MR MASSEY’S WAR SERVICES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 27

MR MASSEY’S WAR SERVICES.

LONDON JOURNAL'S TRIBUTE. The following comments on the most important phase of Mr Massey's service for State and Empire during the war period are taken from the London Daily Telegraph's editorial columns of June 28, 1919. They practically reiterate with emphasis similar opinions expressed on several occasions in other leading British journals, including The Times and the Daily Mail, which noted particularly his practical commonsense, energy, and devotion to duty : “The Prime Minister of the Dominion of New Zealand is a robust imperialist of a practical type*. Out of the last three years Mr Massey has practically spent two in our midst, and the British public has learned to know him well. He has done splendid service at the Peace Conference, He has played there the role which everyone expected from so staunch a patriot. Thanks in a large measure to the persuasive and robust advocacy of Mr Massey it is especially provided in the Treaty of Peace that the South Pacific Islands are to be administered under the laws of the mandatory as an integral part of her territory. This is merely one instance of his fcpkndid service at the Peace Conference. He has been strong on the question of indemnities and reparation ; no one has been more insistent on securing the trial and punishment of those guilty of crimes against the laws and customs of war. He has also been an ardent supporter of the League of Nations, though at times he may have thought that the settlement of the actual terms of peace was even more pressing than the drafting of the Covenant of tlie League.” Mr Massey’s best service for the Em. pire has undoubtedly been the unmeasured manner in which he urged the people of New Zealand to throw the full weight of their patriotism and resources into the Allies’ fight for world freedom. “We do not remember a single occasion,” declared the Daily Telegraph, “on which the head of the National Government M New Zealand has failed to speak worthily

on behalf of the splendid dominion whicn sent to Europe nearly 100,000 gallant soldiers whose war record is surpassed by

There was not a moment’s hesitation on his part about guaranteeing a practical exercise of the patriotism of New Zealand on behalf of the Empire. Before war was declared in August, 1914, but when it appeared to be inevitable, Mr Massey cabled to the Imperial Government stating that all that New Zealanders had and were would be at the disposal of the Empire’s Government. The dominion's to cord in the war proves that the Prime Minister’s pledge was no empty promise. The Main Body left the dominion in October, 1914, and later took part in the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign, then in many important and imperishable battles in France, where the reputation of the New Zealand Division as men and soldiers is enshrined in the hearts and memories of the gallant and grateful citizens of fair France. “I heartily congratulate you on the completion of rhe main portion of your great work,” said Mr Massey to M. Clemenoeau at the historic ceremonv of the signing of the Treaty of Peace at Versailles, where and when so many farewells had to be so hurriedly made. ‘And iet me congratulate you too,” responded M. Glemenceat; in hi* charming manner. * c» veur work, and please also congratulate your brave men and thank them for Franca. ’