MR MASSEY'S ILLNESS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18347, 2 April 1925, Page 8

MR MASSEY'S ILLNESS.

"CONDITION GRAVE." ISPBCIAL TO "THE FUBS.") WELLINGTON. April 1. The Prime Minister was not so well this morning, after a somewhat restless night. His condition is undoubtedly grave, but he is not suffering pain. Yesterday he was able to See his wife and other members of his family, as well as his private secretary: he specially asked to see Mr Thomson. Telegrams and letters of sympathy are pouring in from all over New Zealand, and from all parts of the Empire. The Hon. W. Downie Stewart, in New York, has been advised of Mr Masscv's illness. , His Excellency the Governor-General makes frequent enquiries as to the patient's condition. The following official bulletin was issued at noon to-day: — "The Prime Minister passed a fair, though rather restless, night, and is free from pain." THE LATEST REPORT. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) WELLINGTON, April 1, 11.50 p.m. The latest report of Mr Masscv's condition is that there is no change from to-day's bulletin, and that the Prime Minister is sl.ceping.

MOTIONS OF SYMPATHY,

Prior to taking the business at yesterday's meeting of the Lyttelton Harbour Board, the chairman (Mr F. Horrell) said he wished to move that the Board express its sincere sympathy with the Prime Minister in his serious illness, and also express hope for his speedy recovery. Mr Horrell said that, whatever their political beliefs, they must all feel sorry that Mr Massey should be stricken. The motion was seconded by Mr W. J. Walter, and carried. At a meeting last night of the Soft Goods Manufacturers' Union of Employers, on the motion of the president, Mr .T. P. Oakes, deep sympathy was expressed with the Prime Minister in his illness.

PROGRESS LEAGUE'S SYMPATHY,

Reference to the ill-health of the Prime Minister was made by the chairman (Mr A. I'. Wright) at last evening's meeting of the executive of the Canterbury Progress League. Members of all shades of political opinion, lie felt sure, joined in their admiration of the Prime Minister's sterling integrity of character. The League had no firmer sympathiser in Cabinet than Mr Massey. (Hear, hear.) He moved: "That the League express its sincere regret at the serious illness -which had overtaken Mr Massey, and express, the earnest hope that he might speedily be restored to health and strength." Mr W. T. Lill, a personal friend of the Prime Minister, seconded the motion, and stated, on behalf of the Executive, that their regret was sincere. He agreed with the chairman that Mr Massey had been a helpful friend to the League. Mr W. K. McAlpine supported the motion, which was carried unanimously.

NAVY LEAGUE'S RESOLUTION. Before proceeding with the business of the annual meeting of the Canterbury branch of the Navy League last night, the president, Mr J. J. Dougall, referred to tlie serious illness of the Primo Minister.

Mr Dougall said thai, lie was sure that tliev had all read and heard with regret of the serious illness of Mr Massey. In his opinion, and in the opinion of many competent people, Mr Massey had always shown an intelligent appreciation of the work of the Navy League surpassed by no one in New Zealand. (Applause.)" The Navy League had been much indebted to Mr Massey at various times for the courtesy and the attention ho had paid to the representations made to him, and more particularly for the way in which lie treated their representations in respect of a second cruiser for New Zealand waters. There were many other things in respect of which Mr Massey had taken action as the result of representations made by the Navy League in the interests of the whole Dominion. He moved: "That the Canterbury Branch desires to express its sincere sympathy with Mr Massey in his serious illness and sincerely hopes that he will soon be restored to his former health and activity, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to Mr Massey." The motion was unanimously agreed to.