A TOAST.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 3, Issue 159, 6 January 1914, Page 3

A TOAST.

Riqht Hon. W. F. Massev, P.C Here's to you, William Masscy, f wish you every luck, J r 1 admire you for your stamina, your zest, and wondrous pluck. I'm glad I voted for yau; you've proved yourself a man To grapple with big questions, as only statesmen can. f * Long may you live to labour for the just and righteous cause. To stamp out all iniquities, and purer make our laws. Long may you lead the party, the party of reform, And whilst you steer the Ship of State she'll weather every storm. For all we passengers in her can rest secure from ill, When knowing at her rudder we've ' "good old farmer Bill." A strenuous time you've surely had, you know your way about. You can navigate your vessel, you've proved without a dcubt. Though storms Political arise, as Industrial storms arose, You'll cjpe with them, and conquer them, however rude it blows. Bo here's to you in good old Scotch, who will can drink in wine, Or tetotallers in water—so that we all combine To honour him who ha? done well; ob, had we more like you! Of high and sterling courage, so ' honest, brave and true

An optimistic statesman, who ne'er was known to flinch. Who ne'er retreated in battle, but aoes forward inch hy inch. lily glass is filled up to the brim, I'll' quaff it dry to thee; To Mr William Massey, Prime Minister and P.G. NIHIL NAMELESS. Drury, January 2nd, 1914.

NEWSPAPER COMMENTS. Commenting on the Kight Hon. W. P. Massey's appointment to the Privy Council, the Christchurch Press says: "Short as has been Mr Massey's tenure of office, his services to th* country have already been very real, and all classes of the community will join in congratulating him on the honour bestowed upon him by the King, and in the hope that he may be long spared to enjoy it." The Christchurch Evening Star, a Staunch Literal journal, says: "Political friends and opponents will join in congratulating the Hon. William Massey on being made a Privy Councillor. When the British Government conferred this dignity upon the late Mr R. J. Seddon, the innovation occasioned surprise, not unmixed with chsgrin in some quarters. Since then, Sir Joseph Ward has been made a right honourable, and the distinction has become automatic ai far as Premiers with any measure of public service are

concerned. Mr Massey had given many years of his life to ths public rin bis political capacity, and no one can fairly begrudge him the recognition which he has achieved."