Massey Testimonial.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVII, Issue 4377, 23 February 1909, Page 3

Massey Testimonial.

We have received from the officers l of the Massey National Testimonial Fund a circular dealing with the proposal to raise subscriptions, limited to one shilling, for the purpose of making a national presentation to the Leader of the Opposition, from which we make the following extract: —

In initiating this movement, it is felt that, outside of the ranks of Mr Massey’s supporters and friends, there are many hundreds, probably thousands of people in the Dominion, who wil lbe glad of the opportunity of testifying to their practical appreciation of Mr Massey’s sturdy integrity and sterling worth. It was, therefore, decided to invite subscriptions of one shilling and upwards to a Massey National Testimonial Fund, and to seek the co operation of all interested in the movement.

Although opposed in politics to Mr Massey, we are by no means unable to estimate the value of his services as an energetic and valuable member of Parliament. The movement has our candid approval, so long as its success is not made use of as a weapon of political warfare, If such a use is made of it, it is manifestly unfair and disingenuous to appeal for support to people who, with all ,due respect for Mr. Massey as a membsr and Leader of the Opposition, are opposed to him in politics.

It would not be a bad idea for New Zealand to follow the precedent of Canada, land give the Leader of His Majesty’s Opposition a salary equal .to that of a Cabinet Minister.