MR MASSEY’S DEATH.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17535, 12 May 1925, Page 12

MR MASSEY’S DEATH.

DOMINION MOURNS LATE PRIME MINISTER.

MRS MASSEY’S REPLY TO KING. The following reply to the King’s •message ha? been cabled b- Mrs Mas* »**3 : My heartfelt thanks for your Ma)t sty's most, gracious and sympathetic message. The knowledge that your Majesties Join in our sorrow is J * solace to me and my family in our bereavement. We are proud ot the Unblemished record of service to the Empire, and honoured by such recognition by our King and Oueen. CHRISTINA MASSEY. EARL JELLICOE’S SYMPATHY. Fep Pbjsss Association. WELLINGTON, May 1). The following cable has been re j reived from Earl Tellicoe: -’’Lady Jel licoe and T mourn with New Zealand the loss of a great - Prime Minister, j Please convey deepest sympathy with Mrs Massey and the Government." j The following telegram has been received by his Excellency the 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 T deeph regret the loss of an old friend and of one whose faith in the Empire never faltered/' TOUCHING MESSAGE.

MRS MASSEY THANKS SYMPATHISERS, Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 11. Of the very many messages which have poured like a stream into the offices of the Press of the Dominion since the death of Mr Massey, none is more touching in it-s application and affection than that received this evening from Mrs Massey. With a fortitude that is characteristic, vet striking, Mrs Massey bore her husband’s illness, and now that the end has come ahe expresses in her own words, in the following message, her grateful appreciation of the comfort and assistance she has 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 pastsix weeks. We are all most grateful. C. A. MASSEY. THE FERRY SERVICE. It lias bepn decided by the Union Steam Ship Company that the Mararoa will not take up hpr running in the ferry service in place of the Maori till Thursday next, on which evening she will leave Wellington for Lyttelton. The news will be welcomed by those people who were seeking passages to \\ ellington on Wednesday evening in order to be present at the funeral of the Prime Minister. So great was the demand for berths yesterday, that it seemed as if it would be impossible even by making use of all available accommodation and shakedowns to meet the demand if the Mararoa made the trip as was anticipated. It has now been decided that the Maori shall make the trip south this evening instead of the Mararoa, and so be available to meet, the heaw traffic demand on Wednesday night. A special train will leave Greymouth at the usual time for Christchurch tomorrow, returning to Greymouth on Friday. This train is to enable West Loast. people to get, to Wellington for

DAY OF MOURNING. SERVICES ON THURSDAY. CITY COUNCIL TRIBUTE. It wah. decided by the ( ity Council * heir first meeting Inst ' night to incite the citizens of Christchurch to close their places of business pH dev on- Thursday as a a mark of public sorrow in the death of the Prime Minister The coun. il will also request representatives' of churches to arrange for memorial services on Thursdav. The following resolution was carried: That this council, on behalf of the citizens of C h-ristchurch. desires to express it r profound sorrow at the death of the Right Hon W. F. Massey. Prime Minister of New Zealand, as well as its sincere appreciation of the great and valuable services which he has rendered to Ihe Dominion during his long and distinguished career. repressions of sympathy and regret made by the Mayor and mans- of the councillors <:qmbi ne: d m e rvi ori a l SERVICE. Th© Christchurch Ministers* Associ etion has decided that a combined memorial service will be held m St Paul's Presbyterian Church foi Mr Massey on Thursday. MASONIC LODGE LOSES GRAND MASTER. Ffh Parcs Association. AUCKLAND. May 11. A!r Massey’s death deprives th* Masonic institution in New Zealand of its official head. This is the first time in thirty-five years of existence of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand that a Grand Master has died while m har-

