THE New Zealand Herald. AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1912. MR. MASSEY IN AUCKLAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15155, 20 November 1912, Page 6

THE New Zealand Herald. AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1912. MR. MASSEY IN AUCKLAND.

The remarkable ovation with which Mr. . Massey was received at the Town Hall last night will long be remembered among the stirring political incidents of Auckland. To few political leaders ha*s it been given to fight such a series of disheartening campaigns and to secure in the end such a complete and decisive victory. It may be asserted that Mr. Massey's majority in the House is small and that a very slight reaction in public opinion at the next election would restore him to his old place on the front Opposition bench ; but this assertion would be recognised through- : out the Dominion as a mere quibble. i The Administration he has formed is in reality the strongest seen in the Dominion for many a year and is very much stronger in the country than it is in the House. Its strength is due to the fact that the public has realised that Mr. Massey has convictions, the courage of his convictions and the ability to incorporate his convictions in the statutes of the Dominion. The Continuous Government had long adopted opportunism as its policy and was prepared to blow hot or cold. on any and every question if by so doing it could manage to retain office. As a result, when it lost office its supporters lost the only bond between them, and speedily fell into an unprecedented state of party anarchy.

The Reform Party, on the other hand, were united \* common principles and mutual determinations and had the good fortune to possess, in Mr. Massev, a leader who could be trusted implicitly to stand or fall on these principles whether in office or out of office. The heartiest and most affectionate testimony was given by Mr. Massey's colleagues to his capacity' as a leader and as a great leader, Mr. Allen making the point that the work of a difficult session had given the country practical experience of the manner of man their Prime Minister was. As a result of. this leadership and of the reforming enthusiasm of the party, Reform is more popular in New Zealand to-day than ever before. The Government has grown in strength and prestige from day to day and need not fear the verdict of the country when election day comes round again. This immensely improved position of the Government is matter of common knowledge,; it is gratifying to the Aucklanders who have supported Mr. Massey through long years of opposition to know that his guiding "hand in the Cabinet, his intimate knowledge of departmental detail, the soundness of his; advice to his colleagues and the manner in which he has shaped the governmental policy throughout the session, are proclaimed by those who speak with authority as great causes of this notable winning of the public confidence. In Auokland, where Mr. Massey is known so well, his dogged pertinacity, his incorruptible honesty, his unfailing courage and his constructive ability need no ex* ponents; but it is none the less pleasing to find his exceptional qualities receiving national recognition and well-deserved appreciation.

In replying last night to the signatories of the address presented to him, Mr. Massey summarised briefly the reforming work of the past session, and announced that every pledge of reform made by his party will be given effect to upon the Statute Book. Already the country has seen the public services removed from political influences and placed where fitness and merit will be adequately rewarded. The freehold policy of the Reform Party, though not yet completed, has been fairly set in motion, and has already been established as the law of the land. Economy in administration has received attention; important amendments in the pension laws have been carried, and still more important amendments, extending their scope, will be made if the finances permit. j Moreover, the reform of the Legislative Council has been begun, a reform more than desirable in any community claiming to,.be progressive and democratic. With patriotic ardour, Mr. Massey acknowledged the duty .of New Zealand in relation to the Empire, and stated that when the land defence has been attended to the Government will ask the country to do what is right and proper to assist the Empire in naval defence. This assurance is satisfactory, and all loyal citizens should be ready to support the Government when an adequate . scheme of this character is laid before them. Mr. Massey keeps his word, and will not disappoint those who believe with him that the cause of the Empire is the cause of peace, of progress, and of liberty. His personal qualities also give weight to his plain and unvarnished announcement of Government policy in relation to disturbances of the. peace. As long as the Reform Party remains in power, we are told, .the law will be administered impartially, without fear and without favour law-breakers will be prosecuted, regardless of class; those who need protection will be protected, no matter who they are. This, firm stand should relieve the public mind of foreboding and convince would-be disturbers of tho peace that such tactics will not be permitted in New Zealand. Lawlessness cannot be the road to progress in any democratic State, and Mr. Massey might well claim to have had some experience of the way to I secure legitimate and patriotic reforms in the face of seemingly insuperable difficulties. Reforms, to be possible by constitutional action, must be reasonable and in the public interest, and in accordance with the progressive spirit of tire age. It is because Mr. Massey has always had a keen and personal sense of the public welfare, and has been constantly inspired by the patriotic desire to serve the land in which he lives, that he stands to-day the foremost citizen of New Zealand, and receives the grateful and affectionate thanks of

his fellow-citizens in Auckland.