MR. MASSEY

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 91, 18 April 1921, Page 6

MR. MASSEY

SAILS FOR LONDON

MESSAGE FOllt THE PEOPLE OF

NEW ZEALAND,

(ii miaiun.—phiii asioomiion.)

AUCKLAND, 17th' April. The Premier sailed for London aboard the Niagara. Prior to his departure he left the following message for the people of New Zealand:—

"On the pve of my departure for England to attend the /Imperial Conferencej to which duty imperatively calls me, I desire to once again thank the people of New Zealand for the confidence and trust they have reposed in me durinc; now nearly nine years in which I have been head of the NewZealand Government. To me it is a source of profound gratification to know that all through and! since the war it has been my privilege to represent a, \ people practically united in their loyalty and attachment to the throne and Constitution of Great Britain, which, has given us the liberties and privileges ,we enjoy as citizens of this glorious Empire of which we form a part, and to which we are all proud to belong, by the conduct and good faith of her citizens during the past seven years more particularly. New Zealand stands in the forefront of the world's young democracies, an example and, I, believe I am right in saying, a cheer and inspiration aJso to her sisfar Dominions and dependencies of the Empire. "We have won our way through years of unexampled peril and difficulties; and, although days of financial stress and trouble may seem to be coming upon us, I am confident the same sturdy courage* cheerful faith, and settled purpose that enabled us to carry on through the trying years of the seemingly unending. war will help us triumph over the lesser worries that may trouble us for a time. Just a« the unity of counsels and an undivided front enabled us to persevere undauntedly throughout the great World War, so I am satisfied we can and shall rise superior to the troubles of the present. The clouds will disperse and the sun will shine again upon us with jindiminished brilliance. If we are true to ourselves and exercise that needed industry, thrift, and economy which are essentials to quick recovery from depression, which just at present is casting its shadow over us, by renewed industry and application, by whole-hearted service in common weal, each citizen doing his and her ' bit' to increase production and rendering loyal service to the State, we shall, with divine blessing, witness an early return of that prosperity which we have so long enjoyed in the past.

" I leave New Zealand with the fullest confidence in its people and its future, rejoicing in their loyalty to the great ideals of the Empire, and trust"ing to be able to render efficient service as New Zealand's representative at the Imperial Conference, thp decisions at which are likely to be fraught with momentous consequences to the future of the British peoples the world over. I am thankful to feel it may be in my power to further also the interests of the Dominion which hQnours me with its confidence, and upon which I pray the divine blessing may nest, s<s that it may indeed be worthy of its claim to be ' God's Own Country.' "W. F. MASSEY." .