IN MEMORIAM

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 15 May 1925, Page 3

IN MEMORIAM

TIMARU’S TRIBUTE,

PUBLIC MEMORIAL. SERVICE,

In weatlier which soemed in sympathy witn the sad occasion (heavy ran falling at intervals from a sky in whicl tho sun snouo liriully) a puhlu memorial service was held in Tinian yesterday in remembrance of the labRight Hon. W. F. Massey, P.C. I/.lj.jL)., late Prime Minister of Lev Zealand, and it was in every way 1 fitting tribute to a great man. It hat been intended to hold the service 11 the grounds of the Timaru Mail School, but owing to tho rain and th< sodden state of the. ground, it was belt in the Theatre Royal, which proved tex small to accommodate many of thos; who desired to pay a last tribute t< the much revered statesman. Tho service was held under the com bined auspices of the Timaru Municipa authorities, the Timaru Ministers As 6ociation, and tho Timaru School Com mittees’ Association. His "Worship tin Mayor (Mr G. J. Wallace) presided. The military parade, which left th< Drill Hall shortly after 2 p.m., wa: under the command of Licut.-Col. New man Wilson, D. 5.0., M.C., assisted b: Captain IT. W. McHugh, M.C N.Z.S.C., Lieut.. Clements, N.Z.P.S. and Sergeant-Major Rockford, N.Z.P.S Tho. parade was headed by the Soutl Canterbury Battalion Band, unde) Bandmaster E. Sclinack, the next ii order being the Ist N.Z.M.R. (C..Y.C.) under Captain Pciinefatheiy with ■ 2( other ranks; the first -Battalion C Company Headquarters Section nndei Major Xi. M. Inglis and Captain S Mason, with Second Lieutenants Me Dougall and Jacques and 120 otliei ranks; the 2nd Battalion Canterbury Regiment Senior Cadets was compose! of 150 ranks, B. Comn.any under th( command of Second Lieutenant Mai colm; and C. Company/ under Lieu tenant C. De Joux and Second Lieutenant Beckman. The military were accommodated at the Theatre in.seat: at the rear of the downstair portion o: the building. The R.S.A. were represented by Captain A. N. Oakey, and Messrs Goodman, Culling, and McLaren. The Timaru Pipe Band, under Drum Major Laurence, and the Salvatioi Army'Band, under Bandmaster W. G. Hawkey, were also on the stage. . There was a very large attendance of school children in charge of their teachers, the Girls’ High School, Boys’ High School. Miss Shand’s School, and the Mam, Waimataitai, South, and West primary cchoori being well represented. Tho service opened with a funeral march, plavcd by the South Canterbury Battalion Bard, this being followed by' tbe Lord’s Prayer, by the Rev. A. C. Lawry (president of the Ministers’ Association!. A Scripture loading d Cor. xv., 20-o8), was given -bv tho Rev. K. B. Andrews-Baxter, and then tho hymn, “0 God Our Help in Ages Past,” was announced by tho Rev. H. G. Goring and sung by the whole assemblage, accompanied bv the Salvation Armv Band. Then fohowod a prayer by tho Rev. P. Gladstone Hughes, -8. A.: a Scripture - reading (Rev. vik, 0-17, and xxii., 1-5) by the Rev. A. Rcgg: a lament, “Flowers of tho Forest,” played by the Pino Band; and then an address by Mr W. Thomas. M.A. (Rector of . the Timaru Boys’ High School). Following this, the hymn, “Nearer My God to Thee,” was announced by Commandant Simpson, of the Salvation Army, and sung hv all present, the Salvation Army Band placing the accompaniment. Then the Benediction was announced bv the Rev. A. C. Lawry; “The Dead March in Saul” was played by the Battalion Band; Bugler Matthews sounded the “Last Post,” and tho National Anthem concluded an impressive service.

