MR. MASSEY'S WORK ACKNOWLEDGE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20292, 20 February 1915, Page 4

MR. MASSEY'S WORK ACKNOWLEDGE.

It is always pleasant to see credit given where it is due, especially when, in place of deserved credit, undeservel blame has been awarded. As a telegram which we publish this morning ifidicates, Mr. Massey was yesterday thanked, by the freezing and shipping people for the way in which he and the Government have secured shipping space for New Zealand produce. To all fair-minded people it has been evident from the outset that Mr Massey was doing all that was humanly possible for the exporters of New Zealand in the face of difficulties which, no Premier of t-ho ; Dominion was ever before called upon to face. MrJVlassey is not a wizard (of finance hr ordinary commodities) at the wave of whoso wand refrigerated ships would appear in roadstead or harbour, but he has shown himself to be far-sighted, energetic and anxious to promote the welfare of New Zealand. Yet, in spite of these obyious facts, Opposition papers have, not hesitated to attack him shamefully. Their attacks have been absolutely unjustified. It is possible that before the season ends there may be a certain shortage oi refrigerated space, but if such prove io be the case, the fault will not be chargeable to Mr Massey. Various dispensations of Providence—fire, shipwreck, and Army jaecessities—hava occurred to upset Mr Massey's plans, but, apart from that, he has done a splendid work, the real value of which will be realised in future years. Mr Massey's work has been characteristic of the Reform Party: there has been an absence of theatricalism or display, but real solid and useful work has been done for the country. New Zealanders have indeed every cause for thankfulness that the affairs of the country are in the hands of such sane men as Mr Massey and his colleagues. So far as the provision oi cargo space is concerned, the representatives of freezing and shipping companies may be allowed to know a little more about the merits of the Government's Avork than do journalistic critics blinded by party bias and jealousy. The people who are in closest touch with the shipping problem know the difficulties Mr Massey has had to contend with, and it is indeed pleasant to read thenpublicly expressed appreciation of his successful work.