THE PASSING OF MR MASSEY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 13 May 1925, Page 9

THE PASSING OF MR MASSEY.

Mourned throughout the

Empire.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AT THE ABBEY. By Coble—Frees Association— Coi'yrlftU. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association (Received May 12, 9.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 11. At the memorial service, arranged by the British Government at Westminster Abboy, for Mr Massej,. special seats will be reserved lor Mow Zealanders. The Lord Mayor of London has telegraphed the High Commissioner: “The citizens of London deeply regret the death of your Prime Minister. They happily recall that they added him to London’s roll of famous freemen many years ago.”

FLAGS HALF-MASTED AT

WEMBLEY.

TRIBUTES TO DEPARTED STATESMAN.

By Cable —Press Association —Copyright* AUltruliun uiul Is. L. Caul* Association (Received May 12, 7.55 p.m.) .LONDON, May 11.

The New Zealand office and. the New Zealand pavilion at Wembley are closing while Thursday's service is. li. progress.

At present flags are half-masted at •Wembley, and at aii New Zealand offices in London.

The Earl or iianfurly, on behalf oi himself and the merchants and residents of JDungannon, also the Mayor of Londonderry (Mr Macgee) and Lord Liverpool, sent messages of condolence to the High Commissioner s office.

Colonel Amery (Secretary of Statu for the Colonies), interviewed by the Australian Press Association, said: — “Mr Massey’s death is a great Joss not only to Neiv Zealand, but to the Empire.. I feel a sense of personal loss in the departure of an okL friend. 1 had the pleasure and privilege oi knowing Mr Massey for many years, alid during the War as Secretary oi the Imperial War Cabinets of 1917-18, 1 came into close contact with him. What impressed me most was the broad serenity of his. outlook during those anxious times, and his unswerving" confidence in ultimate victory, no matter how long the struggle continued, however difficult the problems. One always knew that Mr Massey was prepared to play up for the common good, and that he believed, with unwavering faith, that New Zealand stood with him. Ho was a most lovable, warm hearted, genuine mail.”

The New Zealand delegation at the International Council of Women at Washington cabled their condolences to Mrs Massey.

EULOGIES FROM UNITED STATES

MR MASSEY’S FORCEFUL

CHARACTER,

3 y Coble —Crest Association—Copyrifibt.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Aaaocia.ioii. (.Received May 12, 1U.50 p.m.) NiiiW YORK, luay 12

The “New \uAk Times,” in a leader, eulogises Mr Massey, saying that he * was by the lofce of his character, one of tlie statesmen of the new Pacific. New Zealand and Australia have been forced to think internationally and give special attention to the Empire’s policies in the Ear East. This explains the Vigour witli which Mr Massey protested against the abandonment of the Singapore base. The Singapore base to him, as to the leaders m Australia, was vital to the integrity of Britain. It whs largely owing to his efforts that- the Dominions >vero represented at the Washington Conference. Such was Mr Massey s hold on his own people, that only death displaced him. It is a curious paradox that in a country noted for ■its excess of Liberalism, a man, who by nature, was so staunch a Conservative, so long held power.”

FUNERAL AT ONE O’CLOCK.

TO-MORROW

By Telegraph—Tress Association,

WELLINGTON, May 12

Mr Massey's body will lie m state in the main vestibule of the Parliamentary Buildings all Wednesday, and for two hours on Thursday, when the public may view it Probably a servico will bo held on Thursday at Parliament House, but this is undecided until tho Moderator of the Presbyterian General Assembly arrives. , , . The funeral begins at one o clock in the afternoon. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 12. The control of traffic during the progress of the cortege at Mr Massey’s funeral on Thursday afternoon, is likely to prove a troublesome matter, owing to tho narrow' roadway alongside the water’s edge after passing Miramar Wharf. To obviate congestion, it is being arranged' that motor-cars will continue on from the point whereat passengers get out to go up tho hillside, and will travel round through Seatonn, back to the Evans Bay Roan, and so proceed- a second time past the original stopping place to pick up passengers after the graveside cercnionj is completed. Some relief of congestion on tho road will bo afforded by ferry steamers making special inns to Po-nt Halswell. Thor© w’ill be no Masonic ceremony at the graveside, but a- court of mourning will be held at tho Town Hall on Thursday forenoon in uiemoit of i»fi Massey, Who was Grand Master of the New Zealand Constitution. In order to allow as many officers as possible to attend the funeral, it has been decided to close tho Telephone Exchange in. Wellington, and all i o»t and Telegraph' Offices in the city ancsuburbs, from 1 pm. to 5 p.m. on Thursday.

