A FAITHFUL HELPMATE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 123, 25 May 1923, Page 6

A FAITHFUL HELPMATE.

PREMIER'S WIFE HOiroirßEjj RECEPTION AT TOWN HA_l, A CITIZENS' GIFT. "A never-failing partner of all ijoys and sorrows, ever ready with v counsel and advice," were the to__ , which the Prime Minister spokeS Massey yesterday afternoon anH _T" could liave been more IJ J° n - he last night, when o_ iSjft citizens of all shades of politic opmion, Mrs. Massey -was presentM with a beautiful diamood neckk» and pendant. This was a happy M? dent m the course of a reception to w. and Mrs. Massey, attended by clos, mi 3000 guests. The reception took $5 m the Town Hall, -which was very taste fully decorated with native plants md greenery, and coloured lights. The guests of the evening were r. ceived by the Mayor and Mayoress and escorted to the body of the hall when the strains of the National Anthem poured out from the city organ. Later on Mr. and Mrs. Massey and Mr and Mrs. Gunson ascended the platform, Mrs. Massey being handed a handsome bouquet by Miss Margaret Gunson I In happily chosen words the Mayor expressed the spirit of the evening. He traced Mr. Massey, career from its modest boyhood to that of a highly esteemed Prime Minister. Patriotism to the land of his adoption and unwavering loyalty to the Empire were characteristics which Mr. Massey had ever displayed and which placed "all citizens under a deep sense of gratitude to him. It was fitting that an expression ot this debt should be made when theggit_ t of such splendid services was in the heyday of his career. On the present occasio_ it would be expressed especially to the Prime Minister's wife, and to mark their esteem for her he had much pleasure in asking the Mayoress to make a presentation of a diamond necklace and pendant to Mrs. Massey. (Applause.) Amidst much enthusiasm the Mayoress placed the necklace around -In, Massey _ neck. Simply but deeply appreciative was Mrs. Massey's expression of thanks for the gift and she then neatly turned the task of further acknowledgment to her husband—as one better qualified to speak in public. There was further applause when the Premier rose and thanked the Mayor and citizens. His services, he said, had been given in an honest desire to help his country. He paid a tribute to Mi colleagues who had helped him—the Hons. Downie Stewart and C. J. Pan were present—and attributed much of what had been achieved to their zealous help. The Premier smilingly told the audience that Mrs. Massey did not require anyone to speak for her. She was ahle to speak for herself, and well he knew it. (Laughter.) "She told mc to-night that she expected mc to thank yon all for this magnificent gift, which will he preserved and treasured in our family for centuries to come, but 6_e has often told mc that she could make a better speech than I can and that she could make it in shorter time and in fewer words." (Renewed laughter.), -fr". Massey, went on the Prime Minister, was an even more ardent Imperialist than himself. Though born in Australia, she had been a New Zealander except for the first three years of her life. He again thanked everybody »r their great and many kindnesses. (Applause.) Vocal items were contributed by 51-. Mina Caldow and Mr. Barry Coney during the evening. The necklace will lie on view in -»• Coltman's window in Queen Street.