THE ADDRESS

Mr Thomas, in giving the address, 1 .saiu: “ Mut us praise mmous men ana our fathers wnu oegac us' is sureiy au exnortation to an joutu in ail Janas. Mr Massey tvas a lamous man wen wortny, as iar as the excellencies of fns cnaraeter are eoncernea, to be a source of hero-worsinp ana inspiration to tne youtfx of our country, and our snort audress this aiteniooii must mane special appeal to tliem. The Hope ot tne luture i* m our youtn and they, not ivo witli iixed habits, may be persuaded to lohow ‘tbe footprints- in the sands.' __ i ■•\YQ cannot claim Mr Massey as a product of tne Now Zealand educational system, lie had finished with school bciore he came to New Zealand, j But he was then only a boy of four-1 teen and we can therefore 1 airly claim 1 that ins adopted country was tlio great training giound of all those splendid qualities of manhood whicn have endeared him to us. it is our' custom to speak well of the dead. But who could believe that there is j hypocrisy, that there is mere attempt to praise one in high office because, of tne power he has field, in the won-; dertul outburst of tributes with which 1 , our papers have been tilled since the i death of this great statesman? The I lling and Queen have sent a message 1 of sympathy irom the United ixuiguom —a message that does not read fine a formal oliicial document. Members of tne .British Uabmet, members ol the uabiuets of other .Dominions, lus own associates in me iNcw Zealand -Parliament, ministers or religion, judges, leauers of every shade ol poiiucai opinion, schoolmasters in tne schools — an join in tne euiogy or the dead and in mo mourning mr Ins loss. There must bo sometnuig more tnan empty custom in words nke these: ’i snail always remember him as a statesman of wide capabilities and strong determination and as a great opponent who, having given his word, never once broke it,’ words of the leader ot a party which has fought Mr Massey- on many an issue. And this tribute is typical of the judgment of his worth held by those wno opposed him in political life. “Now, why is it that not only- from his friends, but even from the ranks of Tuscany wo have such genuine expressions of regret and of mourning P Is it not because of his obvious sincerity and singlemindcdncss? Tho greatest of all epitaphs, ‘Behold a Man, 1 could bo written on his tombstone. To read and to hear of this man’s work surely must make every boy sqnaro his shoulders and determine that he, too, will try to do a man’s work in tho world of sincerity and in truth, and must mako every girl assure herself that she, too, will bo sineoro in her principles and in her life. Ho was no great orator—not a Pitt nor a Burko; but lie hold tho respect of nil in thbi country (friend and political foe alike) bsunufjo men felt tliat bin beliefs were really part of himself and that his word was Ills bond, Hundreds did not nee oyo to ovo with him in his polities! views, That in what one must asp«et, No man can have tho whole truth in him nor can ho aspect to plessn everybody, Tt is only from the clash of opinions

LATE Mr MASSEY SERVICES IN SOUTH CANTERBURY.

that progress can be made. If all tnouguc aline it wouiu. do a dull worm. But in all his political fignts —and they were many—in Ins paimy days as Dead oi; the Government and in those days when in tne wilderness (.as has been said) he fought with all I his strength and energy in the opposi- • tion ranks, there was something in this i man which disarmed ail vindictive pdrL sonal enmity and which has caused : this genuine note of sorrow throughi out tne land to-day. May the mantle i of William Massey's sincerity fall on , all the public men of this land, is the ■ wish of all who have the true interest , of their country at heart. May all our [ politicians be made to see that we - really honour the sincere mind, and L that trickery and deceit meet with i the reward they deserve. i : “As you young people are aware, i Mr Massey's lame nas extended' tar i beyond iNew Zealand. Throughout the i Bntisn Jtmpiro ms worth nas bee,, j recognised. It is a great source of ■ pride to us to know that we, who live I in this isolated corner of the world, • have had leaders at dilferent times like • bir George Grey, and Mr Richard > Sodden and Mr William Massey who have been able to take their places i with dignity and with honour among i the great statesmen ■of the Empire. • Mr Massey was an ardent Imperialist. ’ Most of us in New Zealand believe , that the peace of the world demands , that our British Empire shall remain , unshaken. Some would suggest that L selfishness is at the root of this, belief ■ —that we fear that if New Zealand is . cut adrift she may become the prey of a stronger nation. But the reason, i goes deeper than that. IVe are pioud of our ancestry. With all. its faults, ■ our Homo Land is the centre cf the highest civilisation the world lias ever . seen, and it should have the . finest future. Since the war we have ■ commenced, a new era in Imperial : control; but the problem of Constitui tion awaits solution. Mr Massey’s aim . was to draw the bonds of Empire still closer^—not to give more independence to the units of Empire., His influence was felt at tho Council Table of the i Empire where all the Dominions were : represented. The present children of the Empire may some day rise up in • gratitude to the memory of this man who with robust common sense main- , tained that a United British Empire . 1 was the first stepping stone to a i strong League of Nations.

