THE PRESS. MONDAY, MAY 11, 1925. THE PASSING OF A STATESMAN.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXI, Issue 2440, 11 May 1925, Page 2

THE PRESS. MONDAY, MAY 11, 1925. THE PASSING OF A STATESMAN.

DEATH has deprived New Ze'-aland of a great statesman, virtually self-made, after long years of conspicuous servic?. in the political field and in the last thirteen as Prime Minister. Forceful of character and commanding of personality, vigorous and plain of speech', the late Mr William Fel’gusson Massey made steady headway in the House from the memorable' time, as a young man, he was called down from a haystack to successfully contest the Waitemata seat in the interests of the old Conservative party. Just as he was a hardAvorkiTig, us! land. Amtserprising farmer so he carried the, same characteristics ,nto his career as a Parliamentarian. By tenacity of purpose, a robust common sense, a clear prcecption oi‘ the primary needs of the Dominion, unhampered by unchangeable convictions, a capacity for logical expression, he rose to the leadership of his party, and after years ofl tireless

energy at the head of an insignificant following, ho gradually built up a party, of sonic prominence, even against the, vigorous organisation of the Liberal stalwart and popular idol, the late Mr Scddon, of that time; Increasing in strength after the death of the latter, Mr Massey climbed to the h-ghest position in the country in 1912, bringing into power the Reform regime, and carrying out the trust w.th cutstanJ ing ability through the- difficult times of the intervening years. Whatever polit .'cal differences with the late leader may exist it will be unreservedly conceded that he has bc.n a cand d honest and conscientious administrator, a v.gorous champion of all interests according to his preceptic-ns, unsparing in his labours in promoting and d ) veloping the progress and financial stability of tlie> Dominion, and withal taking a broad view of Imperialistic concerns. On his several visits to the Old Country h?i made an impression that reacted to. the advantage of New Zealand, and at the same time the effic.ent and safe administrative work of his regime had the effect of placing this country high in the opinion of financiers and soc.al reformers in other parts of the' world. Mr Massey experienced a strenuous period of office, but never flinched from the ordeal. The war period and the aftermath meant unremitting effort and and unrelenting strain, and Mr Massey not only eamc through .t with added pr-'.-.tig-.1, but unlike all other Prime .Ministers within the’ British Empire and without survived in office and retained the gooa, will and confidence of the people. .Bad death not called Mr YLissuy woud have in the few months eclipsed the record of the late Mr Seddon in length of service, as Prime Miniscr. The. late Prime M.nister has died in office but the end was not unexpected,' as >’■ cent bulletins disclosed the painful information that his condition was gradually getting worse. He l has served the country of his early adoption with vigiu.i and success, he has spent lumsert in the public service and set an example worthy of emulat on, lie has gone to his grave with duty well done and honours rich upon hinini, am! to day the whole country mourns the loss of the outstanding leader of recent years.