THE DECISION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1396, 23 March 1912, Page 5

THE DECISION.

STATEMENT BY SIR JOSEPH WARD, POLICY REAFFIRMED. Tho press representatives in attendance were received by the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) in his room, a few minutes after the caucus had dispersed, and he made a statement outlining the proceedings, anil their result. The Prime Minister prefaced his statement by remarking that one motion unanimously carried by the party was: "That this party unanimously reaffirms the policy indicated in the Governor's Speech of last session." Tho Leadership. In reference to tho business of the cations, the Prime .Minister mado tho following .statement:— ''Tho party, after full consideration, took a vote upon the question of the leadership and .Mr. -Mackenzie was elected by a majority of 22 to 0. The candidate who got nine votes was Mr. Lauronson." In reference to the position of Mr. Millar, Sir Joseph Ward remarked: "As a matter of fact. Air. Alillar did not go to n vole at all. 'He withdrew from nomination. "The whole of'the proceedings," the Prime Minister continued, "wore carried on with n kindly feeling between the members who held different opinions in regard lo tho different members who w.crc suggested for the leadership, and' upon completion of the final ballot there was a unanimous expression of goodwill, conveyed by me to Mr. Mackenzie, on behalf of the whole of the party present. I stated that, though tho position was n difficult one, it had been approached from a broad-minded standpoint, and that it was necessary for members of tho party, if they wanted to succeed, to sink any minor "differences, and to stand loyally by the new leader. I pointed out Unit his position in the matter of the selection of a Cabinet was necessarily a difficult one, and that self-sacrifice, from the point of view of individual members, would require to be observed, and respected in order to ensure solidarity of tho party behind the new Administration when it was formed. I took the opportunity, finally, of thanking members of the partv who were presont, as well a3 members of the old party who wero present, for the continued loyalty and support that they had given me" over a long period of years. I also thanked absent members of the party, who were defeated at the general election, for past kindnesses and assistance that, with those present, they had from time to time extended to me." When the caucus first assembled on Thursday evening the first thing done was to pass the following resolution:— "That the members of tho Liberal party, here present, thankfully recognise tho able, brilliant, and successful manner in which Sir Joseph Ward has led the party since he became Prime Minister, and also his assistance to the party during tho Premiership of Mr. Hallanco and that of Air. .Heddon. They express deep regret that ho considers it desirable to vacate office, and trust that ho will continue to assist the party with his wiso counsel and long experience." The Impending Resignation. Asked what the next step would be. Sir Joseph Ward stated that he would delay his resignation for a sufficient time to enable Mr. Mackenzie, to form his Cabinet. Ho considered that he must do this. The now Ministry must be sworn in before he went out. He hoped to lie in a. position to tender his resignation to the Governor by Monday or Tuesday at latest, but possibly some delay might occur. Ho would still be Prime Minister on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the now Parliament Buildings to-day. Labour Members. The Prime Minister stated that three Labour members, Messrs. W. A. Veitch (Wnnganni), J. Robertson (Otaki), and J. Payne (Grev Lynn), attended tho caucus, took part in its deliberations, and voted in the election of a leader. The remaining Labour member (Mr. A. H. Hnulmarsh), Wellington South, adhered to his announced determination not to attend I the caucus. , . Members of the Government party who did not attend the caucus were Messrs. i . M'Callum tWairau) .T. C. Thomson OYa - i lace), and T. At. Wilford (Hutt), the lastnamed of whom is absent in England, two 'independent members were absen.: i Aressrs. T. AV. Rhodes (Thames), and J. 0. Coat.es (Kaipara).