MR MASSEY’S MEETING.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16569, 5 June 1914, Page 6

MR MASSEY’S MEETING.

As tho Prime Minister’s friends .appear to have a rooted objection to his speaking in Victoria Square, as the leader of tho Opposition did a week or two ago in spito of a downpour of rain, only n mere fraction of the electors of Christchurch can hope to havo tho pleasure of hearing him to-night. No doubt Mr Massey himself would be glad enough to speak in the open air, indoed he has said moro than once that the burning desire of his heart is to meet tho whole of tho citizens face to face; but tho gentlemen who stage manage his public appearances seem to have got it into their heads that tho people of Christchurch are bent upon

doing tho Minister somo violence. Of

course there is not tho remotest justification for this wild delusion. Personally Mr Massoy is just as popular iu Canterbury as ho is in Auckland. Everyone likes his bluff manner, his blunt speech and his benign smile. No ono wishos him the slightest harm. Politically, of course, tho great mass of the people of the province are out of sympathy with him. They like neither his legislation nor his administration. But his friends are not helping him to overcome tho local prejudice against Reform by denying him an opportunity to convert his opponents. However, that is their business and we are mentioning tho matter only for the purposo of assuring Mr Massey that there is nothing personal in Canterbury’s dislike for his politics. We sincerely hope that this assurance will be emphasised by tho progressive electors who are fortunate enough to gain admission to tho Minister’s meeting. Mr Massey’s position at the head of tlio Government entitles him to a respectful hearing whenever ho can find time to address the public. His opponents put themselves hopelessly in the wrong when they make any attempt to prevent him speaking. If they insist upon looking upon the matter from a purely party standpoint thpy still should see that it is immensely to their advantage to treat, tho Minister as his position demands they should. Mr Massey, as we have had occasion to say of one of the minor members of tlie Cabinet, is much moro impressive when he is silent than he is when he is speaking. If ho had kept off the platform from tho day lie assumed office his friends would have been able to contemplate the approaching general election with much more equanimity than they are displaying just now. No politician could be ns wiso and honest in action as Mr Massey looks in repose. We are not urging this as tho best of reasons why the progressive electors should behave themselves at to-night’s meeting, but we aro suggesting it as a very good argument for the courtesy the Minister has a right to expect.