“One thought that lias been very cleany presented to us. by Mr Massey s •me in uns uemocrauc country is me opportunity wmeu any strong persouiuity possessing ability aild tne power to norx without ceasing, has oi attaining to the high places in the land. Tins is the lana or opportunity—but the desire to rise, the' power to worn must be in us. Mr Massey's life has been a poem on work. Ail our great men have had this capacity lor »ork. All our great .inventors, ail our great creations in literature, and in art, all our great conquests over, Nature have been 1 the. result of the ceaseless energy of men. who were prepared to put aside the pleasure oi tne moment for the happiness that comes with acconipiinnineiit. Wo cannot all lie Edisons, Shakespeares, Darwins, nor can we all be great statesmen like Mr Massey. Only the very few will pass away ‘With an Empire’s lamentation, with the noise of trie mourning of a mighty nation.’ But while we live, wo have no right to buiy our talents. Tho world of to-day demands service from every person—not merely the eight hours a day service for daily bread. In the past history of New Zealand, service to the community was given ungrudgingly by men who had not half the opportunities of you fortunate young people, men who did not owe half the debt that you owe to your countiy. Wo who have received most should be willing to give most. We may not have qualities which would fit us for a political leader. But there are clubs, school committees, councils, boards, churches and many another organisation crying out for men and women filled with the spirit cf in biic service. I am sure that the greatest happiness in life comes to those who are so full of tho duties of the moment that life slips away before they realise it. Mr Massey, weighed down by great responsibilities, never; weary in well doing, working hours that most people could scarcely credit to be possible, was a happy man—yes in more ways than one, the Happy Warrior. Though a very busy man Mr Massey hacl found time to devote to reading, and he was very fond of good poetry. There was a verso in Kipling's ‘lf,’ which lie had learned by heart: ‘lf yo-u can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk witli Kings—nor lose tho common touch ; If neither loos nor loving friends can hurt you; If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute • With sixty seconds’ worth of tance run, Yours is the earth, and everything that’s in it, And (.which is more) you’ll be a man ’ my soul’

“There is no doubt but that Mr Massey had filled the uniorgivmg minute with sixty seconds’ worth oi distance run. Tins is not the time nor the place for the examination of his public works. Nor is this a funeral oration where one is forced to speak well of the dead. It is rather a gathering to remind ourselves and our children that there are higher values in life than money values; that we in the depths of our nature do honour those who leave the happiness of the earth in order, honestly and sincerely, to work for the public welfare. This man was a chief among men. ‘Fame is no plant that grows on mortal soil.’ But as far as the human mind can discern Mr Massey has ‘the golden key that opes the palace of eternity',’ and he will richly deserve the ‘well done’ which we beiiovo is bestowed on those who labour righteously’ for their fellow men. He has died in the height of his powers with all the charm of his robust personality cloaked around him. ‘And how can man die better?’

“Three score years and ten and nearly iialf or them spent m work for tlio community 1 'the Maoris m their poetic language say 'I lie giant totara nus fallen.' los! and the New Zealand forest mourns lor tiiis giant that lias so bravely' faced all weathers. Another name has been added to the list of our great statesmen who 1 have passed away. While we bow our heads in mourning we remember bis optimism in the dark days of war; we remember his great devotion to duty and his sturdy sincerity. And we remember, too, the devotion to duty or that sorrowing wife whoso .unselfishness enabled him to accomplish so much. ‘Tho giant totara has fallen 1 May tho heart of its strength bo used in building it bettor and nobler civilisation in our land I May the heights of excflllonoo in William Massey s chatjifitfii' ba a source of inspiration to us nil."

