POLITICAL ARENA

Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 134, 4 December 1922, Page 7

POLITICAL ARENA

PARTY LEADERS

THE PRIME MINISTER

SPLENDID RECEPTION IN THE

SOUTH.

After a most -cirenuous but successful Southern tour the Prime Minister has returned to Wellington, bat he is confined to his bed with a severe cold, and may be compelled to cancel all engagements made for the last few days of the- General Election campaign.

Mr. Massey left Wellington for Picton last Monday, and after receiving a civic reception at Picton he motored through to Blenheim, and there addressed one of the largest meetings ever held in the town. On the following morning he left for Nelson, receiving a splendid reception en route. He addressed a crowded meeting at Nelson on Tues3ay night, and the following day was the busiest in the whole tour. The party left Nelson in the heavy ram at 5.30 a.m. At Reef ton Mr. Massey received several deputations, and left at 2.15 p.m. for Greymouth. After a brief stay there he proceeded to Hokitika, where a big crowd had gathered to hear him. At the conclusion.of the meeting he returned to Greymouth where another large audience was spoken to. At both places votes of thanks to Mr. Massey, and of confidence in the Government which he leads, were carried unanimously and amidst enthusiastic demonstrations. After having travelled 280 miles by car, addressed two big meetings, and received several deputations; Mr. Massey retired at a late hour.

The next morning he received more deputations before he caught the train for Otira. Mr. Massey addressed a large number of. Ofcira residents, and was then informed that the men working at the tunnel expected him to address them. Mr. Massey made the journey to the tunnelmouth through the rain in an open truck, and made a brief speech to the workmen assembled there. The Prime Minister was then taken on his first trip through the tunnel, and arrived at Arthur's Pass at 2 p.m. He left Arthur's Pass by the ordinary train for Christchurch, and upon arrival at Darfield a large crowd was waiting for him on the platform. He was received with a round of cheers. Mr. Massey went on to Christchurch, where there was a most remarkable demonstration in his favbur. After the meeting Mr. Masßey said to a reporter:—"When we arrived in Christchurch last evening it was remarked that I had come into the camp of the enemy. lam leaving it this morning, knowing that it is not the camp of the enemy, but the home of my friends—thanks to my loyal supporters. Last evening's meeting was one of the best I have ever ha<l the honour of addressing." Before returning to Wellington Mr. Massey had splendid meetings at Cheviot and Kaikoura. , Mr. Massey is reported to be some-' what better' this afternoon and., his medical aoViser permitting, he hopes to keep his engagements at Otaki. and Levin to-morrow.