ness AN hen Air Massey was installed into that office, in Auckland last Novem ber. the ravages of the disease which has resulted in his death were already painful and apparent. and it was obvious that, only bis 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 document* 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 AI aster of the year. Air Tv. II Richmond, of Greymouth. who will continue fo fulfil them until the. next communication in November, when another Grand Master will be elected. According to the system established by the New Zealand Grand Lodge, which enables each of the four chief ATasonic provinces to nominate a Grand Master for two years nut of every eight, Auckland will have the right to give the lead in choice of Air Massey’s successor. In point of fact, the transfer of authority to Mr Richmond, involves no aotuai change of procedure in the Graft. As Deputy Grand Master he is the constitutional head in case of the absence of In’s senior officer from the Dominion ami similarly now in the case of his death, and as Air Massey's illness prevented him from the visitation of lodges and other ATasonic functions. Air Richmond has undertaken practically the whole of such work that lias been done m the last five months. All the lodges in New Zealand are to be draped iu mourning for the next month. MAORIS’ GRIEF. GISBORNE, May 1.1. On behalf of the Maoris of the Poverty Bay dis+rict. the following message, signed by \Y. Pitt and "W. Delamcro, has been forwarded to the Native Minister. the Hon J. G. Coates: ** YYo deeply deplore the loss, and our hearts are sad ai King Death having taken toll. The Giant Totara has fallen, and the earth has been shaken lo its foundation. Farewell. old man! Go to the homo of your ancestors mid the multitude. Take word hence that the generations who follow arc aiming to carry on the good works founded by then?. Take our love to Seddon. Neither of you will ever he forgotten bv your Maori people, nor your pakelia brethren. May the good work you have done in this world he an everlasting monument to your memory and the younger generation. Farewell ! Farewell ! Go hence to the home, where all must follow. Leave us here as orphans to mourn our loss. Kjindly convey to the house- of mourning, and especially to the widow, our deepest affection and sympathy in her irreparable loss.’’ The following telegram has been sent by Lady Gnrroll to Mrs Massey:— •’ Deepest sympathy in your irreparable loss of a good man. father and husband. Alay the knowledge that the whole of the people of the Dominion, nay. the nation, mourn with you, support you in this time of trial.” JEWISH TRIBUTE. The Rev David Sciiloss writes: - In common with every community in New Zealand, the death of Air Massey has cast a gloom upon ibe whole of the Jewish population of this city. 11 is a calamity such as this that, brings hack very forcibly the fact that whilst our brethren arc still suffering from the intolerance of certain countries on the other side of the globe, we in Now Zealand are living in a veritable paradise. for so much are we indebted to flic for-sightedness and svmpat.hv of the legislators pf this Dominion, who since its occupation 1»\ the British, have meted out justice to the small peoples and have at all time discountenanced racial ill-feeling. Mr Massey never flinched from that policy of justice. :t quality which was so closely interwoven with his character. As paramount. lie passed, ami our loss is a grievous one. for liis ability and caducity for the fulfilment of his duties were such that very few will be found able to attain to the high standard he has set ! REFORM PARTY’S CONDOLENCE. The Ganterbury Reform League has forwarded the following telegram, signed by Air H. lx. Aeland (president) and Mr IT. G. Livingstone (secretary), to Mi Frank Fhompsop, chief vcy to Airs Massey and family the profound sympathy of members of the Reform organisation in Ganterbury on the occasion of the lamented death of the Prime Minister.” BLENHEIM SYMPATHY. (.Special to the • Star.") BLENHEIM, May 11. "The last bulletin has been issued regarding Mr Massey’s health, for our beloved chief liar gone to bis long home, and we are left to mourn his loss," says Mr IV. J. Girling, M.P.. in a tribute to the late Prime Minister To my mind, the outstanding feature of his life was his great love of coun trv, and his staunch Imperialism. He never tired of proclaiming his unbounded confidence in the future of (he British Empire, and whilst a supporter of the League of Nations, be still maintained that our first, dutv was the defence ..f our own empire. My associations with him were natu rally limited, but they were suffiri entiy long to prove to me Ihat. he was in every sense of the word a great man. His kindly nature, bis strict integrity and hones tv of pur pose, together with bis clean and upright methods of fighting bis political opponents, will cause his memory to be cherished by all sections of the "ommunity.” Tributes appreciative of Mr Masse v’great services to the country and to the Empire were passed at a special meeting of the Blenheim Borough Council this afternoon, and the council, after passing in silence motions ex • easing < indolence with Mrs Alasse ■ ■ and famil; . and with the acting Prime Minister and his colleagues, adjourned for a month as a mark of respect. Meanwhile, the college governors also adjourned as a mark of respect, after passing suitable resolutions.

