THE PLEASANT SIDE OF POLITICS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13613, 23 December 1909, Page 8

THE PLEASANT SIDE OF POLITICS.

MEMBERS ENTERTAINED BY THE PRIME MINISTER.

EXCHANGE OF COURTESIES

(BPECIAL TO "THE PRESB.") WELLINGTON, December 22 The pleasant side of politics was ex emplified to-day, when the members of the House assembled at Bellamy's to partake of a complimentary luncheon, given by the Prime Minister. There was a large attendance, and, for the nonce, the discord of party strife was lost in harmony and good-fellowship. Sir Joseph Ward, who presided, had on his right, the Speaker (the Hon. A. R. Guinness), and on his left the Leader of the Opposition (Mr W. F. Massey). After tbe toast of the. King had been honoured, Sir Joseph Ward proposed tiij health of the Speaker, as representing the House. He 6poke of the present House as one of the best in New Zealand history, and said that, so far. Mr Guinness had not had a difficul+ task in maintaining order. Mr Guinness, in returning thanks, said that the present House was second to none that he had known during his Parliamentary life of nearly 26 years. Such gatherings as the present did much to give a charm to political life. In the heat of debate members often lost their tempers, and he rather admired a man with a temper. (Laughter.) But when he bad occasion to exercise the iron hand, which was but seldom, he always endeavoured to clothe it with a kid or velvet glove. (Hear, hear.) Tlie health of the Prime Minister was proposed by Mr Massey. "We are now," Mr Massey said, "approaching the end of a strenuous session, which has been very trying to the temper and patience of every one of us, and it must have proved particularly so to the Prime Minister. (Hear, hear.) We have dealt with a great many important matters, from national defence to national sport, and I may say there has also been a certain amount of Parliamentary defence ond Parliamentary sport. (Hear, hear.) But tell it not in Gath, although we have maele a certain amount of noise, it must be admitted that in many cases tho bullets have been extracted from the guns before the shots were fired, and very lit- ' tie damage has resulted." (Laughter.) Mr Massey concluded by referring to the approach of Christmas, the season of goodwill towards men and between men, and said that whatever may have been their political difference, they all entertained the highest personal regard for each other. (Laughter.) Sir Joseph Ward, in acknowledging the toast, said that he re-echoed the fine sentiments expressed by Mr Massey. "It is a good thing," he said, "aftor we have fought our battles on the noor of the House, that, wo can meet together in terms of good fellowship, and this does not make us any the worse as politicians." (Hear, hear.) Sir. Joseph then proposed the health of Mr Massey, and in doing so, laughingly remarked": "I have come to the oopclusion long ago that neither Mr Massey or myself have any temper to lose. (Laughter.) Very often some of the , members of each side of the House get into a terrible state of excitement. Mr Massey's friends, however, are oooled by tho calm, soothing influence of their leaders (laughter), and lin turn—in a quieter wajc, .perhaps (laughter)—have to exercise the same restraining influence on the young colts on our side of a T°i? S6 daughter). Mr Massey b^*-*** 6 of ten crossed swords, but all the thrusts have bee? political ones, and we have never hurt one another personally. (Hear, hear.) I trust that Mr Massey wdl have a long and happy life. I will not say that I hope that he wi 1 always occupy his present position (laughter)_he naturally has ambttions; in another, direction (hear, hear) -but of course I do not wish him to dispossess myself or any of my colleagues. (Laughter.) With that reservation, I wish him every success." (Laughter.) Sir Joseph hoped that Mr Massey and all other members would t^j£s*^ a Vir? a A tlxeir own tables to partake of their Christmas dinner, thecomphments of the season. Mr Massey briefly returned thanks and reciprocated the kind wishes of ? m i^ nm6 i Mlni3^ r ' ™ h ° frounced, amidst applause, that he had just ceived a telegram from nouncmg that Mr Baume wasXdfng the journey to Auckland very weU Be g£am to Mr Baume conveying seasonable .greetings to himself andMra with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."