LATE Mr. MASSEY

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 12 May 1925, Page 3

LATE Mr. MASSEY

MESSAGE FROM THE KING.

By Telegraph—Press Association. I WELLINGTON, May 11. Mrs Massey to-uay received a message from ins Majesty the King, as fonows:— "Tne Queen and I join in the sorrow wmcn has befallen you by tne death ot your near nusoanu. Tne nonunion will mourn tne loss ot a Prune Minister wno held tnat oruce witn uonour and distinction uefore, tnroughout, and since tne Great War. We nearmy sympatnise with you and your lamuy, and the people ot New Zealand, and leei sure tnat tnese sentiments are snared generally tnrougnouu the nntish Empire." 1. signed ) “ GeukGE K. i." Mrs Massey has cabled tho following in reply to tne lung's message: — ■ ':viy heartfelt inanity ior Your Majesties' most gracious and sympatneuc message. in© knowledge ■mat lour Majesties jum in our burrow is a solace to ine and my rarnily lit our bereavement. \> e are proud of tne unblemished record of service to the Empire, and are honoured by such recognition by our It mg and Queen. —ennstma Massey. ’ EARL JELLICOES SYMPATHY. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 11. The following cable message has been received from Earl Jeihcoc: — "Lady Jellico© and 1 mourn with New Zealand the loss of her great Prime Minister. Please convey deepest sympathy with Mrs Massey and the Government. - SECRETARY Oh' STATE. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, May. 11. The following telegram has been received by His Excellency tho GovernorGeneral from Colonel Amery, Secretary of State for the Colonies: — *‘Please convey to Mrs Massey and family most sincere sympathy from Mrs Amery and myself. 1 deeply regret the loss of an old friend, and of one whose faith in tho Empire never faltered.”MRS MASSEY’S GRATITUDE. “By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 11. Of tho very many messages which have poured like a stream into the offices of tho Press of tho Dominion since the death of tho Rt. Hon. W. h. Massey, hone is more touching m its application and affection than that received this evening from Mrs Massey. With a fortitude that is characteristic, yet striking, Mrs Massey boro her husband’s illness, and now that his end has come Mrs Massey expresses m her own words in tho following message her grateful appreciation of tho comfort and assistance she has received from the people cf the Dominion: — “The affection expressed for my husband, and the assurances of prayei's on his behalf to the Almighty m whom he believed, have been revelations to us, and have been a great comfort during the past six weeks. Wo are all most grateful.” (Sgd) C. A. MASSEY.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR FUNERAL-

By Telegraph—Pre** Association* WELLINGTON, May 11. Tsie body of the lato Inmo Minister will lie in state at Parliamontai y Buildings from to-morrow until Thursday, when-the funeral takes place. The route to Point Malswell will bo by road, motors being employed. ' It is notified for tne information of local bodies and other organisations that if they desire to liavo a place m the procession, they should immediately communicate with Mr J. liislop, Undersecretary of Internal Affairs, Parliament Buildings. MAORI LAMENTATION. •‘A GIANT TOTARA HAS FALLEN.” By Telegraph—Press Association. GISBORNE. May 11. On behalf of uie Muons of i'overty Bay district, the following message, oigned by \Y . Pitt and Vv. Dolaincre, on behalr of the Whanau Apanui, JNgatiporou, Aitanga A Mahuki, itongownakoata, and Temuuuniri tribes, nas been iorwarded to tlie Native Minister (Hon. J. G. Coates) : “\Ve deeply ueploro the loss, and our hearts are sad at King Heath having taken toll. The giant totara has fallen, and the earth lias been shaken to its iouiidation. Farewell, old man,! Go to the home of your ancestors and tho multitude. Take word hence that generations who follow arc aiming to carry on tho good works founded bj r them. Take our love to Seddon. Neither of you will ever be forgotten by your Maori people, nor your pakelia brethren. May the good work you liavo done in this world-bo an everlasthig monument to your memory and the younger generation. Farewell! Farewell 1 Go hence to the lioinci where all must follow. Leave us here as orphans to mourn our loss.” “Kindly convey to the house of mourning, and’ especially to the widow, our deepest affection and sympathy in her irreparable Joss.” Tho following telegram has been sent bv Lady Carroll to Mrs Massey :

' “Deepest sympathy in your irreparable loss of a good man, father and husband May the knowledge that the whole of the people of the Dominion • nay, the nation. —mourn with you, support you in this time of trial.”

