DEGREE FOR MR MASSEY

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIII, Issue 3146, 4 December 1923, Page 5

DEGREE FOR MR MASSEY

STUDENTS’ GOOD “RAG.” “BIG CHIEF” HONOURED. (By Cable—Press Association) (Received 1.1 a.m,) LONDON, Dee. 2. At the conferring of an honorary Doctorship of Laws on Mr Massey at Queen’s University, Belfast, Dr B:yxl ter, Dean of the Faculty, of Law, paid a high compliment to Mr Massey’s robust Imperialism and splendid war services. . . . At a subsequent ceremony 50 students indulged in an amusing and excellently organised “rag,” dressed in all sorts of weird variants of Maori costumes, fearsomely painted and carrying spears, clubs, and shields. They assembled outside the building and installed Mr Massey as “Big Chief.” They then presented him with a wife and other commodities, performed war dances, and indulged in warlike cries. Finally they formed a. procession, escorted his motor back to the city, farewelling him with cheers and college ! yells. After this Mr Massey wajs entertained at luncheon by business men at the Reform Club, rvherc the scenes of enthusiasm were repeated when he rose to respond to the toast of his health, which he did in a speech ranging Ihrough many aspects of New Zealand life, aspirations, and development. All speakers paid a tribute to Mr Massey as a great Ulsterman and the greatest commercial traveller of the Empire. In the afternoon Mr Massey inspected and addressed the Ulster Bov Scouts. He also attended a reception at the University, and in the evening dined privately with Sir James Craig.