MR MASSEYS CAREER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19476, 11 May 1925, Page 9

MR MASSEYS CAREER.

A DISTINGUISHED RECORD.

LIFE OF POLITICAL ACTIVITY.

The Eight Hon. William Ferguson Massey, by the length of his service as Prime Minister and the distinction of his patriotic statesmanship throughout the troublous times of the war and afterwards, had, with the possible exception of Mr Seddon. become more widely known, the world over than any other New Zealand statesman.. Certainly the prestige he achieved at the series of Imperial Conferences that arose as an outcome of the war gave him a position of conspicuous dignity and authority in the councils of the Empire. As is well known in the dominion, Mr Massey was an Ulsterman by birth. There was a French strain in his ancestry, but the Scottish strain was much more pronounced. He was the eldest son of John Massey, and was born at Limavady, County Derry, Ireland, on March 26, 1856. His mother, whose surname was included in his baptismal names, was, a Miss Ferguson, of Limavady. He received his schooling at the national school there till at the age of 12 or 13, when he went on to a secondary school kept by a Mir Brandon, who excelled in the classics. , It is recorded of Mr Massey that he, showed great aptitude as. a scholar, and was at least equally successful in games and athletics. Among his early boyhood studies, it is interesting to know, was that of political economy. Mr Massey came to New Zealand in I 1870—eight year’s after his father and I mother arrived —having been left at Homa Ito complete his education. His father, who died only a little while before Mr | Massey became Prime Minister, settled at Tamaki. At the age of 14 years Mr f Massey came out to assist on the farm, j which his parents had acquired, and he lived with his people for about three years. He then spent two and a-half years getting colonial farming experience on Mr John Grigg’s well-known Longbeach estate, near Ashburton, after which he went north again, and secured a threshing mill and a farm of 100 acres at Mangere, near Auckland. His affairs prospered, and five years later, on April ' 5, 1882, he was married to Miss Christina Allen Paul, the daughter of a neighbouring farmer. Mr Massey’s first introduction to public life was as member and chairman of the Mangere School Committee. He became a member also of the Mangere Road Board. In 1890 he was elected first I president of the Mangere Farmers’ Club, and when in the following year the Auckland Provincial Agricultural Association • was resuscitated Mr Massey was made its first president. Mr Massey did not appear up to this time to have any serious thought of politics, but several friends began to take notice of his fecial abilities and to turn his thoughts in that direction. After ho had spoken at a small meeting in Auckland at which the National Association was formed tho veteran Sir William Fox recommended him to devote himself to politics, xvt the general election at the end of 1893 Mr Massey made his first attempt to enter Parliament by offering himself as a candidate for Franklin. He was opposed by Major B. Harm (later the Hon. B. Harris, M.L.C.), and a very keen contest ended in the defeat of Mr Massey by 75 votes. His second opportunity was not long in occurring, and in April, 1894, he defeated. Mr Jackson Palmer at a by-election for the Waitemata. He used to' relate how tho invitation to contest this seat came to him in the form of a telegram handed up on a pitch fork while he was on the top of a stack. Tho seat was hotly contested by tho Liberals, who sent many of their prominent speakers to oppose Mr Massey, and Mr Seddon himself took a hand in tho fight. Mr Massey secured a majority of 183 and entered Parliament at tho, age ot 58. j In Parliament Mr Massey joined a little I group which included Captain Russell, Sir Walter Buchanan, Sir James Allen, and Mr John Duthie. Before the end of tho session he accepted the little desired position of Opposition Whip. At that time tho Leader of the Opposition, Captain (afterwards Sir William) Bussell could muster only 14 or 15 followers. At the election of 1896 the Opposition wont back considerably strengthened. Electoral boundaries were altered and Mr Massey stood for his own district of Franklin, where he was again opposed by Major Harris, whom he defeated by 2184 to 1710. Mr Massey continued to be Opposition whip, this time to a solid party of 28 members, and the • Government encountered a great deal of very vigorous opposition in the Parliament of 1896-99.' After the following election, though Mr Massey’s seat was secure, it being won by him by a majority of I nearly two to one, Captain Russell returned with only 15 followers. In 1902, after tho Boer war, Mr Seddon was rej turned triumphantly to power, but Mr Massey retained his secure hold on his seat, defeating Mr A, R. Harris, and ■ Captain Russell came back with the addition of five to Lis following. It was in September, 1903, upon the retirement of Captain Russell, that Mr Massey wa%