DAY OF MOURNING IN CHRIST-

CHURCH

By TMPsrrnph—Pross Association. CHRISTCHURCH, May lk. The City Council adjourned to-night after passing a motion expressing profound sorrow at the death of Air Master, and sincere appreciation of the groat and valuable services which lie had rendered to the Dominion. _ _ Tho Council decided’ Id ask all citizens to observe Thursday as a day of mourning, oil which all work should ceaso.

Universal Expressions of Sorrow MASONIC CRAFT’S LOSS.

MASONIC FRATERNITY’S LOSS,

DEATH OF GRAND MASTER. By Telegraph—Frees Association. AUCKLAND, May 11. Mr Massey’s death deprives the Masonic Institution in New Zealand of its official head. This is the first time in the 35 years’ existence of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand that a Grand Master has died while in When Mr Massey was installed Into that office in Auckland last November, the ravages of the disease which has resulted in his death, were already painfully apparent, and it was obvious that only his remarkable fortitude enabled him to go through the fatiguing ceremony of installation. As a matter of fact he has never been able to perform any of the duties of his office beyond the signing of documents issued from the Grand Lodge Office, which required his signature for their completion. Under the Masonic system of administration the duties of Grand Master devolve automatically upon the Deputy Grand Master of the year, Mr R. H. Richmond, of Greymouth, who will continue to fulfil them until the next communication in November, when another Grand Master will be elected according to the system established by the New Zealand Gi’and Lodge, which enables each of the four chief Masonic provinces to nominate the Grand Master for two years out of every eight. Auckland will have the right to give the lead in the choice of Mr Massey’s successor. In point of fact, the .transfer of authority to Mr Richmond involves no actual change of procedure in the craft. As Deputy Grand Master he was the constitutional head in tfie absence of his senior officer from the Dominion, and similarly now in the case of his death, and as Mr Massey's illness prevented him from visitation of lodges and other Masonic functions, Mr Richmond has undertaken practically the whole of such work that has been done in the last five months. All lodges in New Zealand are to be draped in mourning for the next month.

IN TIMARU, With great rapidity news of the doatn of the Prime Minister of New Zealand spread tiirougnout Timaru and bourn GanterDury yesterday morning, and everywhere it was received witn expressions of keen regret. Though tne news had not been altogether unexpected, the community wus shocked, and on every hand were heard expressions of appreciation of liis great work as a statesman, and of sympathy with the Prime Minister’s widow and family in their irreparable loss. From all public buildings, and from many private ones, iiags 'at'half mast were town, and conversation for tho day was diverted from ordinary subjects to the one sad topic of the death of New Zealand’s Prime Minister. METHODIST CHURCH. On receiving word of the Prime Minister's death at the service of the Harm btreet Methodist Church, the Rev. A. G. .lawry altered the hymn to "Jesus Lover of My Soul,” and. after this tho congregation (a large one) stood in silence. Mr Lawry then offered up a brief prayer, in which he commended the mourners to Divine comfort. When tho news of the death of the Prime Minister was received at AYoodiand> btreet Methodist Church on Sunday evening, the congregation stood in silenco, as a mark of respect, and the Rev. H. J. Odell offered a special prayer. REFERENCES AT THE SCHOOLS. At the Timaru Boys’ High School the students assembled at the usual time, and alter being addressed by the Rector (Mr W. Thomas), who briefly referred to the Jong years in which Mr Massey had served the Dominion and the Empire, stood in silenco as a mark of respect. At tho Timaru Girls’ High School a short service was held, after which tho Lady Principal (Miss R. J. Barr) paid tribute to the Into Prime Minister, stressing the great work ho had carried out for the Empire. The West School opened tho proceedings with tho saluting of the flag. Tho headmaster (Mr Pearson), in making sympathetic rcferenco to the Prime Minister’s death, said that Mr Massey had risen to bo one of the greatest statesmen the Dominion had ever produced. Mr Massey’s success was due to honest endeavour and hard work, but behind it all was a sincere love of countrv. The pupils stood in silenco as a mark of respect. At Waimatnita.i, the headmaster referred in sympathetic terms to the late Prime Minister, eulogising his work in connection with education. Tho headmaster went on to sav lhat Mr Massey had set the younger generation a wonderful example. and such a position as lie had filled was possible to c-verv boy. The pupils then naid Mr Masscv a silent tribute, standing one minute in silence, after which they dismissed.