. LAST RESTING-PLACE. oj Telerraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 12. Tho gunpit at Point Halswoll, which is being converted into a tomb for the late Prime Minister, is about 100 feet above water, and’ was constructed in 1886. It occupies a most commanding point in the Harbour, and was suggested as tho site for the Soldiers’ Memorial. An eight-inch gun occupied the pit, but it has now been dismounted and rolled down the hillside.

MESSAGE FROM BRITISH PRIME

MINISTER,

MR BALDWIN’S EULOGY,

By Teleeroph—Press Association

WELLINGTON, May 12. A telegram from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the GovernorGeneral, transmits the following from the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Stanley Baldwin) : . ‘ My colleagues and I have received the news of Mr Massey’s death with profound regret. Please convey our most deep sympathy to Mrs Massey and her family, and to the Government and peoplei of New Zealand. As Prime Minister, Mr Massey guided the destinies of New Zealand through twelve most troubleous and critical years. “Of his great service in fostering the growth and expansion of the Dominion others are more qualified than I to speak, but those who, like myself, have had the opportunity and of watching his work for the Empire, know how much we all have owed in these momentous years, to his wholehearted care for its honour, safety, and well-being. We gratefully remember Lis fortitude in every crisis of the war; his determination that New Zealand should play a part worthy of her destiny in helping the cause of the .Allies; his own unsparing efforts in that, cause, and the success which tliev achieved.

“At tho Imperial War Cabinet of 1917 and 1918. and at the Paris Peace Conference, he rendered conspicuous service, and successive Imperial Conferences since that time hnvo profited bv his wide human sympathy, his ripe experiedee in affairs, and his sagacity in Council.

“Mr Massey’s den Hi will not be a loss to New Zealand nnlv: tire whole Empire will mourn him to-day both as a man and a statesman, and many of us hero will long drer'sh r’re memory of a most genuine and lovable personality.”

FURTHER MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY.

FROM OTHER DOMINIONS

By Teleeraph—Press Association.

WELLINGTON, May 12,

The following messages have been received by His Excellency the GovernorGeneral ; From the Governor of Western Australia “I have been requested by my Ministers to send you the following message -‘The Government and' people of Western Australia desire to offer sir.ceresb condolences to the Government and people of New Zealand in the loss of their distinguished Prime Minister. (Signed) Campion, Governor.’ ” From, the Governor-General of Australia:—“l desire fullv to associate myself with tho Prime Minister’s telegram of sympathy on Mr Massey’s death, and I shall be grateful to Your Excellency if you will convey my own personal sorrow and sympathy to Mrs Massey. (Signed) Forster, GovernorGeneral.”

From the Governor of Newfoundland :—“My -Ministers and the people of Newfoundland desire to express their' profound sympathy with the people of New' Zealand' on the pass : ng of a great Imperial' statesman. (Signed) Allardyoe.”

Prom the Governor-General of the Union of South .Africa: —“My Ministers have learned noth deen regret of tho death of the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister of New Zealand. and ask that an expression of heartfelt sympathy in their irrennr/i'Tie, loss may' be conveyed to his ■family and to the people of New Zealand. Ministers recall the great services rendered bv Mr Massey to the Dominion of New Zealand and to the British Empire durinsr his long tenure of office, more esnociallv at the Peace Conference in 1919. where In’s wise statesmanship was of inestimable value to his colleagues. Please convoy an expression of inv personal regret and deep sympathy to the family of the <Tooeosfid statesman. fP'^ncd ) Atldone.” The Right Hon. P M. Bruce (Prime Minister of Australia') cabled “On behalf of the Government anti people of Australia. I desire to extend to your Government and the people of New Zealand cur sineerest s-’miiatliv in the loss sustained b v Nmv Zealand hv tho death of the "Right Hon. W. E. Massov. The outstanding qualities of the greet statesman will long he remembered hv the citizens of the Empire. and his place in the Con-mil of the Empire will he ditm.nlt fo fill. To his family our heartfelt sympathy is extended, and we trust, that the knowledge _of h-’s great and valuable puhl’e service wdll temper their sorrow in his loss.”