traaniinousiy elected Leader of the Opposition, and during the following recess the party decided to adopt the name “ Rei" form Party.” Before the next general election the “Young Liberal” Party, consisting of Messrs T. E. Taylor, E. 51. B. Fisher, H. D. Bedford, and G. Laurenson, sprang into existence, and its sensational attacks on Mr Seddon over what was known as the “ voucher incident ” created a great stir throughout New Zealand. The effect was, however, simply to increase Mr Seddon’s personal popularity throughout the country—or rather, perhaps, to excite a strong sympathy for him —so that the next House contained only 18 members not pledged to support him. That House Mr Seddon never met, his death occurring on board the Oswestry Grange just outside Sydney Heads on June 10, 1906, when he was returning from a visit to Australia, where he was received with the greatest favour and entertained with lavish hospitality. Owing to the absence in England at the time ,of Sir Joseph Ward, who was Mr Seddon’s first lieuten- . ant, Mr (afterwards Six William) HallJones formed a provisional Government, which resigned when Sir Joseph Ward returned to New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward did not retain the hold on the public that had been established by Mr Seddon, and at the election of ISOS the Opposition greatly improved its position. It strengthened it still further during the ensuing Parliament, and the election of 1911 carried it virtually to victory. There were a few members whose votes were recognised to be doubtful, but the position of°the Government was admittedly so precarious that a session was held early in 1912 in order that the state of parties in a crucial division might be definitely determined. It was only on the casting vote ot the Speaker that Sir Joseph Ward’s Government survived, and it resigned shortly afterwards. A new Ministry was formed trader Sir Thomas Mackenzie, and on July 5 a vote of want of confidence, moved by Mr Massey, was carried by 41 votes to 33, the majority including one member and three or four supporters of the Ward Government. Mr Massey was sent for by the Governor, / and on July 10 his Ministry was sworn in. He himself was Prime Minister, with the portfolios of Lands, Agriculture, Labour, Industries,. and Commerce. In 1915, in the exceptional circumstances of the times, he realised the force of the public demand for the co-operation of all parties and he extended an invitation, which the Liberals accepted, for the formation of a National Government during the period of the war He gave to the people through all those dark and tragic days a ' very real and inspiring lead in all patriotic, self-sacrificing endeavour. He very adequately expressed the mood ot the people in placing all the resources o i the dominion unreservedly at the disposa of the Empire, but h© showed, no inclination to leave the management of Imperial affairs entirely to the Home authorities. On the contrary, he visited one War Conference after another, and made fus influence felt with growing power in the councils ol the Empire. He was the doyen of the Prime Ministers at the last Imperial Conference. His popularity at Home grew steadily with his succeeding visits, as may perhaps to some extent oe gauged from the fact that at different : times he had conferred on him the freedom of London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast York, Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester, and other cities, and was made an non. T.T. T) of Oxford, of Belfast, and of Edinburgh. The Treaty of Versailles, to which he gave his signature, was the „ "first treaty to be signed by represent©.- ’ of the- dominioßS. In 1919 the association of parties in the National .Government terminated, and the Reform Party was faced at the general election by both Liberal and Labour parties. The Government, however, attained the support of a clear majority over both opposing parties in' the new_ Parliament, but at the next election, in 1922, its majority was reduced to very slender dimensions. , Of recent years Mr Massey has held among other portfolios, the very onerous one of Finance, and there had been signs that his constant and unremitting public service had been wearing out even his powerful frame. At the time of his death he was Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Minister of Stamp Duties, Minister-in-charge of Land and Income Tax, State-guaranteed Advances, Valuation, Electoral, and Public Trust Departments. At every election which has taken place eince Mr Massey entered Parliament he retained his seat by substantial majorities, especially during ,-the lest 15 years. The following figures show the results of the polling at a the various contests for Franklin, which, with the exception of his two years’ representation of Waitemata, was his onlv constituency: 1895: W. F. Massey, 2184; B. Harris, : W. F. Massey, 2438 ; W. Finlay Wilson, 1278. 1902: W. F. Massey, 2297; A. R. Harris, 1121. 1905; W. F. Massey, 3120; W. W. M‘Gaxdle, 2165. 1908: W. F. Massey, 2781; J. W. M‘Larin, 1594. 1911: W. F. -Massey, 3779; J. W. M‘Larin, 1816. 1914: W. F. Massey, 4818; A. G. C. Glass, 1890. t, 1919: W. F. Massey, 4195; J. Rea, 1165: E. Piggott, 637. 1922: W. F. Massey, 5276; J. P.ea r 2525. . , , T Prior to taking Ministerial office Air Massey took a special interest in any- ) thing affecting the welfare of the north • and of the settler class, and on one occasion. when a combination of southern members attacked the San Francisco mail services, it was his influence that carried the day against them. At another time, when counsels were greatly divided amongst the Aucklanders themselves and the North Island Main Trunk railway was • in danger of being hung up indefinitely while the question of rival routes was , threshed out, Mr Massey’s decided action again saved the situation. In consultation with Mr John Bollard and Mr (afterwards Sir Frederick) Lang, he decided to support what was known as the central route, which was actually adopted by the Government. Feeling ran so high over the matter, however, that at a mass meeting held in Auckland it was decided to hang Mr Massey in effigy on the nearest lamppost, anj the crowd actually adjourned, to Queen street for that purpose. Later •oh, it was generally , admitted that Mr Massey and his colleagues were right, and the noisv section wrong. But for their support of the central route there is .no doubt that the completion of the fine would have been delayed for many years. Some one has said that Mr Massey was transparently honest in his methods of business. -Many years ago, on the cccaf.ion of what was known as the £4U steal ” when members of the Lower House voted themselves a bonus of £4O on account of the length of the session, which thev were unable to secure by Act of Parliament, Mr Massey was one of the very few members who refused to accept the money. . , , . ~ Mr Massey is survived by Ins widow, three sons, "and two daughters. One of his sons is Mr Frank George Massey, who is a barrister and solicitor in Auckland. Mr Massey was the “father” of the House of Representatives. Having been first elected on April 17, 1894, lie completed 31 years of parliamentary service a few weeks' ago. On July 10 of last year he completed 12 years of office as Prime Minister of New Zealand, but be would have had to continue to August 20 of this year to surpass the late Mr Ecddon’s record ■ of 13 years and 40 days as head of the Government of New Zealand. The late Prime Minister bad a fine physique and a big Blairr. Bluff and hearty, thick set, broad shouldered, of massive brow, open and earnest in countenance, be was a man amongst men in whatever capacity he was found. The good old North of Ireland grit, determination and perseverance made their presence felt. Ho was a close thinker and a hard worker—one who would not allow small difficulties to stand in his way, but pone the less a man of worthy ideals, and high principles. Of unimpeachable honour "in public and in private life, ho was of the type of public man that a country stands most in need of. Shortly after he was iranled Mr Masscv joined the Freemasons, becoming a member of Lodge Manukau, New Zealand Constitution. At the annual communication

