THE Pukekohe and Waiuku Times PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 1914. THE PRIVY COUNCIL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 158, 2 January 1914, Page 2

THE Pukekohe and Waiuku Times PUBLISHED TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS. FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 1914.

THE PRIVY COUNCIL.

"We nothing extenuate, nor set down auaht in malic,e."

We desire to extend our heartiest congratulations to the Right Hon. W. F. Massoy upon his call to the Privy Council, his name being amongst the recipients of New Year Honours at the hands of the King. Mr Massey, now Prime Minister of New Zealand, has been a resident of the Dominion during 43 years. He reached Auckland at the age of 14, having spent his school days at Londonderry (Ireland) whero he was born. The son of generations of farmers, the Prime Minister is himself a farmer, an<l has been identified with agricultural pursuits during all his years in New Zealand. His only regret is that the amount of time he gives to politics prevents him from giving as much attention to his farm as he would otherwise do. Mr Massey first sought Parliamentary honours in 189;5, standing for Franklin against Ma jor Harris. He was defeated, but the following year contested the Waitemata seat and won it. At the next election he became the representative of the Franklin electorate, which lias returned him ever since. Mr Massey has been in Parliament for over 19 years, was for several years "Whip for his party, and for over eight years Leader of the Opposition. His amendment of no-confidence in the Mackenzie Government led to the defeat of that Administration on July (>, 1912. Mr Massey was sent for by the Governor, and his Ministry was " sworn in " on July 10. The position of Privy Councillor is one of great dignity. His duties, as defined by the oath, are to advise discreetly for the King's honour and the public good, to keep secret His Majesty's counsel, to avoid corruption, to help and strengthen that which shall be resolved, to withstand attempts to the contrary, and to do all that a true councillor should do for his sovereign. He enjoys the the title of Right Honourable, and ranks in precedence after a Knight of the Gaiter. The council usually includes tliu members of the royal family, the English Archbishops, the Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of London, the judges mentioned as belonging to the Judicial Committee, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the ambassadors, the many ministers plenipotentiary, and colonial governors, the commander-in-chief, cabinet ministers, etc. Meetings of the council are held at the sovereign's residence but only those councillors attend who have been specially summoued. Again wo congratulate the Right Honourable Mr Massey upou being appointed a member uf this august body.