| DEFENCE MINISTER. i RECOLLECTIONS OF MR MASSEY. (Special to the “ Star.”) WELLINGTON. Mar J| I he interest taken by the late Prime Minister in defence matters, particular ly the Nary, and a striding Ministerial event during the «rar were referred to b. T Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Minister of | Defence, in an interview. 'ton nsk me lor an appreciation of !Mr Massey, and. peaking candidly,” 1 said Sir Heaton. Ido not feel in the j mood. nor do 3 feel competent to speak i 'M' my chief in the way he deserves. Looking back o*. er rhe twenty-five [ years since ray first entry into Parii-v j nient. tor I am the oldest, member <'f ; Hie Reform Party in the House to-day> ■ it seems a. long vuy, but f quite recoli lent, as a new member, that I listened j for more attentively to members than ! I do now. J shared a. bench with Mr i Charles Lewis, whip of the Reform , Party, and sat. immediately behind Mr Mr Lewis asking me my opinion of the members of the House, and T told hint i there was one man who struck me as j being a forceful speaker, who appealed ! to me as a. man. and who would make his mark, and that was Mr Massey. My Lewis replied: ‘ Yes, lie has been in the House for three or four years and i* rapidly feeling his feet and will make his mark. That was the opinion l formed of Mr ..Massey many years ago and if was a correct, one. He continued io grow m my estimation, and in the estimation of every member of Parliament., not only then but iri succeeding .■'ears. li was not long after that Mr Massey become flic leader of our parly, 2nd in that capacity be showed judgment, tact and fearlessness. I believe he was devoid of fear; certainly lie always showed a brave face in the House, no matter how strenuous the opposition. He certainly showed no fear on a. particular occasion, which f need not particularise, when, in Christchurch, he was hustled bv a. crowd. Tt has been said that 'Mr Massey "‘as a pvaunch Imperialist-, a-nd I hare reason to know that, in my position as Minister of TDfenee. AYithout doubt Ire served the Kmpiro with unswerving loyalty. Though he. criticised my Defence estimates keenly in Cabinet and i 1 had to submit to a. reduction in them, be never grudged expenditure with regard to Hie Navy, which li© looked upon as the first line of defence of the Kin pi re. And J remember that, with regard 1u the Soulh .African war. hi* always hocked Mr Seddon m anv e\ jicnditun? on our land forces to assist the Empire in that struggle. Yes.” said Sir Heaton, in reply to a leading question, “it is quite true that, during the tire at "War. there was a notable incident, in Air Massey’s rereer as Prime Minister when lie took a stand on the question of adequate protection of our Alain Body, when it was awaiting departure for what was then believed to bo Kurope. Ho refused to allow the- transports to sail without an adequate- warship convoy., and it is quite true lie threatened to resign his position as Prime Minister unless tli is protection was afforded Mr Massey was an Imperialist., hut he put New* Zealand and our men before everything and thus showed first, consideration for tho lives of our New Zcaland t roops. “ To Know Air’ Massey well was to *ovo him ami f am sure all members of bis party will agree that,, apart from his ability as a lender, it was affection which really held us together, not only ir. those strenuous times when we formed a. small party of fifteen in opposition, but in the more prosperous times when we held a majority.” LICENSED VICTUALLERS’ ASSOCIATION. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, May 11. A special meeting of the executive of the New Zealand Licensed Yict nailers' Association was held to-day. The president. .Mr Percy Coyle, made feeling reference t<« the death of the Prime Minister, and moved a resolution of sympathy with Airs Massey and family, ' which was ,carried, after which the meeting was adjourned as a. mark of respect to the departed statesman. SCHOOLS TO CLOSE ON THURSDAY. All schools under the jurisdiction of the Canterbury Education Board, will be closed on 'I hursday out of respect to the memory of the late Air Alassey.