of the New Zealand Grand Lodge last year he became the head of the order in New Zealand, being elected Right Worshipful Grand Master in succession to Lord Jellicoe, late Governor-General. .On Empire Day, the Prime Minister and Mrs Massey wore given substantial proof of the respect and esteem in which they are held by the citizens of Auckland, where Mr Sjassey’s home has been ever since he arrived as a hoy of 14 in New Zealand in 1870. Mrs Massey was presented with a valuable necklace of diamonds and Mr Massey with an illuminated address and a series nt very handsome water colour paintings reminiscent of the different stages of bis career, the district in which he was horn, the school which he attended in his native town, the church of which his relatives were members, and the ship in which he arrived in New Zealand. Many interesting incidents have taken place in his public career, quite enough to fill a large volume, but one is certainly worth mentioning. At the conclusion of the Peace Conference which Mr Massey was attending in Paris a coincidence occurred which might have been awkward for anyone possessed of less tenacity than the Prime Minister of New Zealand. The departure of the vessel upon which he and the members of his family and staff were leaving England and the signing of the Peace Treaty at Versailles by the representatives of the Allied powers on the one side and the Germans on the other, were fixed for the same day and the same hour. Mr Massey’ tolci the members of his party to proceed by the steamer, and if he could not manage to catch the ship, he would pick them up in Canada, by which route he was returning to New Zealand. But previous to the signing of the Treaty Mr Massey arranged with the Admiralty to lend.him a destroyer, and for the military authorities to lend him a car—the car to" convey him from Versailles to Havre, the destroyer to pick him up there and overtake, if possible, the Mauretania somewhere in the Channel. ihe I arrangements were quite successful, the destroyer carrying New Zealand’s Prime Minister left Havre at 9 p.m on the day on which the Treaty was signed, and at two o’clock the following morning (Sunday) he was placed on board the MaureI tania.