AT THE AIAGISTRATE’S COURT

TRIBUTE FROAI LEGAL PROFES-

SION.

At tbe Magistrate’s Court yesterday morning tribute was paid to the late Prime Minister by tho Magistrate (Air E. D. Alosley), and members of the legal profession. His Worship said the man who had for twelve years or more guided the destinies of their young nation so well had passed from their midst. His merits would endure foreverhis demerits had already been lorgotten. They joined with their fellow citizens in adding their meed of appreciation of the great services he had rendered to State and Empire; they desired to ex-*’ press their profound sorrow at his death. Of the late Air Massey it could well be said: “Well done good and faithful servant. Thou shalt dwell in th© house of the Loru foiovei. They desired to extend to his sorrowing family their deepest sympathy in then’ bereavement, and sincerely hoped that tli,at of the nation would sustain tnem in their hour of trial. . On behalf of the Timaru Law Society, Air M. J. ICnubley said Mr Alassey was a man whose example of indetatigible work, doggedness of character, and integrity of purpose was one that everyone who had tho country s interest at heart could well follow. All. Alassey’s name would not go down to posterity unhallowed and unsung, but wherever the names of eminent statesmen were mentioned Air Alassey s would bo foremost among those who were most highly thought of by contemporary historians. Ihe Dominion had suffered a great loss, foi ha was a man who earned the eulogies or those who were most bitterly opposed to him in politics; that, in itself, was a great tribute. Air Knubley expressed sincerest sympathy with Airs Alassey and family in their great loss. ■ ... Air IV. D. Campbell, Crown Solicitor, in endorsing the words the speaker, said tho late Prime Minister was dead, but his deeds would be recorded in the annals of the history of the Dominion. Air Campbell referred to Air Alassey’s political career, showing to what a great extent lie had endeared himself to the .people of New Zealand, by his ever-gemal personality. His services as a statesman had been invaluable, and his career should bo an inspiration to the y°ath of the country, an inspiration which must be felt by every boy who had a spaik of spirit and ambition when reading of Air Alassey’s rise from plough boy to Prime Alinister.

A t the Grand Theatre last evening, a "special slide of the late Air Alassey was screened, the audience remaining m silence as a mark of respect. AT TEMUKA. lAIPRESSIVE ADDRESSES. . In Temuka a public memorial service was heia m the rtomimou ilieatre, ana notwithstanding the miserable climatic conditions, tiiere was a tairiy taige attendance, Hie stage was draped in black, and a large, union Jack occupied a conspicuous piace. . . , The Mayor (Air a. B. Cartwright), presided, and wun lum were tne Rev. rt. R. hell (Presbyterian), the Rev. G. V. Gerard (Anglican), the Rov. M. Richards (Metnodist), Captain A. Bartlett (S.A.), Councillors _W. * • Evans,. J. B. Sinclair, A.‘ H. Fenn, J. S. Lee, D. White, D. Alclnnes, A. W. Buzan, E. Booth, tho Alayoress (Mrs Cartwright), Airs Al. TUbrook (member of the Hospital Board), and Alls I. Gunnion. . The service opened with the singing of the “Old Hundreth,” “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” after wlnch a prayer was offered by Captain Bartlett. Then followed an address by the Alayor and a scriptural reading by tho Rev. G. V. Gerard. . In a short, hut impressive address, tho Alayor said the day was not recognised as a holiday, but rather a day of mourning. “IV© realise,” continued the speaker, “that the Dominion lias suffered a severe loss in the passing rway of the late Prime Alinister, because his life has been one of devotion to his country, covering a period of over thirty years, and is is beyond question that in New Zealand we were living in happier and more pleasant conditions by the fact that a strong and courageous man has been in charge for the past thirteen years to guide tho destinies of this fair land 1 .” Politics for the day, were in abeyance —Reformers, Liberals and Labourites were as one in their sorrow at the loss sustained by file country—and lie was sure that the sympathy of that largo gathering \wus extended 1 to tho widow and family in their great loss. Fifty-five years ago, Air Alassey left his uativo land at the ago of 14, and landed in New Zealand. In a district not far from Temuka, where he was employed for some time, it was said that in these days, whenever an argument arose amongst his workmates, the late Air Alassey was asked to settle it, thus showing that lio was even then recognised as a man of good judgment. From the humble position lie held in South Canterbury, he rose to tho highest position in the. land. He was counted one ot’ tho most optimistic of men, and always looked on tho bright side of life. What an inspiration. to tho youth of to-day, and to tho young people who aro launching out in life, was Air Alassey’s career. “Air Massey,” the speaker concluded, “is now dead, but his works shall live for evermore.

