THE MASSEY MEMORIAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 254, 22 September 1930, Page 6

THE MASSEY MEMORIAL.

The unveiling of the memorial to the late Mr Massey at Port Halswell calls to mind the debt we owe this staunch Imperialist, whose honesty and integrity of purpose, courage in' adversity, simple faith, and broadness of vision were such outstanding traits in a life of service to his country. It was fitting that the ceremony should have*a national aspect, for the Governor-General unveiled the memorial. Coming from the heart of the Empire, His Excellency, it is no inflection on New Zealanders to ’say, has a more ready perception of the Im perialist that Mr Massey revealed himself to be. The tribute he paid in his eloquent speech will find an echo in the hearts of all. for in the great hour of danger when the Empire called upon her sons to aid her in the struggle for freedom, Mr Massey knew no party. To those who aspire to serve their country, whether in lowly spheres, or in the nigher realm of politics, they will find in Mr Massey’s career a guiding star. This no doubt was in the mind of His Excellency when he expressed the hope that many would “arise in the Dominion and help in the shaping of its destinies who would seek to emplate the robust simplicity, piety and honesty of him whom the monument so fitly commemorates.” A valuable lesson from the life of Mr Massey, His Excellency also pointed out, was the subordination of self to service,'and the sinking of personal ambitions in zeal for the public weal. The mind of man is short, so we commemorate the services of* our great men by building monuments as an imperishable tribute. No better place could have been chosen for the people’s memorial to" Mr Massey. As the man whose memory it honours served his country with fidelity and unswerving faith, presenting a bold front when courage was needed, so it will withstand the storms of, time on the promotory of Eort Halswell, a reminder to all who pass of the ennobling example given to us by Mr Massey.