TRIBUTES FROM OVERSEAS. MESSAGES FROM ULSTER. Rt Telesrrapb —'Press Association -Oopyright Australian and NCable .Association. LONDON. Mav 11. Several newspapers recall the. episode that the telegram containing an invitation to stand for Parliament reached Air Masse;.- on the point of a pitohforl: whilo he was straw walloping. The Daily Chronicle" instances Mr Massey's inflexible moral courage in the threat to resign unless large, crui sers were sent to escort New Zealand transports, as a protection again?! Admiral von Spec's fleet. The Governo l ' of Northen Ireland telegraphed to Sir James' Allen: "Mr Massey's death is a personal bereavement to us in the land of his birth Sir Tames Craig, on of the Government, I'-nt the following message : The Empire lias |->s; a renowned statesman and Imperialist, and 1 1ster «*ne of hei most distinguished The "Daily Telegraph" say:; of Mr Massey; "His. fixed, immovable principles. his unshakable determination to see trouble through, and his readme?:to throw in ali. were invaluable quab ti*-r- in time of danger. Mr Mappev was an Imperialist through and tin ough. hope his successor will, be n statesman of equal courage, and with a devotion as fixed and ardent." Mr 1 P. < l unnor, M.P.. contributes a tw- -column obituarv notice to the "ITail • Telegraph.” m which he, saw I “Mr Massey ssa? born at Liiuavady, I which represents the Lister Orange. } temperament in its rigidest dourest ' form With a. 'light change in he- life he might have occupied ihe place that 'ir Jame - : ’raig has I[e bad the : ante ' resolute temper and the same stern, j Jim pie < reed CANADIAN REGRETS, ; By Telegraph- Press Association--Copyright j Australian and MZ. Cable Asscciatieo. OTTAWA. Mav 11 1 F.egret C fv Di«'pd in Government : circles at the death of Mr Massey, j A message of condolence has been j cabled by the Prime Minister. Mr Mac | kenzie King to the Acting Prime i .Minirtcr of New Zealand,

