PRESENTATION TO PREMIER

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3623, 9 November 1920, Page 5

PRESENTATION TO PREMIER

TRIBUTE BY REFORM PARTY, WELLINGTON, This Day. Members of the Reform Party in Parliament met last evening and presented an illuminated acTdress to the Prime Minister. In making the presentation, Mr. Merries referred to Mr. Massey’s qualities as a Party leader, and as the head of the Government. Mr. Massey had also done excellent work at the Peace Conference.

In reply, Mr Massey said it was the Party’s loyalty to him that had enabled him to retain the position he held. The Party had achieved success and obtained' good results, because it had not sought Its~own' aggrandisement, but had done what was fight in the interests of the country. He had been proud to represent 'New Zealand at the great Conferences held in the Old World, and one could not pass through those experiences without gaining a wider knowledge and getting a better grip of Imperial affairs. He wag' pleased his work was appreciated.

The address, which was framed in New Zealand woods, expresses hearty, congratulations on the victory at the] 1919 elections,'and states that Mr. Mas--' sey showed high courage and determination in the years following 1903, when with a handful of followers he ledwhat looked like a forlorn hope. A tribute was paid to his unfailing tact • tireless energy, and courage, and to his work as head of the National Government. The address, which bears fortybne signatures, concluded with 'arT assurance of confidence and loyalty.