The Star. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1904. A TARDY LEADER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7978, 6 April 1904, Page 2

The Star. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1904. A TARDY LEADER.

Mr Massey, having gathered his crops, is about to fulfil his long-standing promise to stump the country in the interests cf Conservatism. We do not envy him his task. The weather, to which, is partly attributed the delay which has clogged his movements, is unsettled just now, aoid unsettled weather at this time of the year is not a particularly pleasant accompaniment to a stumping tour in southern latitudes. It is certainly not calculated to promote eloquence, especially in a speaker who is used to the warmer and more genial climes. And, unless we are- hugely mistaken, Mr Massey will require all the eloquence he j can command. For he is going among audiences who have lately been dancing to a very different tune to the one he proposes to pipe. The crowds who cheered Mr Seddon during his recent triumphal journey through Otago and South Canterbury are scarcely likely to work up much enthusiasm over. his political rival. They will treat him courteously, of course, and they will listen attentively to all that Mr Massey has to say, but that is about all they will do. There will be none of those demonstrations which marked Mr Seddon's progress, and which tend to lighten the path of the perambulating politician. We have no doubt thatj Mr Massey realises the difficulties which coniront him, and we have no doubt, also, that they axe apparent to the organs of his party. But the latter aie quite ready to shed the last drop of their leader's blood on what they conceive to be a righteous cause ; indeed, it is owing largely to their admonitions to hurry up that Mr Massey is now offering himself as a\saw% fice to the gods of the Opposition. Whether the sacrifice is .worth the stake which is at issue ia ai question for Mr Massey and his journalistic friends to decide. But, with the prospect of cold weather and colder audiences, he will do well to arm himself with, his thickest overcoat and plenty of imperturbability. He will need both before he reaches home again.