SYDNEY’S SORROW. j JB.' l>l»crapb rrrss ABsocia' .on -<A>pyTisrlit Australian nml X.Z. Cabin Association. SYDNEY. Mav 11. Tin' "I tail \ Telegraph” jay?. A grew granite stone, graven with the words 'Here lies an Imperialist.’ would be a j tit. Ling monunpent te> raise above, the j last resting-place of William Ferguson I Massey. It would be expressive of the man most notable in political circles in the Dominion since the day of Richard John Seddon.” The article proceeds to pay a tribute, to the late Prime Minister as a bluff, strong, far-sighted man of adamantine qualities, and places his work as an ! Imperialist, on a high plane, declaring that he was a. robust. unequivocal patriot, diffusing confidence when most urgently needed. Referring to Mr Massey’s efforts and achievements in the direction of closer relations between the Commonwealth and the Dominion, the article declares: “All along he had been a, firm believer in co-operation between the Commonwealth and the Dominion in all matters of mutual concern. Australia will join sincerely w ith the sister Dominion in regretting the death of so true a friend and so sterling a character, whose abilities won him Empire-wide renew n NOTES. At. a meeting of the Christchurch. Public Speaking C hiss of the ’Workers’ .Educational Association last, night, the following motion wap. passed, ‘‘That this class recognise the great loss the Dominion has sustained through i lie dent.li of it-. Prime Mini&ior, William Fergus;-* iti Massey, and lender to M.vft Jheir deepest :-ynipat hy.” The meeting or the Sumner Burgesses’ Assoeio.tion was adjourned last evening out <*F respect, to the memory nf the. late Air Massey. Before tho members dispersed the follow ing resoli« tion was carried:- ‘That the Sumner Burgesses’ Association places on record its deep appreciation of Ihe great services rendered to the Dominion by the late Prime Minister (Right Hon AY. E. Massey) and expresses its heart ■ felt sympathy with Airs Afas.sev and Iter family at the irreparable loss tbey have sustained. '* At the, annual meeting of the parishioners of SI Afary’s Church. Alerivole, last evening a resolution of sympathy and regret was carried. At. the Caledonian Hall last night feeling reference was made by the president of the Competitions Society (Mr T. AY. ’Williams) to the loss the Dominion had suffered in the death of the Prime i!mister Air AY. p asce fc Dale the instrumental judge, played the 1 ' Dead March 5> Iron, ** Saul,’* the audience standing. It had been intended hy the Christchurch South I'iranch of the Xqw Zealand Enhour .Party to tender a complimentary social at tho end of this week to the Mayor (Rev .T. K . Archer). In consequence of the death of the Prime Alinister, however, the committee of the branch decided last evening to postpone tht© function till At.ay 28. When members of tho Elmwood School Committee assembled last evening for the usual meeting, it was decided. in consequence of the death of Air ATnssey. not to proceed villi the business and :* resolution <>f sympathy Owing to the death of the Prime Minister the meeting of the, hoard of the New Zealand Trotting Association which was railed for to-morrow has been postponed for one neck. Before the formal business of the Richmond School householders was commenced last evening a vole* of sympathy was tendered Airs Massey and family in Iho loss they had sustained by the death of the Prime Minister. After passing a. motion of sympathy with the widow and family of the. late. Prime Minister, a meet ing of the Papanui Burgesses’ Association last evening adjourned for a week. Air .1. R. Brunt, secretary of the Canterbury Justices of the Peace Association. sent the following message of condolence to Airs Massey at AYollingtou: -“'The president, (Sir R. (J. Bishop) and members of the. Canterbury .Justices’ Association extend their deep sympathy in the death of your late, husband, the laic Prime ATinistor of this Dominion.” Owing to Hie death of the Prime Minister, the meeting of the Canterbury Education Board, which was to have been, held to-morrow, has been postponed till Wednesday of next. week. The clerk of the Korea i County Council yesterday torwarded tho following telegram to Mrs Massey. “The residents of the Kowai County mourn your loss and tender their heart - felt sympathy with you’ and your family in your sad bereavement.” I The news of fhc death of the. prime I Alinister was received with profound ifegret in Tai Tapu. AV-sterday the school flag was half-masted, and the scholars were assembled and addressed hy Mr John Cilmour and the head master, and were afterwards dismissed for the day. The committee- of I lie North ("mi terbury Hospital Board hare determined t-o transact, no business this week as a mark *>f respect to the Into Air with hy the various committee chairmen and tho chairman of the board. Before the busii.. es s of the Canterbury Football Association was taken la t. night the president. Air R. English. made eulogistic reference to the work of Air Alas: ev a;- Prime Alinister. At the opening of the special meeting of the Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon. Canary, and <"at Club last night the chairman. Alp < i ..Tqflfrevs, referred to Hie death of the Prime ATini-ter. On tlie chairman’s motion a vote <>f sympathy with Mrs Massey and family nos agreed to. THE MAYORAL ELECTION. A CAN DTD A TE'S T>7 SC-OY ERA . One of the candidates jn the municipal elections, on AYcdnesday subsequently made a most interesting di.-,. co very and that was the wonderful value of Joe Bier man r five guinea suits. After the election he gave a., order f"r a live guinea suit. to Jo*' Bierman, the Tailor, No s ( athedral Square. selcting a a the material a beautiful English ’l weed. H<: was then carefully measured by .Joe Biernian perience in leading Eondnn \\Find esta.blishmniu- the -nit. was then carefutb made by export operative, working under the l «1 •. > ; and the Municipal < andioate .had a,t other try on v.litch proved satisfactory in every detail. He received that, suit complete the- morning and lie today fi-eling as proud a . a. peacock i | It is Jurky week double event, first! v. i Iv. the toriinng hy lnrn of a quo.liD j cijit to order which though costing ! hirn only fire gum* a -a- dV t 1>« equal in ever.' r‘-.:.p'-ct i, k the l ten I guinea, garments made by ether tailov'Tbir> man s lurk await? vou also if you call on Joe Bierman. Xo. 8. Cathedral Square, between aßnk «.f New Zealand and Dal get \ Upon till nine oYlnek I’ridav nigh* - 0