“A DOMINATING PERSONALITY.”

THE SPEAKER’S TRIBUTE. By the Hon. C. E. Statham, Speaker of tire House of Representatives. Political friends and political foes alike will regret the passing of the Right Honourable William Ferguson and the House will indeed seem strange without the presence of his dominating personality. It is characteristic of the New Zealand Parliament that in all cases ot illness or death amongst the members, party feelings are altogether subordinated to feelings of real human sympathy, and in addition to this the late Prime Minister was one for whom I think all the members had a feeling of personal affection notwithstanding any differences ot opinion in the matter of politics. ’ During last session it was only too evident that he was struggling against some sinuous illness, and one could not help being struck by the tender solicitude and consideration shown towards him, not only by the members ol his own party, but also by those on both Liberal and Labour benches. One could have wished that his strenuous life had closed in the same way as that of his illustrious predecessor, the Right Honourable Richard John .reddon, and that he could have been spared the pain and suffering of the past few months. • , , , A great capacity for work, a woimeriiu faculty for getting a grasp of any subject that came before him, a retentive memory, a dogged determination and a vigorous constitution, combined to bring Mr Massey to the forefront of New Zealand politics and to the leadership of the Government. He was a man k>t unswerving loyalty to his King and country and his death is a loss not only to the dominion, But to the Empire of which he was such a devoted son. The sincere sympathy of the whole community will go out to Mrs Massey, who has herself lived a life of retirement for some years past on account of ill-health, to all the other members of the late Prime Minister’s family, and to his colleagues in the Ministry.

“ ONE OF NATURE’S GENTLEMEN.”-

A SUPPORTER’S APPRECIATION

By the Hon. G. -M. Thomson

To-day we mourn a great man called to his rest. For him life’s fitful fever is over, and he has passed—as he always derived to pass—with his hand still at the helm, and his face towards lus toes. Those foes were all the forces that in his estimation made for the lowering of the ton 6 of national life in the land ne loved and which he has served so well. In reply to a letter written to him-only last month urging him to take a long rest, he replied: “In every case where I am concerned the interests of the country conic first. ... So far as my own personal ambition is concerned, 1 care nothing but for the good of the country, and that is what I am here for. I have been able to assist in getting the dominion out of a difficulty, and some success has attended my efforts in doing it. He has gone down fighting, unconquered, and has left us the heritage of a hfe well spent and of an unsullied record such as few public men have gained. He has o-iven himself for his country, and has faithfully obeyed the high call of duty... He had" his "ambitions like other men, but none of them was petty. Honours, and titles had no attraction for him ; he could dispense and recommend diem to and for others, but he sought none for himself. Placed in circumstances where he might have enriched himself while still doing his duty, he devoted his energies solely to the enrichment of his country and to upholding her national honour and prestige. And he has done his work well. New Zealand stands very hin-h to-day in the commonwealth ot nations which make up the British Empire, and the credit of that high position is in considerable part due to the strength, wisdom and uprightness of her great Prime Minister. Truly be has well deserved the. thanks and homage of ms fellows. Dutv well performed was his goal, and if a human estimate can sum him up, wo would fain hope that to him has been granted the “well done, good and faithful servant." In Mr Massey’s death wo mourn the parsing of one of Nature's gentlemen. He possessed the attributes which mark the true gentleman —“the truthfulness which cannot lie, the uprightness which will not stoop, the honour which cannot be bribed, the command of the passions, the masterv of the temper.” These things “can onlv be learned from God, and they describe the inner character of our late revered political leader. Perhaps we are too near in point of time to estimate aright the true personality and greatness the man. After ayes, with a more accurate perspective than burs, will sec in him the great statesman that he was,—a man largely gifted with that somewhat uncommon attribute, common sense, and with a true estimate of the fitness of things._ The writer would picture nim as be knew him best, the successful and trusted leader of a strong political party. tne bold which ho exercised and retained over the members of that party, a, hold which was appreciated and respected by his political opponents, was due not only to his firm clear leadership, his quick grasp of current events and their trend, and to his courage, which never wavered in the fight, but largely to the fact that jho impressed those with whom ho came lin contact with his clean outlook, his |straight fo-wardne-s, his absolute freedom jfrom self-seeking, and his courtesy. Shams fell away from him; -shere was no suspicion of sham or humbug in his disposition. Ho had a clean mind, a good sense of humour, so that he never placed himself in a false or undignified position, land a strong desire to take the right

