The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY, MAY 14th, 1925. LAID TO REST.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TH URSDAY, MAY 14th, 1925. LAID TO REST.

The mortal remains of the late lit. Hon \Y. F. Mwy. the distinguished Prime Minister of New Zealand. are Ix-ing laid to rest oil a prominent .site overlooking ■Wellington harbor to-day. The demise of Mr Massey has stirred the mmiiiunity only as it was onee moved liefore, and the two men were of equal eminence. Mr Massey had a cherry optimism in difficulties, and he must have had his share of daily troubles to face in the burden of the responsible office he carried. In the discharge! of

those responsibilities lie was singularly sin cessfnl. and the eulogies passed upon his life work show haw illustrious he became all round the world. In every part of the Empire he was known for Ills robust I mperialism. that germ of true patriotism which plates country first, in all things. Mr Massey by his demeanour must have exercised a great influence throughout the Dominion. In ill dillieulties his m lions were the examples lor others to follow. The matters w hi; It came before him for decision were dealt with with a firm hand politically, it ml then- was a readiness always to legat'd what he proposed t.s final. This happened in great tilings as in small. Whether it was a country deputation, or a large national question. bis decision tame to be trusted in iiu| li; illy. And in achieving this eon fid* 'ii o he accomplished il only by displaying a great capacity for work. He had to le familiar with all subjects, whether closely associated with his do; artnients or those of his colleagues. Ilis advice and dire lion tu Ministers tiil'sl have been invaluable, lifting them out of many a morass ot dillieitltv. and making the way easier. But in all walks of life lie showed the •same inter"*!. and to politiial opponents. a.s to friend, and be could In

very Immaii. a- many personal reniin i.-omr- are now disclosing. Aial s We find to-day all tersmial pdiliea feelings arc subordinated, and there r a wonderful m; t pouring of real hiiniiii sympathy. The tribute which will In

manifested :n Wellington 10-day will re-einpliadso all ibis. and show in a very tangible form how much the true inward feelings of the people ale in being. A .strong robust patriotism surli as Mr .Massey manifested is good lor the State. 11l itself it. establishes law and order, for it breathes the very a ! mosphere of loyal regard and thinking. There could he no doubt at any stage where the late Prime Mmister stood ill his regard for the maintenance of constitutional government, and looking to the wreck of European government we must feel how well it pays a nation to retain and to maintain to the fullest extent, stable conditions. Mr Massey was steadfast in that respect, and it was all to the benefit of the Dominion while his example was something for the leaders of other countries within the Empire to emulate. This thought has been put very well in the Christchurch “Press” and we propose to conclude this reference to the subject of to-day’s article by quoting the words of our contemporary, which appear to reflect our own views so clearly: No one can .succeed Mr Massey who is not Mr Massey who lacks his courage, his integrity, his constant sense of duty. So far as his work far the Empire is concerned it is a disquieting thought that a successor is almost impossible. But some one will follow him. and if there is to be no weakening of the bonds that hold the Homeland and the Dominions together, there must lie no departure from his simple and wholesome faith that the Empire is very soundly constituted as it stands. It is a fact that many do not yet. realise--lierlu.-ps because they are afraid to trust their own first thoughts- that Mr Massey has for live or six years contributed something to the praitical polities of the Empire whi.h far more brilliant men have not been able to supply. If New /calami as ‘ The Tiines” rays, is “a country of fine loyalties,” Mr Massey carried their loyalties into the deliberations of Empire, and more than any other statesman of his period made loyalty the beginning and end of Imperial wisdom. That is ] crimps the greatest hr.sou i f his life, and the most urgent message he leaves us in death.