LATE PRIME MINISTER.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 12 May 1925, Page 9

LATE PRIME MINISTER.

World-Wide Tributes.

MR MASSEY'S REAL WORTH

ACCLAIMED

By Cable—Press Association —Copyright.

Australian and N.Z. UaDlo Association,

(.Received May 11, 5.5 p.m.) EON DOE, may 11.

Tho “Morning Post” pays a tribute to alt Massey under ian title: “A good man and true.” The paper says; mi wno knew him will mourn with xNew Zealand the loss of her. Prime iVimister. He had the grit and courage of Protestant Derry, and the resourceiul loyal spirit of New Zealand. He also had a firm faith in God and the Empire. His long term of oiiice was the fruit, not of mere political cleverness, or power in tricks of debate, but of the, greater qualities of courago, integrity and the love and trust of Ins people.” Last War premier. The “Daily Telegraph” describes Mr Massey as “The last of the Wur Premiers throughout the Empire. It is a real gratilication that such a gallant lighter died in harness,” Trusted National Leader. t “The Times,” in a leader, says that New Zealand has lost a trusted national leader and the Empire .a most loyal and devoted servant. One of the statesmen who dominated the political stage of the Mother Country and the Dominions during the wav years has retired into the background, Mr Massey was the last, and perhaps, he himself would have preferred that death and not defeat should have ended his long and honourable career in oiiice. New Zealand is a country of line loyalties. If her people are loyal to Empire they are also loyal to men of their choice. Mr Massey, like his old opponent, Mr Seddon, was Premier for thirteen years. It is a tribute to his power and leadership that the various attempts of the Opposition during his period of office seemed ‘half hearted, almost unreal. He was an Imperial leader of the old school. . Even after the war he had little sympathy with the political ideals of some of, his brother Premiers in tiie British partnership. Herein, however, is reflected the opinion of the vast majority of his fellow countrymen, for the restless doctrine# of the phst few years have taken longer to reach New Zealand than the nations nearer the heart of the Empire. The British people, knowing Mr Massey for his bluff, kindly figure, will receive the news of his death with the keenest. regret, and will be the first to sympathise with Nety Zealanu in her great loss. “ Seeing Things Through.” • The “Daily Telegraph” says; “Mr Massey’s fixed immovable principles and unshakable determination to see the trouble through, and his readiness to throw in ail, were invaluable qualities in the time of danger. Mr Massey was an Imperialist through and through. We hope his successor will be a statesman of equal courage, and with devotion as fixed and ardent, Mr Massey’s Robust Patriotism. The “toyauey Dany Teiegruph” says. A grey granite stone, graven with urn. words: ■'Here lies an imperialist, would be a.fitting monument to raise above the last resting place c, William Ferguson Massey, it would be expressive or cue man most notable in political circles in tiie Dominion, sine* the day of Richard John Seddon. The article proceeds to pay a tribute to mm as a bum, strong, iar-sighted man of adamantine quanues, and places his work as an imperialist on a lugn plane, declaring tnat he wios a robust, unequivocal patriot, dihusing contndence when most urgently needed. Referring to Mr Massey s efforts and acincvementti in the direction ol closer relations between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, ihe “Drily ieiegiaph” declares that all along be had been a linn believer m cu-c’-era-cion between tno Commonwealth and tho Dominion, in all matters of mutual concern. Australia will join sincerely with her sister Dominion, in regretting the death of so true a friend and so sterling a character, whoso abilities won Empire-wide renown.

An Unblemished Record. The ‘’Sydney Morning Herald,” in a leader on Mr Massey, says: ‘ ‘By the passing of Mr Massey, the Dominion, in which he spent most of his life, loses one of. its. most honoured citizens, and the Empire a devoted son. l-Lugged plainness, integrity, and directness were the outstanding qualities in this sterling farmer, who established for himself and his party an authority which seemed impregnable, It was an instructive achievement which will be long memorable, for the career of Mr Massey, if reflecting anything at all, is an annihilating answer to those' tricky-minded people, with the demoralising gospel that wiliness and artifice are the soundest passports to public confidence. From the clay ho entered Parliament, until ho died, no suspicion of betrayal of public interest ever attached his name. He leaves an unblemished record—that of plain simple man, seeing hie duty clearly, and doing it fearlessly. In what more vital way could tho theory of government, common to tho British Dominions, bo justified?”

GRTEF IX LAND OF HIS BIRTH,

By Cable —Press Association—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association-

Received May 11, 10.30 p.m, LONDON, May 11

The Governor of Northern Ireland (the Duke of Abercorn) telegraphed to Sir James Allen, as follows: “ Mr Massey’s death is a personal bereavement to us in the land of his birth and ancestry.”

Sir Jame 3 Craig, on behalf of the Government, sent a message:—"The Empire has lost a renowned statesman and Imperialist, and Ulster one of her most distinguished sons.”