At tho Titnnru Main School, the childnen assembled while the flag was hoisted to half-mast. Mr F. E. Malcolmson. chairman of the School Committee, in a brief address, referred to tho life and character of the late Prime Minister, who had risen from the ranks to he one- of the oldest Premiers in the British Empire. He referred to the erect loss New Zealand had suffered >n the demise of such a great man. The headmaster (Air B. Tl. Low} also snake. After the National Anthem bad been sung and J hc “Lost Post” sounded by Bugler Moves, tho children dispersed .

At the South School children assembled in the playground, where the flag was hoisted half-mast. The headmaster (Mr J. Methven) briefly referred to tho great loss tho country had sustained in the death of Mr Massey, lie told the children not to lonic on tho dav as an ordinary holiday, but to keep it appropriate to the occasion. The school was then, closed for the day.

Air F. J. Rollcston, M.P.. received the following telegram from (lie Minister of Railways (Hon. J. G. Coates), last evening:—“Special tram fares are being provdod for those desiring to attend live funeral of the late Mr Massov. and ample aeeommodMion will be available oil ordinary trunk trains.”-

BOROUGH COUNCIL’S TRIBUTE

THE MAYOR’S REMARKS. RESOLUTION OF SYMPATHY,

Last night the Timaru Borough Council met, and after passing a resolution ot sympathy wun Airs Massey and rannly, appointing a representative oi tne Council to aLtend tne iunerai, and making arrangements in connection witn tne memorial service whicn is to bo held on Thursday next in Timaru, adjourned until next Monday night. T hei'O were present —The Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace), Councillors X. W. batterthwaite, P. J. J.veily, P. C. Vmnell, W. H. Hunt, J. A. Hay, J. J!'. Arnold, X'. Ghittock, l l '. B. Tiawkcy, J. it. Hart, VV. Gibb, G. Benstead and 1). MciSab. His Worship said: “To-day ISew Zealand mourns the loss oi one of its greatest men, and it is my pamlui duty as Mayor ot the town, to see that tribute is paid to the services of one who devoted his hie to his lellowmen, and that a resolution is sent from, this part oi the Dominion, expressing sympathy with those nearest and dearest to the dead statesman, and who have been left to mourn their loss. The resolution which T propose is as lollows: — ‘That this Council deeply deplores the death of Mr .William i’erguson Massey, member of Parliament lor 3i years, and lor nearly the last thirteen years or which time, he held the liigu position oi Prime Minister ot tins Dominion. His groat services to the Dominion and the empire, especially during tne most strenuous and trying period of the .empire's history, wnl never oe lorgotten. ills sterling worth as citizen, patriot and statesman, earned the esteem or ail, while his personal aotriDutcs won tile ahection ui everyone, ms hie will always stand out as a ongnt and sinning example of successlui achievement, or lugn purpose, and or duty nobly done. inis Council deeply sympathises with Mrs Massey and family in their bereavement.' ” The motion was seconded by the De-puty-Mayor (.Councillor J. A. Hay). Continuing Ins remarks, the Mayor said: “in proposing this resolution of sympathy with the relatives of our late Prime Minister, i feel that there has never been an occasion in the history of this Dominion when the expressed national gnei was more genuine or profound than it is now j nor have the tokens ot appreciation of Tne invaluanio heJp given oy any public man ever been more heartlelt, or sincere. Mr Massey’s whole lite and work will stand out in the memory of thosei who knew him. Tile record of his thirteen years of leadership, face to face with well nigh insurmountable difficulties, will continue to stand boldly out in blew Zealand politics until some bigger and better man overshadows it.”

