THE OPPOSITION LEADER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2417, 4 February 1909, Page 2

THE OPPOSITION LEADER.

PRAISE FOR MR. MASSEY

The Christchurch GoA-ernincnt organ, tho “Lyttelton Times,” says there are a large number of people besides his political folloAvers avlio Avill be glad of the opportunity to contribute towards the testimonial to tho Leader of the Opposition,, “Mr. Massey,” it continues, /“has displayed so* much spirit and courage during the past seven or eight years that avc can all forget our party differences in honoring the personal qualities of the man. The Leader of tho Opposition may not bd a great statesman, or oven a brilliant orator, but he is an earnest student of affairs and •an indefatigable Avorker. It may never be his lot to occupy a higher position in tho service of the State than lie occupies iioav, but posterity Avill certainly remember him as a politician Avho has borne an, important part in moulding the destinies of the country. ... ‘ “Mr. Massey had high ideals and traditions to sustain AA r >hen he succeeded the Hon. Wm. Rolleston and Sir William (Russell in- tlio leadership of. his party, and we> may safely say that he has not disappointed the expectations of his friends. Possibly, in the heat of an election contest, bis supporters have claimed for him more credit than is really his due, but there can be no question that lie has exercised ia very useful influence on much of the progressive legislation which appears on the. Statue Book. Many of his political opponents number him among their personal friends.”