THE LATE MR MASSEY

Southland Times, Issue 19553, 18 May 1925, Page 7

THE LATE MR MASSEY

MEMORIAL SERVICE. IMPRESSIVE PROCEEDINGS. (From our Correspondent). More’s Theatre, Riverton, was well filled on Thursday afternoon, when a memorial service in memory of the late Premier, Hon. W F. Massey was held. The country districts were strongly represented, and the day was generally observed as a holiday. The bell in the Anglican Church was tolleid previous to the service. His Worship the Mayor (Dr. Trotter' presided, and there was also present on the platform, the Rev. J. Fordyce (Presbyterian*. Rev. H. Haynes (Methodist), Rev. C. Webb (Anglican*, and Captain Ward (Salvation Army). After singing the National Anthem, the Chairman, in an excellent speech said that a few weeks ago they had assembled in the same hall to honour the deeds of their brave soldiers on Anzac Day, and now they had gathered for a memorial service in connection with the death of their late Premier. The deceased statesman had started from humble circumstances, and he rose from a working farmer to the high position of Premier. Mr Massey had only a few followers when he started his political career, but the dead statesman believed in doing what he had to do with all his might. Mr Massey and the late Mr Seddon had many ideas in common. They were both big men, possessed of kind hearts, and both had always endeavoured to do their best for the Dominion and the Empire generally. Mr Massey shone out conspicuously during the Great War. and it was not necessary for him (the speaker) to dwell on what had been accomplished. They all knew, however, that he always carried a great responsibility, and he was conversant with the inner workings of our Great Empire, which the ordinary individual knew nothing about. He was British to the backbone. No country gives greater freedom than the one to which we belong, and during his travels abroad this was patent to him. Things may be said in this and other countries under British rule which would not be tolerated in other lands, not even in the United States. The late Mr Massey was a kindly man in all his dealings, and his loss will be a serious one to the Dominion. The Rev. J. Fordyce said the services rendered to our Dominion by this great statesman will not soon be forgotten. His name and his works will go down to posterity, as one of the greatest men who ever lived. He loved his country with an ardent love, and by his passing we mourn a great patriot. He will always be remembered as the one who guarded this country’s destiny when it was in peril, and when her enemies were knocking at the gates. He manfully faced the problem, and we had entire confidence in his judgment. Not only here did he guard our interests, but at the Imperial Conferences in the Homeland he was a great giant, and his advice was always sought. Those who knew him best loved him best. Our children and our children's children will cal! him blest. The deceased gentleman will always be known as our greatest statesman. The secret of his power lay in his faith. A great reader of Scripture, he died in harness as he would have wished. He did his work and did it well. Rev. C. Webb offered up a prayer. Rev H. Haynes read a chapter from Corinth- ■ ns, and Captain Ward conducted the singing. During rhe service the National Anthem. Pclic? Perfect Peace.'’ "Abide with Me,” ■ nd “Lead Kindly Light” were sang by the large assemblage. Miss M. Robertson ably presided at the SERVICE AT MATAURA. (From our Correspondent J There was a fair attendance at the memorial service to the late Hon. W. F. Massey held at Mat aura on Thursday. The service v. as arranged by the Borough Council and the Mayor (Mr C. D. McConnell) presided. ?’embers of the Council were present, and Rev R. Mackie conducted the service. After the singing of the National Anthem and prayer, the Mayor made brief reference to the passing of the late Premier at the zenith of his career, and that he died in harness. During the war he steered the ship of state, which was a difficult task, but with his integrity be proved to be a g.?at man. The Kings and rulers of other countries were proud to meet the deceased who was a great statesman. The whole of New Zealand grieved with his widow and family and the great tributes they had received would help them to bear their loss with fortitude. Rev. R. Mackie preached from the book of Job, Chapter 3. Verse 19. “The small and the great are there; and the servant is free from his master.” In the course of his remarks he referred to the late Premier as a capable politician and statesman, who faced his duties with great fortitude. Special hymns were sung during the service, Mrs Amos accompanying the singing. The Mataura Town Band played the "Dead March in Saul” at the conclusion of the service, the congregation standing, after which the Benediction was pronounced by Rev. Mackie. SERVICE AT BLUFF. ADDRESS BY REV'. FRANCIS. (From our Correspondent.) A united service was held in the Presbyterian Church at Bluff on Thursday when the pulpit platform was occupied by the Rev. R. Francis and Rev D. McGregor— Presbyterian and Methodist Ministers re-, spectively. An apology' for non-attendance on account of an attack of lumbago w’as received from Rev. A. S. Moffatt and read. The Bluff Borough Council and Masonic Lodge were well represented and hymns suitable to the occasion were sung. Rev. R. Francis speaking from the text: "Behold the Lord, the Lord of hosts doth take away the mighty man”; Isaiah 111, 1 and 2, said: "After a long illness, the progress of which was watched at home and abroad as well as in New Zealand, the late Rt. Hon. William Ferguson Massey has gone to his rest. Apart from his high office he played a great part in the progress of this country and we must regard him as a man, a patriot and a statesman who held office during a time beset by circumstances of a most trying character.. He was a man. He started life with no advantages. He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and did his share of the hard graft which falls to the lot of those who follow agricultural pursuits. He applied himself and by energy and thrift—qualities largely neglected by the rising generation of these days—he won the respect of the community in which he lived and soon found himself occupying the foremost position in movements with which he was associated. He entered politics somewhat against his inclinations. After a number of years he gained a small majority in the House and eventually won the dominant position which he held for a long period. His rise from an unsuspicious beginning indicates the strong character and personality of the man whose loss we now mourn. It is a good thing for this or any other country to have such men who are irreproachable in conduct, consistent in their efforts and can be relied upon in times of crisis, men who have set their aim upon the goal before them and press forward not caring what others may think or say of them. His strong character and personality called forth the respect and confidence of the people and enabled him to win the position of Prime Minister which he so ably filled. A man from Australia had recently expressed the opinion that what was wasted over there was a statesman of strong character like W. F. Massey and it would be a bad day for our country when we lack men of his qualities. “He was a patriot—out and out, both ls regards New Zealand and the Empire. Men may differ very widely as to the policy that is to be pursued for the welfare rf New Zealand and the Empire, but differ as they may, the fires of patriotism should ,

