FAREWELL TO PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1921, Page 5

FAREWELL TO PREMIER.

SOUNDS NOTE OF OPTIMISM HIS MISSION TO LONDON. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. An “At Home” was tendered to Mr. Massey to-night by the Mayor. There was a large and representative gathering, and Mr. Massey received a warm reception. Replying, Mr. Massey said he hoped everything would go smoothly while he away, but in any case he was confidon* in leaving his colleagues, who were capable of handling any little troubles that might arise. “New Zealand,” he said, “is supposed to be under a financial cloud and I need not tell you she is not alone in that respect. Clouds, however, are not permanent or station-ary—'-they pass over—and X hope the time is not distant when the sun will shine out from a clear sky.” Speaking of his mission, Mr. Massey said he was out first, last and every time for a strong united Empire, with the Dominions partners of the Empire on the understanding that each nation manages its own affairs and makes its own laws, but does not do anything detrimental to other countries of the Empire or the Empire itself. “To a great extent,” he added, “we are. united by sentiment, which is more powerful than many people imagined. Sentiment brought us through the greatest war the world has ever seen. It means and includes loyalty to country, to Empire and to Sovereign, and let me -say no Sovereigns have deserved the affection of their people more than the reigning King and Queen.” Mr. Massey was cheered at the conclusion of his speech.