The following additional messages hn-o been roeei-md':— Erom the Duke, ef /bereorn. Governor of Northern Ireland- —"Tn th e name of Northern Ireland and mvself, T beg to offer the people of New' Zealand our truest sympathy in the death of her Prime Minister. His loss is a personal bereavement to us in tho land of his birth and ancestry.” R’r .Tames Cra-’g. Prime ‘Minister of Northern Ireland— l- On behalf of the Government, of Northern Ireland, 1 tender tn his relatives and to the Government .and people of New Zealand our warmest sympathy upon the death of Air Masspv. The Empire has lost in him a renowned statesman and Imperialist. and Ulster one of ho,r most distinguished sons. With a livelv recollection of his vis : t to the land of his birth, she is proudlv sharing the sorrow that will he felt wherever the ■British flag is firing.”

Lord Liverpool, former GovernorGeneral: —“To t'>e Government and people of New Zealand, the deepest sympathy of Lady Liverpool and myself and especial I v to Mrs Massey in her hour of need.” Sir Alfred Bowers, Lord Mayor of London :—“The citizens of London deeply regret the death of your Prime Minister, and are happy in recalling that they added him to London’s roll of famous freemen many years ago.” Lord Ranfurly, cx-Goveruor : —“The ’wincipal merchants ami residents of Thiwatitiou. w]io lately met Mr AEssev ,nn his visit here, together with Truly Ranfurlv and mvself, tender to the Government and people, of New Zealand our neere, sympathy on tlideath of tire Premier.” M« J. Gilhe-t Magee. Mavor of Londonderry:— “Please convey the deepest sympathy of t' 1 ' 1 citizens of T.-'mdon-rlo.rrv to vour Government and the re-1-tirns of New Zealand's lat' Fr’no Minister on the blow they and' the Emro Pave sustained in his untimely death.”

Messages of sympathy have been received also from the Quecri of Tonga, the Administrator of Rnmoa. the British Admiralty. the Agents-Goem-al in Gopdon. the Speaker of the CommonParliament. and Sir Arthur Myers.

HIGH COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE.

By Telegraph—Preai Association,

WELLINGTON, May 12. The following is a message from Sir James Allen:—

“With most profound regret have I heard of the sail news about Mr Massey, and I shall be obliged 1 if you will convoy my sincere sympathy to Mrs Massey and the other members of the family. The loss is great to them, and to New Zealand, his country, for which he did so much through many years of patriotic labour. His decease takes from Us the most ardent of Empire builders and supporters, and the colonies. Would you kindly procure two wreaths, one for me and one for the staff of this office, and would you place them on his last restingplace, as soine small token of our esteem for a great Prime Minister, whose labour here is ended, but whoso works will live after him.’’

MASONIC SYMPATHY.

By Telegraph—Press Association,

GREYMOUTH, May 12. The following telegram has been sent to Mrs Massey by the Deputy GrandMaster of New Zealand freemasons, Mr R. K. Richmond:—“The craft throughout the Dominion and the Empire mourn with you the loss of one whose guiding hand and high example Fere an inspiration to us all. May you be comforted and helped to bear it by the solemn pride which must be yours, that you were so closely united to a man so distinguished, -so devoted 1 to duty, and so loved.’l

HOTELS TO CLOSE ON THURSDAY.

By Telegraph—Press Association,

WELLINGTON, May 12. Mr Percy Coyle, president of the New Zealand Licensed Victuallers’ Association, states that it has been decided to close all hotels throughout the Dominion on Thursday from 1 p.m. to ?■ p.m., out of respect to the memory of the late Prime Minister.

FLORAL TOKEN FROM CHRIST-

CHURCH,

By Telegraph—Pre»* Aiiociatlon. CHRISTCHURCH, May 12. A very large number of wreaths are being sent from Canterbury for Mr Massey’s funeral.

' The wreath from the citizens or Christchurch is a large one, consisting of superb white chrysanthemums with a magnificent spray of. arum lilies and erica willmoreanna, and fronds of fern. The inscription reads: “A token of respect, appreciation, and sorrow, from the Mayor, Councillors and citizens of Christchurch.”

