LATE PRIME MINISTER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 141, 19 May 1925, Page 5

LATE PRIME MINISTER.

SERVICES TO AGRICULTURISTS

EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE

Reference to the passing of the late Prime Minister was made at this morning’s meeting of the general committee of the A. and P. Association by the president, Mr J. H. Perrett, who moved that the following resolution be sent on to Mrs Massey:— “That this committee place on record its high appreciation of the great services rendered to country and Empire by the late lit. Hon. W. F. Massey, Prime Minister. More especially we desire to gratefully acknowledge his valuable services to the agricultural and pustoral industry and the sympathy and kindly consideration shown to members of this committee at all times.”

In doing so, he stated that so many eulogistic references had been mado during the last few days that anything he might say would appear very puny. He thought that, alter reading the wonderful tributes that had been received from all sources, New Zealanders ought to feel grateful that tlioy had had such a man. So many glowing tributes had been received from overseas, from the King downwards, that he felt that New Zealanders hud perhaps not appreciated M.r (Massey’s true wort.. It seemed as if jotlier countries had been able to form a better opinion of the departed leader than New Zealanders themselves.

“We in this industry should be especially grateful to him. Before he ever became Prime Minister the question of freehold versus leasehold was the subject of considerable controversy in the House, and he threw his weight in favour of freehold, maintaining that no man could be expected to do his best unless he had the freehold of his land.” Mr Massey had always done his best to smooth the life of the farmer by jiroviding better accommodation, telephone services, schools and other facilities. Many of the Crown tenants of this country were indebted to Mr Masesy for having been able to acquire the freehold of their prperties. “As far as this association is concerned we are extremely grateful to him for the many kindnesses he has shown us from time to time.” Any reasonable requests had always been acceeded to. New Zealand had lost a great leader—a God-fearing and honourable man—and who was to say that the Great Architect, in seeing fit to take him in the zenith of his career, was wrong? His life would ever be a beacon to those who came after him. Mr O. Monrad, in seconding the motion, expressed the view that the words “Bill Massey’s square deal” would probably become a recognised business term. The motion was earned in silence, fdl present standing. •

GORGE BOARD’S REFERENCE. At yesterday’s meeting of the Manawatu Gorge Road Board of Control the chairman, Mr F. J. Nathan, in referring to the loss the country had. sustained by the death of the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. W. .F. Massey, said that he, and probably the members, being representatives of other public bodies, had likewise made reference at length previously, and he ac* cordingly requested them to stand in silence for a moment as a tribute to the many fine qualities of the deceased. A letter will also be forwarded to Mrs Massey and family express ing the board’s regrets.

MORE MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 19. The following further expressions of sympathy in the death of th° Prime Minister have come to hand: From the Imperial Econoimc Committee, London: “Imperial Economic Committee, representative of all parts of the Empire, now sitting in London, desires to express its grief and sense of personal loss at the death or Mr -Massey, who will be greatly missed by those who have at heart the cause of Imperial co-operation. His work and example will always be remembered with gratitude.” „ n ~ From the Governor of Southern Rhodesia: “The Government and people of Southern Rhodesia desire to express their deep sympathy with the Government ana people of -Now "® a_ land in the loss they and the Empire have sustained in the death of tiieii Prime Minister.”