“THE SAFE COURSE”

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 177, 14 April 1923, Page 6

“THE SAFE COURSE”

AUSTRALIAN TRIBUTE TO MR. MASSEY

Commenting upon the Tauranga byelection, the Melbourne “Argus,” on April 3, said:— “After the last general election in New Zealand Mr. Massey, leader of till Reform Party was left—by a variety of circumstances, and the fact that the political pendulum had begun to swing—with a majority that barely exceeded the combined strength of his opponents. Upon the death of the member for Tauranga that majority was reduced to one. Sir Joseph Ward eagerly seized upon an opportunity to re-enter Parliament and take the reins of office from Mr. Massey’s precarious hold. His decision caused alarm. Though a former Prime Minister, his recent political career had caused him to lose a great deal of the confidence once reposed in him. But that he was still a formidable foe to he reckoned with was never doubted. Mr. Massey and his Ministers toured tho electorate, and the contest resolved itself into one between tho safe and sound policy with which the Ministry is identified, and a nolicy of recklessness propounded by Sir Joseph Ward, and strikingly reminiscent of the disastrous ‘boom’ ’with which he was associated many years ago. It was obviously a policy put forward to catch votes. But the shrewd commonsense of the electors prevailed. Sir Joseph Ward was defeated b- more than 1060 votes in a total poll of little more than 7600. This message from Tauranga ahould strengthen the position of Mr. Massey, and . hearten him in his efforts to keep to the safe course that he has chosen.”