'The motion was carried in silence, all standing. 'The Deputy-Mayor suggested that the Council should be represented at the Prime Munster’s funeral in Wellington oil Thursday, and he moved that the Mayor should go to Wellington for this purpose.

'The Mayor said he was not at present sufficiently well to travel, and as he understood that the Deputy-Mayor could not go, lie proposed that Councillor Satterthwaite, as the senior Councillor, should bo asked to attend. T.iis found general endorsement, and Councillor Satterthwaite agreed to become the Council’s representative at the funeral.

Mr Gibb said that the Executive of the South Canteroury School Committees’ Association had interviewed the 'Timaru Ministers’ Association, and had ascertained that that body would take part in the service and provide two speakers. The two local Brass Bands would be in attendance, and the Pipe Band would be present to play a mont. The Hector of the Timaru Boys’ High School had agreed to his school taking part in the service, and a bugler from the High School would sound ‘‘The Last Post.” Mr Gibb said ho had wired to tliei officer commanding the Canterbury District with a view to ascertaining whether the Territorials would tako part, and had received a reply telling him to arrange with Captain McHugh, officer in command in 'Timaru. AJI the. arrangements were well in hand, and the service should be well attended.

The Mayor said he hoped the service would be largely attended, and that tho afternoon would be observed as a Sunday.

It was decided to ask the townspeople to close their business premises at noon, and' that no theatres or picture shows should he permitted to open that night. The Mayor further mentioned that he had that day received an invitation from the Rev. Andrews-Baxter, to attend, with councillors, a memorial service at St. Mary’s on Sunday next, and he had received a similar invitation from the Rev. Gladstone Hughes to attend a xflemorial service at Chalmers Church. Unfortunately both services were to be held at night. If one were held in the morning and the other at night. Councillors would be able to attend both.

It was decided- to accept both invitations if one is held in the morning and the other at night.

MEMORIAL SERVICE. The Mayor said that a united memorial service was being arranged by the School Committees’ Association for Thursday next at 2.30 p.m., in the Main School grounds. The Ministers’ Association would take part in the service, which would be for adults as well as for school children, and it teemed to him that they should ask the citizens to observe Thursday from noon as a public holiday. He asked Mr Gibb to explain what steps had been taken so far in this matter. AT THE SCHOOLS. At 10.30 yesterday morning the pupils of the District High School were assembled m front of the school, and short addresses were given by the headmaster (Mr R. Malcolm), the Mayor (Mr G. 11. Cartwright), and the chairman of the School Committee (Mr A. E. Smith). Speaking to the children, Mr Malcolm said that the reason why the school flag was flying at half mast was to show reverence to a grout man, who had' made a great name, not only in New Zealand, hut in all the world. The late Hon. W. E. Massey, who had lived a strenuous life, had died in harness. They all deplored his death, and the gap would be hard to fill. Personally, he could not say all that he would like to that morning, but iie would like all the pupils in the upper classes to peruso their morning paper and read the life of the late Mr Massey. It would be an inspiration to them all, and show what could be accomplished. Mr Massey rose from a humble ploughboy to the highest position in New Zealand-. In conclusion, Mr Malcolm said that it would be fitting if this week’s essay was tho story of the late Mr Massey’s career. Tho Mayor said that they had met under very sad conditions, for although all knew that Mr Massey was seriously ill, yet the end came as a shock to all. They had lost a man who had made n nanio all over the world —a man who had striven to do good, and to try and help everyone. Ho urged tho children to read the morning paper, and to study and try and emulate the lifo story of New'Zealand’s groat Premier. Mr Smith said that the laic Premier’s life had been strenuous, and was an example, and an incentive to all. 1 He had' lived a clean life, full of devo-

tion and self sacrifice where his country and the British Empire was concerned.

