LATE MR. MASSEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19633, 11 May 1927, Page 12

LATE MR. MASSEY.

ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH.

POINT HALSWELL CEREMONY, CABINET MINISTERS ATTEND. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The second anniversary of the death of the late Prime Minister, Mr. Massey, was commemorated to-day with a brief, but impressive, ceremony at the lonely vault at Point HalswelL The proceedings were similar to those of a year ago, but there was a larger attendance on this occasion of Mr. Msssey's political supporters and friends. The six members of the Cabinet who are at present in Wellington, accompanied by members of both Chambers of the Legislature, members of the New Zealand Political Reform League, and others who were closely associated with Mr. Massey, made the journey to Point Halswell at 10.30 this morning in 11 motorcars, the route being by way of Evan's Bay and the road over the hills toward the capo on which the temporary monument marks the last resting-place of the late Prime Minister. On arrival at the point the cars formed a procession and proceeded slowly toward the cenotaph. The Prime Minister, Mr. Coates, on behalf of the Government, placed a wreath upon the obelisk and other tributes were also placed there.

A moment's silence was observed and the whole company of mourners then proceeded into the vault below where the casket reposes. A coincidence with the Stato funeral two years ago was noted by those who took part in those obsequies. As the service was proceeding on Point Halswell on the afternoon of May 14, 1925, the steamer Maunganui slowly moved out from the wharf and steamed toward the entrance of the harbour. As a mark of reverence the captain stopped the vessel for a few moments when she lay off the point. While the little party was paying tribute this morning to Mr. Massey's memory the same steamer rounded the heads and dropped anchor in the harbour. Those present at the ceremony to-day included the Minister of Labour, Hon. G. J. Anderson, the Minister of Agriculture, Hoh. O. J. Hawk en, the Attorney-General, Hon. F. J. Rolleston, the Minister of Health, Hon. J. A. Young, and the Minister of Education, Hon. R. A. Wright.