The Waipa Post. Published on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1925. A GREAT LOSS.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1640, 12 May 1925, Page 4

The Waipa Post. Published on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1925. A GREAT LOSS.

THE. whole. Empire will mourn the passing of William Ferguson Massey, than whom there has seldom been such an outstanding figure in the Empire's affairs. Though, domiciled in this little corner of the King's dominions by sheer force of character and an enterprise tinged always with the roseate hues of Imperialism, our Prime Minister commanded (respect throughout the world, and certainly the greatest men; of our time ■in the Empire were no greater than New Zealand's beloved Prime Minister. As an Imperialist he was admittedly great; as a leader of the Dominion's destinies he had no peer except perhaps the late Richard John Seddon — yet comparisons between the two men at this stage are beside the question; as a politician perhaps he fell short of the standard attained by some of our representatives past and present, but that was because of his bluff honesty and straightforwardness—he was not skilled (thank goodness) in the finesse that some politicians seem to regard as essential to success. As a man of the people he will ever be honoured and his memory revered. His unvarying ' cheerfulness was a characteristic. All parties feel that he was far more than a party leader, that he loved New Zealand, that he ever had its welfare at heart, and that he gave it unsparing and devoted .service. Probably it is a truth to say that his life has been shortened by the greatness of his burden and of his work. 'That his was a great undertaking is realised when we remember the terrible war years, and only a great man could have stood up to the strain. That he continued in office after the war had ended, and actually achieved a record in this respect, for he was the last of the Prime Ministers and Premiers of the Dominions who held office at the outbreak of the Great War and continuously thereafter., was a consummation of sustained endeavour and an indication of his true worth. As a man he was always courteous and most kindly, and he leaves a great and most inspiring example to all. His bereaved widow and family may be assured that the .sympathy extended to them from all sections of the community is as true and deep as it will be universal throughout the Empire.