NATIONAL TESTIMONIAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9574, 21 August 1909, Page 5

NATIONAL TESTIMONIAL.

PRESENTATION TO MR W. F,

MASSEY. By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND. August 20. A national testimonial to Mr W. F. Massey, M.P., Leader of the Opposition, was presented to-night, at the Choral Hall, in the presence of a crowded gathering, by Mr Jas. Allen, M.P. for Bruce. The testimonial consisted of a cheque for 1,000 guineas, a grandfather's clock, set of table silver and diamond bracelet for Mrs MasThe Chairman referred to the unanimity of the testimonial subscribers in making the presentation Mr Allen paid high eulogies to Mr Massey as a 'patriot, politician, legislator and man. He declared that had Mr Massey liked he could have been not only a Minister but the Premier. Always, however, he had refused to be an office seeker, and had been honest to the people and Dominion.

Mr W. H. Herries, M.P., paid a glowing tribute to his chief, and said tbe testimonial was the most spontaneous exhibition of approval fever given to a statesman in New Zealand, "-"'' ""

Mr W, C. Buchanan, M.P., predicted that Mr Massey would bec? me Premier by the grace of the people. Mr Massey, on rising to respond, was roundly cheered. He feelingly thanked the people of New Zealand for their magnificent testimonial. In the course of a vigorous speech he viai'msd that the Opposition st?9l tor honest administration, prosperity anJ progress. Criticising the Government he declared the country was heartily sick of the policy of talk and taihoa. (Applause). The lands, public works, railways and general policy of the Government came under review, Mr Massey particularly lamenting tbe fact that some of our best -young men were leaving to procure land in Queensland, which they ought to be able to get here. He hoped the new Parliament would meet and get to work soon. The Leader of the Opposition returned thanks on behalf of his wife, and concluded amidst prolonged cheer 3.