| and straight course in all his dealings | J with his fellow-men. No unworthy [ i thought or'word came from him, and thus f Ihe tended ever to keep others whose stun- | dard was lower than his own up to the t mark. He had his limitations. Who I has not? But when, we think of has E life of constant toil and struggle, start- | ing with feu opportunities m acquiring { any but the rudiments of what popularly considered education, no schooling >, Iroin his early boyhood yea is but thai * which ho gained as he went on his way f through lite, steadily rising _in strength I and influence, the wonder is that his I limitations were so few. In dircc- p jtions he seemed to lack vision, but in I j part this arose from a lack of early trainjing in scientific knowledge and general Jhistory. He was a politician, but he j !was much more, lltougii possessed ol :: keen knowledge of the art of politics—he i was a statesman who sought to upnold the honour and prestige of the great [ Empire which he was proud to servo. r As a Prime Minister what a remarkable f, personal record he achieved 1 Many vid remember well the memorable mgnt of ; • fuly 31, }914, when the question was asked in the House of Representatives, ; if in the event of Britain Vicing involved • in war the Government would oifer an expeditionary force to be sent wheieycu , the Empire needed its services. Mr Massey made a prompt and dignified reply "in the affirmative, _ and the wnole House rose and sang the National Anthem. . That was in 1914. The succeeding years ;j saw thrones totter and fall, c.dmiiiistnitiuii:> pass away, minister after minister swept aside by * the change of views caused by the awful pressure of unforseeu events, millions of lives sacrificed and countless f ’reasure poured out and dissipated, le.uui j .after leader lost or killed or superseded. , Yet through all the turmoil and its teiinul ; attendant" stress and strain, the Prune j Minister of New Zealand kept his hold | of the helm of State in this outlying per- ; tion of the Empire. From a population . point of view this dominion might rank as a small element in tire fighting forces of the Empire. But from a moral point of view the quality of the men and women she contributed to these fighting forces, the high proportion of effort and ■ I sacrifices put forth, and the spmt in which she entered on the serious conflict , and so well sustained her part throughout it, carried groat weight in the counre s , of the Empire, In these her Prime Minister was a valued and welcome colleague and adviser, and he worthily represented the best elements wine a go to the making a great nation. Great as was the stress and strain of the war years, the difficulties of govern- : ment were in some respects greater when , the hard cold work of settlement and readjustment followed. The effort to help , those whose life work had been stopped by their war service and who had to , begin their careers over again, the con- i stant struggle to meet the ever-increasing rise in price of nearly every commodity, I the enormous advance in the national ; wares bill, the tight hold which had to > be "kept on the finances of the country > in face of the huge demands made on the public purse,—all these were part of the | great burden which had to be borne from day to day, and year to year, the cruel aftermath was almost harder to bear j than the Struggle which led to it; then i there were excitement and thrill and glamour, but now the cold unremitting < pressure of hard facts. But through all these times the chief held to his command, he retained the confidence ot the [ mass of the people of this country he I steered a straight course, and when stormy seas and cross-currents were e ’ , ‘ J I countered he guided the ship of State to the admiration of leaders m othei f lands. Only yesterday, nearly 11 years } after the outbreak of the greatest political convulsion the "world has witnessed, he j was still in command. To-day, the grasp of the strong hand is gone, and the true | heart has ceased to beat. , I He is mourned by nil, political friend g and foe alike. Into his domestic life we | cannot look, but we know that ho was g blest through many long years by the R companionship and helj) of a pure, strong g and worthy soul, whose gentle force and | nobility of character have markedly in- g fluencc'd his career. He has left a great | example for those who come after him. | Others leaders will arise to whom will i come great opportunities ot service, but let us hope to none will come the dread ordeal and the racking strain to which our departed leader was subjected. But let them follow the straight path of dutv y as he did. and their way will be made I clear as his was. I “The world still needs _ | I Its champion as of old, and Unds_ him still, | I Not always now with mighty sinews and g | thews | 3 . . . though still these profit, but Keen I 9 brains H And voice to move men’s souls to love the B right . B And hate the wrong; of giant strength, | strong to assail 8 The Hydra heads of Evil.” |

