THE STATESMAN AND THE MAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 12 May 1925, Page 5

THE STATESMAN AND THE MAN

A TRIBUTE Tn the course of a striking tribute "Ai.R.” in the New Zealand Times says:— In his long and honourable political career there are many incidents that mill become historical. Those who had the privilege of being in touch with him in England and in Franco when the nation was pouring out its life s blood on foreign fields —and also in those almost equally fateful years that followed the Armistice—knew with what courage h-_* fought for right and justice. Then lie made many staunch friends in high places. .Men who were foremost in the councils of the nations held him iiMiigh esteem. Dining with him in the Hotel Majestic at a time when many of the best brains of the Empire were gathered in Paris, one could not help noting how popular and respected lie was. Milner, arriving late on a hurried visit front London, and ce.miiig to dinner in his tweeds, would go straight to his table for a handshake and a few trieifflly words. A great jurist, who did not forget him in his last illness, would seek liis company and his advice. An Indian Prince in his khaki uniform and wearing the ribands of his orders, would detach himself from a picturesque entourage to give him friendly greeting. Henry Wilson, the great general and strategist, the friend of Fouli, was also Alassey’s friend. Alany other notables and the brilliant Secretariat paid tribute to his probity, his courage and Ids vision. The foreign delegations recognised in him a strong supporter of the British Empire and its Allies. COURAGE AND RESOURCE Afore recently, those who watched him in the Guildhall when Baldwin was receiving the freedom of the greatest city in the world—of which he, himself. was already a Freeman—were struck with his outstanding figure in that notable assemblage. Beside him were brilliant uniforms and gorgeous robes, yet the stalwart figure in the plain black coat dominated them all. His ruddy face and massive head and shoulders were in keen contrast to- the lean aquiline darkness of the rajah who stood beside him, brilliant in gold embroideries and jewels. In liis long and honourable career in New Zealand, there arc incidents that stand forth as striking illustrations of Air Alassey’s untiring energy, his courage, and resource, One such jyas liis prompt action when the Prince of Wales's itinerary became suddenly interrupted at Rotorua by the strike of the railway engine-drivers and firemen. The Prince’s staff and the British .newspaper correspondents marvelled when lie set out on that long and risky night journey over the dangerous roads that led him through the wild country between Rotorua and Napier, and thence, on to Wellington, with the object of settling the strike. REVOLVER IN ITTR POCKET Again, liis unflinching courage and resource were exemplified during the big strike of 1913. From one who was a. guest in the Alinisterial residence fn Wellington in those stormy times the writer has often heard the story <d incidents of which the public knew nothing. Through it all —even when his life was repeatedly threatened—lie remained wonderfully calm and collected. After breakfast, he would thrust Ins loaded revolver into' his pocket and set out on his daily walk from Tinakori Hoad to his office in Parliament buildings. One night some hundreds of the mob formed up with torches, and singing: “We’ll hang Bill Massey on a Sour Apple Tree,” proceeded to march upon the residence with the avowed intention of burning it down. Word was got. through to the Prime Alinister. Mr Massey was simply amused, “Oh, that’s all right,” he said. “Lot them come on. There are already a 'hundred mounted men guarding Tinakori Road, so never fear. They won’t go far.” And so it was. The valiant .incendiaries got wind of the mounted barricade "and halted at a cross street where, after a few hot air speeches the demonstration fizzled out. Alore serious was the situation one stormy night when the mounted men were marening in to Wellington from the country. The strikers were waiting for thorn at a dangerous'part cf the route ready with stones to stampede the horses; but. fortunately in the pitch darkness the horsemen, in strange country, mistook the wav. Airs Alassev and her friend waited for the return of the Prime Minister front his office. He had been anxious, knowing what was afoot, to get news of the arrival of the Contingent, and did not reach home until between two and three in the morning. “Thank God,” he said, “that in the darkness they missed their way on the hills, and came in by an unexpected route. They are all safe in barracks now, and the strikers are out in the rain still waiting for them.”

The last decade of his life was passed in stirring times, such as none had seen before, hut lie bravely shouldered his way through all the difficulties of the fateful years, his stout heart heating m tune to the march of a united Empire, which, with him, had become a passion. FRIENDS FROAI KING TO AIESSENGER He had troops of friends and they were in every walk of lile-from the messenger who served him faithfully in Wellington to tho King in Buckingham Palace, whom he, in turn, served with an equal faithfulness. He had tin extraordinary memory for faces, and always a cheery greeting for the humblest as for the highest. At times it, took the form of a merry wink, perhaps to the Press Gallery from the floor of the House, or to someone in the street who thought the Prime Alinister might not have noticed him.

His staff, which often perforce had to work long hours, had a great affection for th(‘ man, and served him with conspicuous loyalty. They spoke of him as “The Ohioi.” When, om the day of his operation, a heavy blow fell upon thorn, they were changed men and. women, hoping against hope for some ray ol sunshine. And they must have been saddened too, yet proudly pleased, with the new work that came to their hands, as, day hv day, they had to read and answer the tributes that poured in from friends and acquaintances and strangers in their own land, and, indeed, from all parts of the Empire. Tlis own persona! servant, Lewis, was almost brokenhearted when, after the operation, be feared that the end could not be long delayed. He was constantiy with him during his long illness, and belied the adage that no man is a hero to> his valet. ‘Won come with me to the liosoital, Lewis,” the Chief said, “you will do me- as much good as the doctors.” And Lewis went with him, fearing all the time that a great man arid a staunch friend was slowly passing away. The fortitude with which Mr Massey bore his last illness, and his strength of mind and body impressed all in close (iHieli with him. As he entered the Hospital on the eve of his operation, someone wished to help him up the steps at the door, but he scorned the proffered aid. The day after the opera

lion ho insisted on getting out of 1 ed, and did so, to the. astonishment- of all who knew what he had gone through.

NOBLENESS OF CHARACTER

It- was only when there were grave doubts as to whether his life would be spared for a few more years that one began to realise what a hold his kindliness and liis nobleness of character had gained upon the people. In Wellington—as apparently throughout New Zealand -the sad news oi the turn his illness had suddenly taken, caused sorrow deep and lasting. There is a pathetic human interest in many of the letters of sympathy that came pouring in during those days from all classes and from all sections of the community. It was but few of these he was able to see or read, hut lie was given to know something of their numbers anti ITic admiration and the love for the strong and honest man that breathed in their lines. The highest and the humblest, each in their own way, indicated their concern, and their a fleet ion, and their hope that Death would stay liis hand. But all the time those who were closest to him knew that this could not be. In the days when lie had to be a prisoner in liis own home, we never knew how rc-allv ill he was. He himself did not know. He never knew. One who sometimes used to sit at his bedside to cheer him with bright conversation and amusing anecdote, found him still an interested listener, and ever hopeful of being again soon able to take up the heavy burden he had laid aside. But this was rot to he. And now that he has set out on liis last journey—- ■ He sees behind him green and wide J lie pathway or liis pilgrim years ; lie sees the shore, and dreadless hears The whisper of the creeping title. For out. of all his days, not one Has passed and left its unlaid ghost To seek a, light, for ever lost. Or wail a deed for ever done. So for reward of life-long truth He lives again, as good men can, Redoubling liis allotted span memories of a. stainless vouth.