WORLD-WIDE GRIEF.

KEYNOTE OF HIS LIFE’S .WORK,

The Right Hon. J. H. Thomas (Secretary of State for the Colonies m the Labour Government), in a messago to the Australian Press Association, says;

"The Empire as ft whole will hear with profound regret of Mr Massey’s death. He was one of its most distinguished statesmen. None who had the privilege and honour of knowing him could be otherwise than impressed by his sincerity, single-mindedness and desire to work for the good of the Empire.”

Sir George Fuller (Premier of New South Wales), said: “I regret exceedingly to hear of Mr Massey's death. He was one of our foromost Empire men. He has done work of tremendous worth, not only to New Zealand, but to the Empire as well.” Mr T. P. O’Connor, K.C., contributes a two-column obituary notice in the “Daily Telegraph” in which he says: “Mr Massey was born at Limavady, which represents the Ulster Orange temperament in the rigidest and dourest form. With a slight change in his life, he might have occupied the place Sir James. Craig has. He bad the same resolute temper and the same stern, simple creed.”

MR MASSEY’S MORAL COURAGE

INTERESTING EPISODES

RECALLED

By Cable—Proas Association— Copyr’ght. Australian and ,N.Z. Cable Association

Received May 11, 10.35 p.m. LONDON, May 11.

Several newspapers recall the episode that the telegram containing the Invitation to stand for Parliament reached Mr Massey on the point of a pitchfork, while he was straw walloping. “The Dally Chronicle” instances Mr Massey’s Inflexible moral courage in his threat to resign unless large cruisers were sent to escort the New Zealand transports as a protection against Von Spee.

SPORTSMENS’ TRIBUTE. By Telegraph—Proas Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May 11. Sir George Clifford, President of the New Zealand Racing Conference, wired as follows, to Mrs Massey:— “On behalf of the New Zealand Racing Conference I am constrained to express our heartfelt sorrow at the loss of one for whom we had the sincerest regard and admiration, and also our heartfelt sympathy for yourself and family.”

JUSTICE FRAZER’S EULOGY. oy Telegraph—Press Association. DUNEDIN, May 11. ,In adjourning the sitting of the Arbitration Court, the President (Mr Justice Frazer), said: — “A fitting tribute must be paid to the soundness of Mr Massey’s statesmanship In the wider sense and to his fetrong Imperialism—not the Imperialism of Kaiserism, seeking to dominate and subdue the world—bttt the Imperialism of an assemblage of free peoples whose progress has helped rather than hindered the progress of the other nations of the world.

“By his death New Zealand and the Empire have lost an outstanding figure, a man of unquestionable personal integrity, a strong, sagacious statesman, a loyal, honourable and devoted servant of the State. He has been diligent in his business, has stood before the King and the great ones of the earth, and won their confidence and regard, and haß commanded the respect of the lower men of whom the provebb speaks. Now that he has gone to his rest with the consciousness of duty well done, our sympathy goes out to his widow and family. It is to be hoped that the knowledge that his example of life will be a source of inspiration to this generation and to generations to come, and in some measure afford them consolation in their bereavement.”

MESSAGE FROM ARCHBISHOP JULIUS.

His Grace Archbishop Julius left a brief but eloquent tribute to the late Prime Minister:—

“Every thoughtful member of the community will receive with profound regret the announcement of the death of Mr Massey. For whatever may be our political opinions, we cannot fail to recognise his inestimable worth, honesty of purpose, strict integrity and devotion to duty. By such sterling qualities rather than by conspicuous ability, Mr Massey attained and held his high position, ,and secured the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. Such men may not achieve great things for party, but they render the Best of service to the State. CHURCHILL JULIUS, Archbishop.

BISHOP BRODIE’S SYMPATHY. • Bishop Brodie concluded a striking tribute in these words: —“Such a life is worthy of .admiration, especially in days when educational facilities are so generous that very often they are not valued as they should bo , and when many of our youth seem to think their sole purpose in life is to rejoice in tho prestige of the honoured name of their worthy parents, .and to squander wealth earned by the painful toil and many privations endured by those whose name they bear. To our young people tho life' of Mr Massey will have its lesson —it will ho an inspiration to value the opportunities they enjoy find so to equip themselves to live up to the worthiest ideals of citizenship, and to promote the advancement of our young and favoured country. As Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, in the name of the Catholics of tho diocese, I offer a tribute to the memory of our Into Premier, and f convoy an expression of sincere sympathy to his sorrowing widow and family in the great loss they have sustained.”

’ARCHBISHOP REDWOOD. His Grace Archbishop Redwood, who is at present in Christchurch, stated that ho joins with the community in expressing his sorrow at _ the loss sustained by the Dominion in the demise of the Prime Minister, who for so many years worked so strenuously for tho public welfare.

