PEATH OF PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1925, Page 8

PEATH OF PREMIER.

JV'ORLD-WIDE SYMPATHY. MANY SPLENDID TRIBUTES MESSAGE FROM THE KING. FORTITUDE OF MRS. MASSEY ST Telegraph—Pres* Awoaatica. *“ Wellington, Last Night. the very many messages which have poured like a stream into the offices of the press of the Dominion since the death of the Rt. Hon. W. F. Massey, none is more touching in its application than that received this evening (from Mrs. Massey. With a fortitude that is characteristic yet striking. Mrs. Massey bore her husband’s illness, and now that the end has come Mrs. Massey expresses in her own words in the following message her grateful appreciation of the comfort and assistance she ha« received from the people of the Dominion: —

‘•'The affection expressed for my husband and the assurances of prayers on his behalf to the Almighty, in whom he believed, have been a revelation to us, and have been a great comfort during the past six weeks. We are all most grateful.”—(Signed) C. A. Massey. The following calble message has been received by Mrs. Massey: — **'The Queen and I join in the sorrow ■which has befallen you by the death of your dear husband. The Dominion will mourn the loss of a Prime Minister who held that office with honour and distinction before, throughout and since the Great War. We heartily sympathise with you, your family and the people of New Zealand, and feel sure that these sentiments are shared generally throughout the British Empire.” (Signed) GEORGE, R.I.

In reply to the King’s message Mrs. Massey cabled: “My heartfelt thanks for your Majesties’ most gracious and sympathetic message. The knowledge that your Majesties join in our sorrow is a solace to me and my family in our bereavement. We are proud of the unblemished record of service to the Empire, and are honoured by such recognition by our King and' Queen. —Christina Massey.” The following message was received from Earl Jellicoe: “Lady Jellicoe and I mcfiirn with New Zealand the loss of your Great Prime Minister. Please convey our deepest sympathy with Mrs. JMassey and the Government.” The following telegram was received by His Excellency the Governor-General from L. C. M. Amery (Secretary of State for the Colonies): “Please Convey to Mrs. Massey and family most sincere sympathy from Mrs. Amery and myself. I deeply regret the loss of an old friend and of one whose faith in" fehe Empire never faltered.”

THE FUNERAL. ROAD ROUTE BY MOTOR. Wellington, Last Night. The route for the funeral to Point •Baisweil will be by road, motors .being employed. It is notified for the information of local bodies and other organisations that if they desire to have a place in the procession they should Immediately communicate with Mr. J. Hislop (Under-Secretary for Internal Affairs, Parliament Buildings).

RECORD OF GOOD WORK. -APPRECIATION OF OPPONENTS. Wellington, May 11. Bir Joseph Ward, in the course of a Warm tribute, said that Mr. Massey’s death would be deplored by all sections Of the people. His own feeling was one Of the greatest sympathy for Mrs. Maspey and family. “To the people of the country he has 80 long served Mr. Massey’s death comes as a great blow” continued Sir Joseph. “Even those who had differed strongly from his views must feel a deep regret tliat he was not permitted to live to finish his public career and Jive in quiet retirement.” Sir Joseph Ward said that he was in Parliament when Mr. Masey entered it, and, though they afterwards, crossed swords, he recognised in Mr. Massey a man of strong courage and a fearless fighter, one whom the country could ill afford to lose. Sir Joseph said he had attended several conferences with Mr. Massey in the Old Land, and he could affirm that he did good work, his ripe experience proving mc»st useful. “He will be missed greatly,” Sir Joseph concluded, ‘■'both in Parliament and by the country, and such a man’s

removal, especially while occupying the highest position in the State, comes as a disaster that is widespread from and to end of the country.’" Mr. T. M. Wil ford (Leader of the Opposition), paying a tribute to Mr. Massey, said that for 25 years they had {>een opponents. The dead Premier hit hard, gave no quarter, and took anything quietly which was given in return. He was always punctual for business and always ready for any eventuality. He added: “His sturdy Imperialism was a joy to me, and I always saw eye to eye with him on matters of common loyalty and obligation which knit together and alone can maintain the integrity of the Empire. It is difficult to imagine Parliament without him.” Mr. H. E. Holland (Leader of the Labour Party) telegraphed conveying his own and the Labour Party’s sympathy with Mrs. Massey and with the Government in their irreparable loss. He added; “I shall always remember him as a statesman of wide capabilities and strong determination and a great opponent, who, having given his word, never once broke it. ‘After life’s fitful (pver may he sleep well.’ ”