The children then stood to attention with bowed heads, and a reverent two minutes’ silence was observed. At the Convent School the children were assembled shortly after nine o’clock, and the llev. Father Maloney, S.M., referred in fitting terms to the death of the Hon. Mr Massey, and gave a brief sketch of his career. The children were then dismissed for the d'ay. MEETINGS POSTPONED. By Telesroph—Prsss Association. WELLINGTON, May 11. The Governor-General arrived from Auckland to-day. All local body meetings in the city will be postponed till after Mr Massey's funeral. Hundreds of messages of condolence with Mrs Massey are coming from all quarters to-day. TEMUKA’S SORROW. The news of Mr Massey’s death was received with profound regret in lemuka, all sections or the community expressing the deepest sorrow at the sau announcement. In several or tiie churches fitting rer ference was made. At the Presbyterian Church the Rev. H. it. Fell referred to tho groat loss the country hud sustained. Hie Presbyterian Church had lost one of its leading laymen. A motion of sympathy was passed to Mrs Massey and Lunily the big congregation standing in reverent silence. At the Methodist Church the Rev. R. Richards, in referring to the sterling qualities of tlic great Premier, said that iiis unimpeachable character and honest bearing had won him a high reputation at home and abroad. A telegram conveying the sympathy of the minister and members of the Church, was sent to Mrs Massey and family yesterday.

BOROUGH COUNCIL’S APPRECIA

Tho following telegram was sent to the late Prime Minister’s private secretary yesterday : ‘•The Mayor, councillors and burgesses of Tomuka desire you to convey to Mrs Massey and iamiiy, their sincere .sympathy and condolence in the great loss they, and the Dominion, have, sustained bv the death of the Hon. W. F. Massey.”

Ex-Mayor T. Gunnion was appointed to represent the town at the funeral. Tho business places, including tho hotels, were closed from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. yesterdav, and flags were flying at half-mast throughout tho town.

The Mayor mentioned 1 that there was a proposal on foot to hold a united citizens’ service in the Domain on Thursday, in which all the members oi the clergy would take part. It was agreed to give this proposal every support. Later in the day it was decided to hold a memorial service in the Dominion Theatre.

BUSINESS MEN’S SYMPATHY.

SHOPS TO CLOSE ALL DAY

THURSDAY.

A special meeting of the executive of the Business Men s Association was lie Id yesterday morning, Mr J. B. Sinclair presiding. On the motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr W. F. Evans, a motion ot sympathy was passed to Mrs Massey and iamiiy, those present standing in perfect silence. The following telegram was also sent to Mr Thomson, private secretary to the late Prime Minister“ The 'ieinuka Business Men’s Association desire you to express to Mrs Massey and family their sincere sympathy with her in the great loss she has sustained.” The Mayor (Mr G. B. Cartwright) said that lie desired to ask if the business places would close at 11 a.m. and reopen at 2 p.m., out of respect to the memory of the late Prime Minister. Ho had been in communication with Timaru, but could get no information as to what they were going to do. All the betels were willing to close. After discussion it was agreed that the business places close from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day, and that Thursday bo observed as a whole holiday.

RECEPTION OF NEWS AT WAIMATE.

The news of the death of Mr Massey was not generally known in Winmate until tiio arrival of the “Herald” at f.3U yesterday morning, but then on ali sides" could be heard expressions oi regret, while flags were flown at hall mast on a number of prominent budd-

ings. When the schools assembled the news was announced, and after the teachers had given short addresses on the lifo of Mr Massey the pupils were dismissed.

the Waimato High School the pupils were addressed by tho headmaster (Dir L. F. Pegier), who referred to the life work of the lato Premier. As a mark of sympathy tho children stood for a moment in silence. Tho chairman of tho High School Board of Governors (Dir S. I. Fitch) telegraphed the sympathy of tho staff a»d”the Board to the acting-Premier. At a general meeting of the DYaimate Rub-Union last evening, a motion of sympathy was with Mrs Massey

on the death of the Prime Minister. •* The Sub-Union also decided .to postpone all games on Thursday as a mark of reipect.’ - The Referees’ Association passed -a similar motion. . ;

On tho occasion of tho Prime Minister’s funeral on Thursday, the Waimate District Hunt have postponed their weekly meet until Saturday.