisfy for the time heiiiy at h-ast. those who had a mission to him. Perhaps his greatest task "as with his own party. In that (piatler he had to handle recalcitrant partisans at times. On one occasion "lien out of the country some of his own supi>ortors formed a “cave" and he retuiT.ec! to find his leadership in a precarious position. But he so handled the situation that he triumphed signally. There was, it "as said, some plain speaking on hotli sides at the interview, hut in the end the chief malcontents were drawn into the Alinistry (where .some of them are to-day), and all ended well. On another occasion when the party was in a minority, votes tiad to lie won over, and the task was managed hv Afr Afassay who with that way with him which was so distinctive, secured the support necessary to carry on, and the Afassey Alinistry reigned again. In the House he could handle difficult positions with a fine finesse. AI any a very difficult situation had to he faced, and on each and ('Very occasion. Air .Massey was aide to find a wav over the entanglement. As a. leader he was a great asset to Hc'lorm, which on more than on accasion lie saved from itself. His task was often the more difficult because he had with him the remnant of the ebl Conserva-

tive- who were ever slow in seizing opportunities and making the best of difficulties. In his usefulness he doc's not appear to have trained an understudy. one of whom it. could he said, there is the coining leader, the man to take his place*. In the Alinistry

(here arc three or four gentlemen who might claim in lead the Ministry, hut not, any uitli that combination of ehara-ter and action who could step forward and claim to lead as wisely and as popularly a- Air .Mass, y led. IVrltap’ Mr Ma -c. Itopi too mil'll to himself in ilia; he did too much, preferring to handle the difficulties, and saving his colleagues trouble. But thin'hits not hon e fruit to-day. when with the passing of the Prime Alinister there is no outs I and in g personage in lii< run party ready to take up the leadership "illi any surety of success.