THE MASSEY TESTIMONIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 48, 22 March 1909, Page 2

THE MASSEY TESTIMONIAL.

U e have been asked to give our support to the proposal to make a national testimonial to Mr. W. P. leader ot' the (Ippo.iition, to intimate that tin* I subscription list.s are being circulated I and that the local committee will in l pleased to accept anything from a shilling upwards. We do no with pleasure. However one may difl'cr from Mr. .Massey's polities, there cau be no denying tlie- fact that lie is actuated by the Joftiest motives- the advancement of the interests of the country—and has not spared himself or hi<i private resources in the discharge of the duties attaching lu 111* office. We shall be pleased to see .Mr. .Massey honored. A national testimonial may be some recompense for his many years of iiksome and almost thankless labors. As to the term "national," it should not he cavilled at. Kverv testimonial for which suhserip- l linns are invited from the Hlufl' (.„ the 1 .North Cape is, in one sense, national. I : Whilst we liavo the party system—and *

that system is 100 iiimlv implanted In Jiu easily removed—a strong and intdiigent Opposition is an advantage. if not a necessity. to good government. It mailers nof if tlio administration lu l Liberal or Conservative/ Ail wlkko vision is not afi'ected bv parlv prejudice will admit the truth of tiiis. We have before expressed the view that we should <?opv the system obtaining in Canada of paying the leader of tlx; Opposition n salary in keeping with his oll'lce. It is not enough that lie should draw only the ordinary honorarium, and we are sure that the Premier would appreciably strengthen his hold on the country it' he recognised the fact and recommended its adoption. We hope for L\Jr. Massev. will all his political faults, many years of cfl'ort as leader of the Opposition.