MR. MASSEY

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 81, 3 October 1921, Page 8

MR. MASSEY

ARRIVAL AT THORNDON

.WELCOMED HOME.

The Prime Minister (the Right Hon. W. F. Massey) arrived at Wellington to-day from Auckland. On the way down from the northern centre several informal welcomes were accorded to him, and at Marton and Palmerston North there were official receptions from the borough councils on behalf of the local residents. Both of these latter functions were of considerable size, and i sincere appreciation of Mr. Massey's work ,on behalf of the Dominion was expressed. , Mr. Massey had no reason to be dissatisfied with his reception at Thorndon •when the Auckland express arrived. His j question as he stepped off the car—"la this a meeting of the House?"—was quite justified. There -were present Captain Mundy, representing the GovernorGeneral, Ministers of the Crown, a representative gathering of members, heads of departments, and' interested members of the public. When Mr. Massey had shaken a number of hands—incidentally he agreed with The Post xepresenta-1 tive that "he was never more fit in his life —an informal welcome on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, was extended t>y the Mayor <Mr. R. A. Wright,.M.P.). : Mr. Wright said they were glad .to s»e j the Prime Minister looking so well. It J iwas realised that New Zealand had a i bard row to hoe, but coupled'with this realisation was a confidence in Mr. Masaey's ability to meet the situation. Al! had watched the work of Mr. Massey at the Imperial Conference, and all were agreed that he had fully upheld the dignity of the Dominion. People of allshades of political opinion were pioud | of the work accomplished. Mr. Massey thanked Mr. Wright for ihis hearty welcome, and also all those people who had come to the station at inconvenience to themselves. Incidentally he congratulated Mr. Wright upon his rise to the dignity of the mayoral chair, and then went on to say that personally he had never felt better in health. He hoped that 4hey would all be able to help, in restoring to New Zealand the prosperity which.it deserved. •There was one point upon which, he did not agree 'with Mr. Wright, and that •was that there were people who did not ogres with him in politics and who never would. He- could not agree with that. If there were such people he felt Barry for them. (Laughter.) The gathering broke up with cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Massey.