“A GREAT MAN FALLEN.”

A LIBERAL’S ESTIMATE

By T. K. Sidey, M.P.

Persons of all shades of political opinion will deplore the , termination of Mr Massey’s political career by the band of death. Strenuous and keen as party warfare frequently is, its contests are in the field -of politics. Its victories are neither sought for nor appreciated as the result of personal misfortune or suffering; and in the presence of illness and death, which are no respecters of persons, political antagonisms are forgotten as men stand on ground common to all humanity.. I can speak as one who for many years has viewed Mr Massey from the Opposition side of the House to that occupied by him; and my viewpoint has been both from the Government and Opposition benches. Most public speakers acquire the habit of using what may lie termed “stock” phrases, and Mr Massey was no exception. He made a most effective use of the English language without drawing on a very large vocabulary He was a ready and fluent speaker, mentally alert, and quick at retort. He was never at a loss for a word, and his sentences always analysed. There was probably no member of the House whose speeches required less alteration in Hansard. It was his faculty of r’eady speech, comj bined with good judgment and common | sense, that enabled him to overtake so much work without drawing greatly upon' j his reserves of physical strength. S As leader of the Opposition he did his full share of the arduous work ot ! that office, both in the House and in the ] country', and was a keen critic of the 1 then Government. j The attainment of office greatly modified Ids outlook on yiolitical questions; and it was this circumstance that afforded his political opponents their greatest food I for criticism. His former speeches in the 'louse and on the platform bulked largely | in the Opposition stock-in-trade. | As Prime Minister Mr Massey chafed | somewhat under criticism, and showed I this on his countenance to the delight ot I his critics, who accepted it as an mdica- | tion that their thrusts wore getting home. I I am pleased, however, to acknowledge I that although personalities were at times I indulged iu in the course of debate, neither as Leader of the Opposition nor as Prime Minister did Mr Massey harbour or cherish any sentiments of personal animosity. One had only to meet him in his room or in the lobbies when his breezy manner and absence of restraint I at once dispelled 'any suggestion that | such sentiments were entertained: and i can say for myself personally that, j although at times I freely criticised him as Prime Minister, I always met him i outside the House on the friendliest I terms. Mr Massey was uo doubt a strong parly man, and loyalty to his friends was one of his conspicuous traits. I need not here refer to other -well-known charI acteristics such as his love of Empire j and devotion to its cause. Mr Massey ! received many honours and marks oi popular favour, but there was still something to which it was thought he was looking forward. He was credited with a not unnatural desire to eclipse in point of time the period that Mr Seddon held the position of Prime Minister. This he would have done had ho held office till j some date in the month of August next, i This, however, was not to be, and it i.- ! nor the only occasion that I flave had publicly to comment unnu fK- shattering

of such hopes Just when they seemed it, bo on the point of realisation. In his speeches Mr Massey was fond of Biblical quotations, and I shall conclude by saying that universal regret will ■bn experienced at his dentil, universal sympathy will be felt for his widow_ and family, and the Universal verdict of the country will endorse the sentiment expressed in Old Testament phraseology: “There is a great man fallen this day in Israel.”

A LABOUR VIEW,

RESPECT FOR, THE “OLD CHIEF.’

By J. W. Muxno, M.P.