MAORI FAREWELL,

By Telefirspri—Proas Association.

NAPIER, May 12. Kurupo Tareha has sent the following message to the Native Minister, on behalf of the Ngatikahungunu tribes: ■‘Kindly convey to Mrs Massey and family our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy and sorrow in their great bereavement. We mourn the loss of this great man—a loss to the Empire and New Zealand, to pakeha arid Maori alike. “Farewell! thou giant of the forest,

in whoso enfolding bowers, We. thy children, in the past did find sure shield, From the wintry showers and the stormy blast. Farewell! 0 noble spirit, depart thou hence from this earthly mold,

To those eternal shades our ancestors

have betold, And find surcease from toil and pain

untold. Farewell! Our friend in need and friend

indeed’; . Depart thou hence with the western

wind, Our woeful dirge and doleful wail be-

hind, Lift ye up to Heaven in voice com-

bined. Farewell! 0 noble chief, farewell!”-

RUGBY UNION’S SYMPATHY. Mr H. H. Fraser, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, despatched the following telegram to Mrs Massey: “On behalf of the llugby Football Unions and footballers of New Zealand, we deeply sympathise with ydh and your family in tho loss of a great statesman and Christian gentleman, one who, amidst liis multitudinous public duties, vet found time to foster all true sport.”

MOTION OF SYMPATHY BY

POWER BOARD

At yesterday’s meeting of the South Canterbury Power Board, the chairman (Mr J. Kennedy) said it was a question whether the Board should adjourn out of respect to the memory of tlvo late Prime Minister. They were in the sad position of having lost the head of the country, and he was sure that members would join with him in deciding to ask their secretary to send a message of tho Board’s sincere sympathy with Mrs Massey and members of her family, in their groat loss. The chairman then proposed a motion of sympathy, and this was carried in silence, all standing. Thereafter tho meeting was adjourned for half an hour out of respect to the memory of Mr Massey. TIMARU PLUNKET SOCIETY. At yesterday’s meeting of tho Timaru Plunket Society, the chairman (Mr F. J. Rolleston) in making reference to the death of the Prime Minister, said that Mr Massey had been a good friend to the Plunket Society. In his death not only the Dominion sustained a great loss, but the cause of infant welfare also.

A resolution of sympathy was passed, after which the members stood in silence as a mark of respect.

OTAIO SCHOOL. The news of the Prime Minister’s death was received at Otaio School, while the children were assembled to salute the- flag. A verse of the National Anthem was sung, and ths Hag was then lowered to half-mast, as n mark of l'ospect from, the children for the. passing of a great statesman. Tho teacher spoke of chei nobility of Air Massey’s character, and his groat gifts of sta'icsnianship. and the children stood in silence, before being dismissed for the day.

Mr Sam Harris, on behalf of the Jewish citizens of Hawkes Bay, telegraphed to Mrs Massey : —“ Ilio Jewish citizens of Hawkes liav wish to extend their deepest sympathy and regrets to vou m your great loss, which is also the Dominion’s great loss, and a great loss to our race, to whom he lias always been a great friend.” At a 'meeting of the Hibernian Society (Timaru branch) last evening, tho

president, Bro. D. Pearse, _ referred feelingly to the, lamented demise of Mr Massey, and desired to place on record tho branch’s r sympathy with Mrs Massey and family. Before commencing the business of the annual meeting of tho Referees’ Association last evening, the chairman (Mr J. Connor) referred in sympathetic terms to the death of Mr Massey. A resolution of sympathy was carried with the relatives of the deceased, all members standing. The heads of West Coast local bodies will loave bv special express to-day to attend Air Massey's funeral. A united memorial service will be held at Creymouth on Thursday, when the shops and hotels will close. Numerous tributes to the memory of Air Massey have been paid by public men in and about Westport. All testify to his broad-minded statesmanship. The Alayor of AVcstport (Mr J. AV. ATenzies) telegraphed expressing tho deepest sympathy on behalf of the citizens of Westport. The County chairman, Air D. G. O’Brien, telegraphed to Airs Afasscy : “Afav .your dignity in sorrow overcome your grief.” The Gisborne Borough Council decided to ask all shops and businesses to close all day on Thursday.