MR. MASSEY

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 90, 16 April 1921, Page 6

MR. MASSEY

"AT HOME" AT AUCKLAND

A UNITED EMPIRE,

.(it TIUOtAPH.—HISS ABIOCUTIOH.)

AUCKLAND, 15th April.

The Prime Minister arrived by the Wellington express. The Hons. J. G. Coates, D. H. Guthrie, C. J. Parr, W. Nosworthy, Sir Heaton Rhodes, and Dr. Pomare also arrived, and will remain for the week-end.

An "at home" was tendered to Mr. Massey to-night, by the Mayor, and there was a large and representative gathering. Mr. Massey was given a warm reception. In reply, he said he hoped that everything would go smoothly while he was away. In any case, he was confident that he was leaving colleagues who were capable of handling any little troubles that might arise. "New Zealand," he said, "is supposed to be under a financial cloud. I need not tell you that she is not alone in that respect. Clouds, however, are not permanent or stationary; they pass over. I hope the time is not distant when the sun will shine out from a clear sky." Speakingl of his mission, Mr. Massey said he was out first, last, and every time i for a strong united Empire, the Dominions to be partners of the Empire on the understanding that each nation managed its own affairs, made its own laws, and did not do anything detrimental to other countries of the Empire or the Empire itself. To a great extent we were united by sentiment, which was more powerful than many people imagined. "Sentiment brought us through the,greatest war the world has ever seen," added Mr. Massey. "It means and includes loyalty to the country, to the Empire, and to. the Sovereign, and let me say that no sovereigns have deserved the affection of their people more than the reigning King and Queen." ' Mr. Massey was. cheered at the conclusion of Bis address.

When the Prime Minister was on his way through to Auckland last night (telegraphs The Post's Palmerston Worth correspondent) he was met at the Paimerston North railway station by a number of friends, including Messrs. J. A. Naea and W. Glenn, M.P's., both of whom made short speeches, wishing Mr. Massey a pleasant trip to the Old Country and a safe return. Mr. Massey, in reply, said that Mr. Nash had £P°ken the right word in saying that ne had but one thought in making the voyage—that thought would be that his mission would be for the benefit of the people he represented. He would attend the Imperial Conference with the farm intention of doing his best for tha Dominion and the Empire. It gave him great satisfaction to know that the people of New Zealand were behind him with their support and confidence. Whether or not his mission, would be a success was as yet to be seen,, but if he failed it would .not be for the lack of will power to do his level best. As the train drew out of the station cheers were given for the Prime Minister.