■LABOUR LEADER’S TRIBUTE. Mr H. E. Holland (Leader of tho Parliamentary Labour Party) telegraphed conveying his own and the Dabopr Party’s sympathy with Mi's. Massey, pnd with the Government in their irreparable loss. “I shall always remember him (said Mr Holland) as a statesman of wide capabilities and strong determination, and as a great opponent who, haying given his word, x never once broke it. ‘After life’s fitful fever’ may he sleep well.”

LIBERAL LEADER’S APPRECIATION.

“I wish to pay my tribute to the late Prime Minister. For twenty-five years I have been in opposition to him, and what a sturdy fighter he was I” declared. Mr Wilford, Leader of the Opposition. “He hit hard and gave no quarter, and took anything quietly which Was given in return. He was punctuality itself. He never, to my knowledge, missed the opening of the business of the day in Parliament, either at 2.30 or 7.30. He was always ready for any eventuality, and w,as only on rare occasions taken by surprise. Sir William Hemes, the master of the Standing Orders, and he formed a difficult combination to circumvent or embarrass. Hjs sturdy Imperialism was a joy to me, and I always saw eye to eye with him in those feelings of common loyality and obligation which knit together, and alone can maintain the integrity of our Empire. He stood fairly and squarely for the King of Great Britain, who is also the King of Hearts. His backing of his Party, oven when to our view they had clearly erred and faltered, was an inspiration to leadership. ‘My Party, right or wrong,’ was liis invariable practice. His devotion to his Party bred, quite naturally, loyalty by his Party. “If I may be permitted to sum up his character as it appeared to me, an Oppositionist, I would say he was resolute, determined, fearless and loyal to his King, the Empire .find his Party. He was, in my opinion, the most agile debater in Parliament, with a keen sense of humour, and a native gift of repartee. He held a strong hand in ,any verbal contest. It is difficult to imagine the Government benches without him, and he will be much missed, but ‘the angel of death calls at the castle of the noble, and the mansion of the wealthy equally as at the cottage of the humble.’ And when the call comes none of us can refuse to answer. “To those he leaves behind to mourn their loss all sympathy flows, and as time goes on they , will be able to find some consolation in the great tributes paid to his memory by those who knew him best. With the of William Fergusson Massey will be forever associated ‘all the hearts who long to keep the . British Empiie whole.”

LABOUR MEMBER’S TRIBUTE. MR. G. SULLIVAN, M.P. ■ “Our country’s greatest Conservative leader, and one of its greatest. men, said Mr D. G. Sulliv,an, M.P., D- 1S greatness was the greatness of personality, that ‘something’ so exceedingly difficult to define in words,- but so real ill its existence, so potent in its power to impress other people. Mi Massey had a largo mind, though 1 do not think that in that respect he measured up to Mr Soddon’s standaid, but ho had a charm that it was impossible not to feel, and which was so genuine a thing that intimacy onlj intensified it. . f ... “In- my qapacity as whip or tne Labour Party in Parliament during recent years my duties brought mo into close personal contact with Mr Massey, and almost always I found him sympathetic find responsive to the viewpoint of members on tho Labour and Opposition benches in the multitude or matters that whips must discuss in regal’d to the hours that the House* should sit, the bills that should be taken, etc. There were occasions when his colleagues in tho Ministry, and members supporting his Government, were all for bludgeoning Government Bills through at a. definite Sitting, against the desires of Labour and Opposition members, but Mr Masse}, with his greater politmal wisdom, and more kindly personal disposition, would overrule these impetuous and woukl-oe ‘strong’ people, and would come to a reasonable compromise acceptable to the opposite side of the House. Iheie were never any ‘misunderstandings in regard to these arrangements when Mr Massey was concerned. The. 1 rune Minister’s word could always be relied 011 “ I have always marvelled at Mr Massey’s wonderful constitution and capacity for work. 1 have seen lum meeting deputations at nine o clock m tho morning after the House had been sitting all night, or thereabouts, and the Prime Minister would be easily the freshest among us, despite the heavy burden lie carried. These three things indeed constituted liis strength: Jus magnificent physical constitution, his r.arely failing tact, and his personal geniality and kindness. “A great figure has passed from our midst, one that will take a mace in the history of our country. there can be no doubt that lie served his cnuntiy with a high sense of duty that was part of his very nature, and with a Invallv to liis own Party that never faltered.”

R.S.A. PRESIDENT. Colonel H. Stewart,. 0.M.G.. D. 5.0., M.C. (Dominion president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association) said : . .

“Whatever their political oninions. the returned soldiers of New Zealand have always recognised the illustrious ‘■orvices rendered bv Mr Massey to the Empire, the unfailing support given bv him to the N.Z.E.F., and the individual New Zealand soldier on active service, and the genuine sympathy he has ever shown towards the ex-servicemen of the Dominion. The Returned Soldiers’ Association joins with all other sections of tho eommunitv in paving tribute to the high character, devoted pe+rioUsm and Imperial statesmanship of tho lato Premier.”-