From a Labour point of view Sir Ma-srey was, politically, perhaps the best <1 isll liked man in our public life. Neverthe- | loss, those of us who represent Labour in Parliament respected him, and were compelled ■o admire him. Many times, asj wo thought, wo shot him to pieces with our , stinging criticism ; but the “Old Chief,’’ us ho was culled about the House, always, came hack at ns full of fight, no matter how late the sitting might he. I have met no one who has come in clos' personal touch with Mr Massey hut has expressed admiration for the kindly, good-natured, bluff, hearty “Old Chict. I think 1 can truthfully say that we qf tho Labour benches, to a man, will feel deeply sorry not to see his face again in Parliament, notwithstanding our political differences. liis genial, manner, supported by the influence of a strong personality, and a gift oi thiency and his earnestness made a deep impression on his audience. There was no man now serving in the House of Representatives who was serving there during Mr Massey’s first -term in Parliament. It was a fitting eulogy upon tiim to say that during his long term lucontinned to enjoy the confidence °f his I constituents. 11 o may bo pointed to as an inspiring example of the possibililies of Aiew Zealand citizenship as a man who, by the simplicity of his life, his industry, and ability, rose from a humble being to the heights of honour and fame. 1 lie career of -Mr Massey v. as undoubtedly an oilier of those recurring lessons offered to young Jsoni Zealand manhood and demon strafed that- energy, integrity, and courage, if seconded by real ability, may conqnfn all the wea y paths that lie between the| lowliest and the highest estate and load triumphantly to tho most exalted station, for he rose with no aid hut Ids merit. “Some of us,’’ said Mr llannn, “have often asked ourselves the question whcthei Mr Massey would have attained such a pose don of national distinction _as he did if hrhad had a university education,” Mr Ifanar said that, the statement made by tho late Sir William Russell in reference to the late Air Scudoii was relevant as a reply to tinquestion. “Sir William Russell,” eentinuen Mr Italian, “said; ‘Many have asked, Hat! Mr Seddon enjoyed the benefit of a uni versify education, would lie have been a greater iranV I doubt it. Education polishes the exterior, but God alone create-, the material out of which a man is fashioned. Many are dwarfed by fears oi precedent, and tho personality and inherent force of any hut tho strongest men may bo contorted by the formalism of too mn-cn training. Possibly Mr Seddon would have been less great had early discipline taught him to consider more carefully the conventionalities of tht. world. His genius had greater scope owing to an untrammelled brain.’ “Mr Massey, in his speeches paying tribute of respect- to the memory of deceased members, was always warm, generous, and eloquent in his appreciation of their life, character, and public service. I am re-| minded hero of the following M atemem | made by Air Massey when Air Seddon died : ‘I don’t think 1 over received such a shoe!-, as I experienced on receiving telegrams notifying -me of tho Premier’s startlingly sudden death. Only this morning I had received a cable from him to the effect that all was well, and that, lie was leaving on the Oswestry Grange, and would arrive in Auckland on Thursday morning. I am glad to think now that, though we were strong political opponents, we were never personal enemies. Mr Scddon has died in harness at tho zenith of his powers, and of him it may be said that “a great, man hath thus fallen in Israel.” He has passed away; our differences are over; and I can honestly say that outside tho members of his family, to whom, in their bereavement, 1 extend my utmost sympathy, there are few who will regret Air Steddon’s death more sincerely than I do. As a matter of fact, while Mr Seddon was a good fighter and a hard hitter, there was something about hipi which always commanded the respect and admiration even of his opponents. I knew him well. I have watched him closely for tho last 12 years. I differed from him on many points. I have crossed swords with him on many occasions, but if I were asked to say who, in my opinion, was tho ablest man who over took part i the colony’s y legislation, who was the greatest man that ever occupied the position of Minister of the Crown in this colony, my answer to both questions, and without: any doubt or j hesitation, would be, Richard John Rcilclon.’ His private life was pure and lofty, and ! his public career was ever distinguished by i integrity mcl ro It vas trm ; to say that Air Massey’s Life was dedicated |to tho service of the State. In all his | dealings he had a high sense of public duty, j and was always anxious to preserve his good name and character from the- slightest, sirs- ! pic-ion of using his position to benefit himself or ids relations fimanr-iallv. “ When :> ! colleague of the late Air Atassey in the National Government I remember.” | said Mr Hanan, “submitting a proposal tc purchase premises in Auckland for the purpose of a Probation Home, which iho Education Department, wished to establish in rh it city. When T mentioned the name of the vendor Air Atassey at once said ihm the vendor was a relative of his. and he would not countenance in any way the consideration of the recommendation although l ho properly wes well worth the money Mr Massey showed during Inst session of Parliament, in 1,-eariii'r his physical sufferings, which were the conspicuous qualities which greatly helped him to reach (i, e high and distinguished office of Prime Mi ~ istc-r of New Zealand. “In my mind’s eye,” said Mr Hainan, “f see him during hist session limping into the House, taking

