A NATIONAL TESTIMONIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 179, 21 August 1909, Page 5

A NATIONAL TESTIMONIAL.

. TO MB. MASSEY. > '• ENTHUSIASTIC proceedings. Bv Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. A national testimonial to Mr, W. F. Massey, MJP., leader of the Opposition, was presented to-night at the Chor.n Hall, in the presence of a crowded gather by Mr, James Allen, M.P. for Bruce. Tile greatest enthusiasm prevailed. There were present a large number of members of Parliament and ex-members, Mr. F. W. Lang, M.P., presiding. The testimonial consisted of a cheque for one thousand guineas, a grandfather's clock, a set of table silver and diamond bracelet for Mrs. Massey. The chairman referred to the unanimity of the testimonial subscribers. In making the prestnation he paid high eulogies to .Mr. MasScy as a patriot, politician, legislator, and man. lie declared that had Mr. Massey liked he could have been not only Minister but the Premier. Always, however, he had refused to be an office seeker, and had been honest to the people and the dominion. Air. \\. h.. Herries, M.P., paid a glowing tribute to his chief, and saiu tne testimonial was the most spontaneous exhibition of approval ever given to n statesman in New Zealand.

■Mr. W. C. Buchanan, M.P., predicted that Mr. Massey would become Premier by the grace of the people. * Messrs. F. M. B. Fislier, D. 11. Guthrie, and D. Buick, ll.P's, and Mr. R. Monk, formerly M.P. for Waiteniata, also spoke, eulogising Mr. Maasey. On rising to respond, the 'Leader ot the Opposition was roundly cheered. He feelingly thanked the people of New Zealand for their magnitieeat testimonial. In the course of a vigorous speech, he claimed that the Opposition stood for honest administration, prosperity ani progress. Criticising the Government, he declared the country was heartily sick of the policy of talk and "taihoa." (Applause). The lands, public works,j railways and general .policy of the Go- ' vernment came under review, Mr. Massey particularly lamenting the fact that some of our best young men were leaving to procure land, in Queensland. They ought to be able to get land here. He hoped the aew Parliament would meet and get to work soon. The Leader of the Opposition returned thanks on behalf of his wife and concluded amidst prolonged cheers.