The address delivered by tlio Rev. Raymond Richards vras most inspiring. “Wei have met,” said the speaker, “under the shadow of a great sorrow. Our great chief has fallen, and we were much poorer by the great loss. Not only in the Dominion, but throughout the world there was a sense of deep loss because William Ferguson Massey had boon taken away. The late Mr Massey had' won a high placo in the councils of the world, and was recognised throughout the Empire as a force in matters of international policy. Mr Massey’s genial, honest and simple nature had won even enemies. During the war when political differences were thiown aside, Mr Massey had won the unstinted praise of all parties, and it was pleasing to read the beautiful tributes by men of all classes, and of tlio sorrow expressed by those who bitterly opposed him politically. It had not been given to all great men to see liow their work had been appreciated, but happily Mr Massey lived to know that he was honoured by liis opponents, who recognised the clear sincerity of the man. Fie was a loyalist to the core, ami it was principally this that lifted his country to its present high placo in the world' to-day. The speaker concluded by referring to the deep religious nature o ftho late Mr Massey. “The Rev. H. R. hell said that death made no distinctions. It calls at the castle as well as the cottage, and they had met there that day to pay a tribute of appreciation towards one who is mourned. One could not help but be struck by the number and quality of the tributes which bad appeared in the newspapers those few days from all over the world, and perhaps two of the finest came from the Old County. The “Daily Telegraph,” spoke of the late Mr Massey, -Ml who knew him will mourn with New Zealand in the loss of her Prime Minister. He had the grit and courage of Protestant Derry, and the resourceful oval spirit of New Zealand. He also had firm faith in Clod and the Empire.” Mr T. P. O’Connor said: “With a slight change in life, lie might liavo occupied the place Sir .Tames i Craig has. He had the same resolute

temper, and. the same stern, simple creed.” Many tributes had also been written, a few of these so guarded that one wondered what they meant, but most of them were so line that one could not doubt their sincerity. One of the best had been written by the member for this district, Mr T. D. Burnett, as it rang sincere from the first word to the last. _ Mr Massey had two outstanding qualities courage and devotion to his country. He loved the land of liis birth and the country of bis adoption in a most staunch and robust way. The speaker then referred to the late Prime Minister’s strenuous work during the war. He was a true Democrat. Ho had been offered titles, but lie was content to remain \v llnani Ferguson Massey. Last session lie was completely worn out and broken by disease, but lie persisted in carrying on to the end. The other aspect of the late Prime Minister’s character was his devotion to God. To h'.ni God was a reality, and the fact was strikingly featured in all the newspapers. When the Parliamentary sessions were ended and ho was living at liis home;, lie was to be seen regularly mingling with the other worsbinpers in the old stone church. At the beginning of this vear he sent an open letter to all the R' l *}' day schrol teachers, and the concluding paragraph read as follows: I fhcr->tore take this opportunity to say a "word to Sunday School _teaclicrs of appreciation of their devotion to their work, and also to extend mv best wishes for a prosperous new veai. This meeting, fervently continued the speaker, which sepresents different shades of opinion and religious beliefs, should pray that God in liis wisdom will raise up a man who will bo as able to take up control of tins ship of state. He would urge those present to pray for the widow. Mrs Massev was a simple Christian woman, who loved home better tlian the dazzle of public life, and be commended her and her sons and daughters to the loung cave of Our Father in Heaven. Tlio- livnin, “Forever "With the Lord.” was sung, and the Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. G. V. Gerard. Two minutes’ silence was then observed, and after the singing of the National Anthem, the “Dead March’ was solemnly plaved bv Air Naylor, the. niKlieneo reverently with beads bowed, a fitting tribute to the memorv of Tp ,r i, whose- name Livoth for evermore ”