HON. J. A. HANAN’S TRIBUTE

A FIXE RECORD. A PEN PfCTl'ItK. The lion. J. A. Han an fex-Afinister of '■'.ducalion and Justice), when asked by an f)iago Daily Times reporter to pay a tribute to the deceased statesman, said ho deomed

The Rt. Hon. W. F. MASSEY,

it his duty to Join with those belonging I ; o all sections of public opinion in ex- | messing his appreciation of the private 1 worth, domestic virtues, as well as tin distinguished national career of the late Prime .Minister. Mr Massey’s death, he said, recalled lh strength of character and greatness of spirit taut tn the discussions of the itousc, and carrying on the business of the Chamber without murmur or complaint, despite the tact that lie was suppressing excruciating pain, which was then believed to be sciatica.’’ When spoken to about his physical condition he complained but little, showing a cheerful disposition and a devotion to duty which commanded the admiration of all. It was now about 25 years since ho first made the acquaintance of Mr Massey, m the House of Representatives, lie was then Beni or Whip to the Opposition, then led bv Captain (afterwards Sir William) Russell. He was :v tall, well-built, pleasant-featured man. Ho then wore a dark brown beard. 3Jo was of much lighter build then, and was not so massive iti body as lie became in Inter years, lie struck one as a man who had worked hard and had engager! in forming pursuits. He did not make mam speeches the few which he made dealt with the subjects of agricultural interests and public works. He spoke with a distinct, North cf Ireland accent. H>s language was simple and Ins m.itme) wanot dramatic or artificial in any degree. He impressed one with his earnestness anl honesty of purpose. , It was when he became leader of tin Opposition that- he showed indications o, those qualities of mind that became sc marked in ids later career Ho was aj tireless worker, always in his seat, am i led the Opposition in its fight against (nt Government of the day with determination and imdamintcd courage. Notwithstanding ,1,-fMI after defeat, the determination he showed, the tenacity of purpose and thr courage which ho displayed made it mam that ho was a fighting man in every fibre. It was only after he had gone through tm country as Leader of tho (hen Opposition that be inspire* 1 the people with confidence in his ability and integrity and intimate grasp and knowledge of public questions and his force as a platform speaker. lli> commanding figure, his powerful physique, asked for if and eminently suitable for til purpose intended.’’ . ••Mr Massey had many true friends because he was a true friend, as many of hi-1 supporters can attest. He m v*-r kept aioot from ids supporters in the House, bull mixed with them in a social way. Oufsidi the Chamber he was always agreeable am genial with all the members of Parliament.! Speaking of m.V e-loser acquaint mice will.l him when 1 became a colleague of his o- j the National Government, I may and ids l l 1 was impressed with ids quick lui'ccptl ui'ccpt I;, i| and comprehension, ids shrewdness am.l practical common sense, and Ins simpk | habits. Ho was always cordial and iauj and just- in his relations with me and uppre-| Native of my administrative worth. [ “Mr Massey,’’ said Mr Hamm, ’ has leiil a memory of'faithful public service, repre hunting high ideals of *bity and service in tile. House we shall miss ids towerm-J | personality ids genial smile l , ids tact, urn | ids fighting speeches, whether in defence oil in attack ' We shall always remember will aelmiration Ids .steadfast ness of purpose,| courage, firm resolution, strength oil character, am! greatness of spirit as i.l loader of She party which ho led with s i much conspicuous ability and success, am t Ids ardent, desire to promote tbo welfaiaS of New Zealand and the Empire to wide) I ho was sO loyally ami dciolcdiy attached. |