burn in the breast of every statesman worthy of the name. If men who fail to see eye to eye with one another would only recognise that their opponents may be just as patriotic as themselves it would help them to arrive at a better understanding. Mr Massey had his own ideas of patriotism and honestly endeavoured to carry them out. It will be admitted by every fairminded man that Mr Massey had ever in view what he deemed to be fittest for the, Dominion’s welfare. No man sought more earnestly to achieve what was best for these islands. He was one of those who was proud of the Empire and, may I say what I have put into print elsewhere—the British Empire, while it has its faults, is the best Empire that the world has ever seen. When war came like a thunderclap, Mr Massey was prepared to stand by the Mother Country to the last man and the last shilling. He realised that it was to be a grapple to the death. If we were to preserve our heritage we must be prepared to go on until the usurping foe was vanquished both on land and sea. There was no man sadder than Mr Massey to see the best lives of the country going out—some never to return, others to be maimed for life. .As the leader of the country he knew how those who fought acquitted themselves in the field with distinction and gained for the country honour which shall never die away. He also knew that those who went must be supported in the struggle until the heavy task was accomplished. “Some politicians never become statesmen. A statesman must have a capacity for business, a breadth of vision, a faculty to see beyond the needs of the day and ability to direct affairs in the best interests of all. A true statesman refuses to be a tool for any party, he will not be an opportunist or a sitter on the fence but unswervingly adherent to his views and strives to carry them out. He never lowers his standard. Mr Massey was a statesman of that kind though he was open to correction. His readiness in this direction has been responsible for policy amendments which have given his opponents opportunity to twit him of the past. We shall remember him as one who was wise, courteous and discreet and who guided us through a period of years which were full of trouble w'ithout and within. Men of all parties—not excluding the Labour Party—pay tribute to his character and his ability. According to the views of a certain layman lie was a deeply religious man who regarded the Bible as the finest book in the world and whose acquaintance with its contents from cover to cover was really marvellous. He was an earnest, practical Christian, patient and forebearing.’ May this Dominion ever have many of those of whom such things can be said. “ The Lord has taken away a mighty man’ and we extend to his widow’ and family our deepest sympathy. May the Lord be with them in a special manner during this time of their affiliction. The best tribute that we can pay is to apply ourselves to the building up of our fair land and live that we may achieve that righeousness which exalteth a nation. Let us resolve that as long as we live we shall strive Lr the good of all and be loyal to our King and country.—Amen.” Mr A. Steel officiated at the organ and at the close of the sendee played the Dead March.