MEMOTHU, wnvTf’E AT

TY ATM ATE

The wot we-'iV'r ’-c,terdav "~'s no doubt responsible for a smaller at-

tendance than was anticipated at the Olympia .nail, where a citizens memorial service was held on the occasion of the funeral of the Prime Minister. The Mayor (Mr U. Dash) presided, and with him on the stage were members of the Borough Council and Ministers’ Association. Ihe order of the service was as follows: —“Garland of Flowers,” AVaimate Silver and Salvation Army Bands; address by the Mayor; hymn, “O God Our Help in Ages Past”; Scripture reading, Captain TV. T. Armstrong; prayer, Rev. A. H. Fovvles; hymn, “Lead Kindly Light”; address, Rev. J. D. Wilson; hymn, “Abide With Me” ; “Dead March in Saul,” combined Bands; Benediction, Canon Cocks. The Mayor said that that day Mr Massey was being laid to rest, and what should be his epitaph? The opinions of Mr Massey’s party were commendatory, bub what of the testimony of his opponents ? That testimony was that when Mr Massey once pledged his word he never brolco it. They must write bis epitaph as that of c. truly great man. To the younger men he would say that a life such as that lived by the Prime Minister was ono they might take as an example, and also take as an incentive to public service. “Mr Massev has gone,” said Air Dash, “and we bow our heads in homage to ono of whom we can truly write, ‘He was a great man.’ ” Rev. J. D. Wilson said it seemed only a few days ago that they were assembled together on some such similar occasion, on Anzao Day, and now once again a deep and widely-felt grief drew them together. A great, simple and sincere man bad left them. Their Prime Minister, in the providence of God, bad been called to liis last reward. They remembered with thankfulness his 'indomitable spirit, his tenacity of purpose, his unflagging efforts, liis high optimism, and his downright honesty. Hie sneaker was sure they all honoured liis memory, thanked God for his presence among them, and earnestly desired , that tlio qualities be reverenced so highly .and possessed in so great a measure might bo ebundantlv manifested in the land of bis adoption, tlm land lie loved so dearly, their own New Zealand. Their svmnatbv and pravers went out to bis family and kinsfolk in t-heir loss and bereavement.

GERALDINE. Tiro day of mourning was fittingly observed in Geraldino yesterday, when a laige united memorial service was held m the Drill Hall. Steady rain fell all the morning, but cleared in the afternoon, enabling many from a dis-

tance to bo present at the service. Tlio meeting was presided over by. : Dr. Paterson, representing the. Borough Council, and associated with him on the platform were Revs. Purchas and Cocks (Anglican), Madili (Presbyterian), and feharp (Methodist). Dr. Paterson apologised for the- absence of the Mayor, and the DeputyMayor, who were both unable to be present. The speaker then gavo a brief but interesting resume, on the. outstanding features of the Into Prime Minister’s life, and concluded by moving a vote of sympathy with Airs Massey and family in their great bereaver merit. Tlio large congregation stood in sympathetic silence. The Rev. H. Purchas, who compared the gathering to an off-shoot of the great service then taking place in Wellington, spoke very feelingly of Mr Massey's great influence for good. Tributes to liis memory 'had come from all parts of the Empire, from people in all phases of life, and' shades of opinion. During the service prayers were offered up by Revs. Sharp and Aladill, and a scripture reading by Rev. Cocks. Tlio hymns “0 God Our Help in Ages Past,” “Now the Labourer’s Task is O’er,” “For All the Saints,” and “Abide With Ale,” were sung by the congregation, assisted by a massed choir.

The “Dead Alarch” was played by Miss G. Sherratt, who also acted as.organist during the service. The Benediction, pronounced by Rev. J. 1). Madili, concluded an impressive ceremony.