A STATESMAN OF EMPIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19019, 15 November 1923, Page 7

A STATESMAN OF EMPIRE

MR MASSEY EULOGISED. AN UPHOLDER OF BRITISH TRADITIONS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyrig at LONDON, November 13. A large number of New Zealanders were present at the Empire League’s dinner to Mr Massey. The Duke of Devonshire, in proposing his health, referred to Mr Massey as a distinguished statesman of the Empire and as the “father of the conference, which he had attended five times, each occupying one-third of a year. Such a sacrifice of time would only be justified by the results obtained, and it could not be denied that good results would follow this year's conference. The Duke of Devonshire said he hoped that when Mr Massey returned to New Zealand he would not regret the expenditure of time and trouble on his visit to London. Mr Massey had been a help and an encouragement. What had impressed everyone in England most was Mr Massey’s robust and enthusiastic support of British institutions. His example and influence were already making themselves felt. Mr Mas; sey would be the first to acknowledge that his inspiration in firmly upholding British institutions and ideals was the splendid spirit of the New Zealanders behind nim. The Earl of Balfour, who seldom appears in public, spoke of his past associations with Mr Massey, and said he represented a dominion where the flame of Imperial patriotism glowed with the purest conceivable spirit. Out of his experience he had made valuable contributions towards the solution of the difficult problems facing" Britain which had been of very real assistance.—A. and hi.A. Cable. / AUDIENCE WITH PRINCE OF WALES. LONDON, November 15. The Prince of Wales granted an audienqe lasting a.n hour to Mr Massey at St. James’s Palace. RECEPTION AT IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. Sir James and Lady Allen tendered - a reception to Air Massey at the Imperial Institute. Over ICOO guests were present, including the Duke of Devonshire and other Cabinet Ministers. —A. and N.Z. Cable. LONDON, November 14. (Received Nov. 14, at 8.50 p.m.) At the Imperial Institute there was the largest gathering of New Zealanders ever held in London. The function was a great social success, and was marked by the freemasonrv typical of New Zealanders abroad. The courts of the Institute were beautifully decorated with flowers, and were thrown open to the guests. As the evening advanced the sruests concentrated in the quaintly-carved Ceylon court, where dancing was continued until midnight.—A. and N.Z. Cable.