THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 422, 3 February 1909, Page 6

THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION.

The feeling which inspired the proposal that Mr,. Massey should, receive a national testimonial is very easily intelr ligible, and we are not surprised that the proposal has received the support of some of the firmest newspaper/opponents of the Leader of: the. Opposition. -Mr. 'Massey has for many years fought with unremitting zeal and energy, and in the face".of many disheartening and discouraging cir-r ciimstances, againßt the injurious tendencies of New Zealand' politics.' Whether his, political ideas have been right "or wrong is a 'question that finds the publio divided, but all serious men are agreed that he has sincerely believed them to be right. ■,' He has had nothing, to gain by remaining in active politics year after year excepting the satisfaction of fight, ing'for an honest: cause, and; of knowing that his activity has been, of value to the country. His private' and public'life has been' so honourable and, : blameless that most people have forgotten how completely they take; Mr'. Massey's/ integrity for granted: there, could 1 hardly be greater praise than is contained, in.that fact. ; In short, if; any public.; man ever desorved a special reward, for his ; Services,; that'man is Mr. .Massey;' Nor can wo see;in the' : proposal to: secure' him a national testimonial any, reason for the objections which we urged some, time ago against; the suggestion that a statutory salary, oyer and above, his honorarium as a member, should, be;paid' to the Leader of ; .the .Opposition. The. movement is one which 'deseryes : encouragement, and we believe that.there;are many.supporters of tho'. Government .who will.be able to rejgard ( ;the, proposal' in its proper light and to give,it;their.support. But many people "will 'find it very: difficult' to regard support "of the testimonial as anything .'.but .support of -the;! politicalopinions of -the Leader of the, Opposition, and their point of view,' while it.does not allow them tphavo'a clear'. view of the position,; ;is.quito a legitimate one. The public which would sign the testimonial as an aoi of political faith is an enormous one,' as the ■■: voting ■at the general elec-tion-made blear, but it is a still larger public which would sign the testimonial in,'a spirit of appreciation of the. selfsacrificing labours of Mr. Massey. in the, .interest'of the country asa ; wliole.: Ample eyidence'•■. of that spirit would, do , the country; infinite .credit.;,'; The; best testimonial, 'of'course,' woul'd be that which 1 pan- be given ■at the ballOt-boxcs, and' the growing, public' regard for' steadiness' and prudence in;legislation, will supply' that testimonial in-due course. ; Bui : that; is another question, .and' has- not much : .to dp-'with the proposal .'that ,Mr. Massey's' lorijg: and; useful • labours should be .worthily,': recognised by. those who : admire courage and steadfastness in-public men.: