"INTERESTING"

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10734, 3 November 1928, Page 10

"INTERESTING"

LATE MR. MASSEY, OFFERED SEAT IN SEDDOjN CABINET. SON OFFERS TO PROVE STATEMENT.

(Special To The Times.) AUCKLAND, Oct. 31. “1 am bumptious enough to think I know a good deal about farming in this contest I want to stand'-on my own merits,” said Mr. J. N. Massey, Reform candidate for Franklin, and son of the late Prime Minister in a speech at Papakura last evening, Mr. Massey made it . clear lie did not wish to assume the laurels of liis lute father. “When Mr. McLennan announced that he would not stand for this electorate, I was very sorry for myself,” added Mr. Massey. “Some time ago, I made a slip of the tongue and -promised to offer myself in Mr. McLennan’s stead, but I did not expect I would be callid upon for another three years. Now I have made-the statement. I will carry on It has been stated —I do, not attribute it to my opponent—that I am endeavouring to sail under the name of your late leader. Seeing that somebody lias spoken of this, J will say now that I was asked whether I would contest tlie seat for the Country Party. I Mould not change my views for rbein and I do not think they will get very far.” His own experience equipped him to view farmers’ problems with full sympathy. A voice: “Are you a member of the Farmers’ Union?” Mr. Massey: “I am not and I cannot agree with them. Ido not think a great deal of some of the executive.”

“is that a reflection on myself ? asked a member of the audience.

. Air. Massey: “I am glad you mentioned it. 1 do not refer to you at all.” The questioner: “Seeing that there is every possibility of Labor increasing its representation, are you in favor of amalgamation with it in the event of Reform getting into difficulties?”

Mr. Massey : “As iur as I am, concerned. oil. and water will not mix. “I am not in favor of telegraphing money to racecourses and I thing there" is too much racing in New Zealand to-day,” said the candid Replying to another question, Mr. Massey also remarked that oolite-, iaiis were made, not born. His father. the late Prime Minister, had received much of bis training while in Opposition to Mr. Seddon and bad been offered seat in the Seddon Cabinet. All inter iec-tni questioned the statement and tlie candidate said lie could prove tlie correctness ol bis statement.