LEADERSHIP OF THE OPPOSITION'

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1852, 11 September 1913, Page 8

LEADERSHIP OF THE OPPOSITION'

SIR JOSEPH WARD ACCEPTS. k MANIFESTO. A statement printed 011 ordinary newspaper proof-sheet was handed by Sir Joseph Ward to a newspaper representative in the Press Gallery last night. Questioned as to whether his acceptance of tho leadership would alter ■tv; disposition of members 011 the front benches materially, Sir Joseph Ward said that the only chango that would take place would be that he would change seats with Mr. A. M. Myers in order that he, as leader, could keep in closer touch with tho party Whips. Regarding tho forecasted changes in tho disposition of tho front Opposition benches Sir. Joseph Ward said that nothing of the kind had even been contemplated by him. The statement referred to reads as under:— Sir Joseph Ward, in an interview last evening, said ho had agreed to accept the leadership of the Liberal party,' and had so informed the party at a meeting held that afternoon. He said 110 had no intention of issuing a manifesto, nor of delivering a policy speech at present. When tlie proper time arrived he would bo prepared, as leader of the party, to submit to the country a policy which would bo in accord with the past history aud achievements of tho Liberal party, and which would be found to be progressive, practical, and safe in every respect. The Liberal party was identified with tho Labour, humanitarian, and financial legislation of the country, especially so far as casing tho burdens of small settlers, mortgagors, and workers desiring to own their homes. Its land policy and its financial assistance to settlers had placed many thousands on the land, and had led to, and in every way contributed to, the enormous prosperity that had obtained during the last twenty years, and which still existed. Tho future policy of the party would aim at tlie extension and development in every direction of legislation that would tend to increase that, prosperity and assist the masses. Especially by-im-proving our education system would tho party aim at providing opportunities that did not exist at present for the young. Tho cost of living would be dealt with firmly and with determination to enable the vast majority of the people of small means to live with that measure of comfort that everyone was entitled to. "We live in an said Silr Josepn Ward, "when political problems are constantly changing their aspect." It would bo his continuous' effort, acting on tho lines of the Liberal party's past achievements, to moot each new demand as it arose with legislative measures for tho benefit of the whole country.

"Politics is an evolutionary science. Tlie needs of toKlay are not to be met by the legislation of days past. Tho future lies before "US', and I confidently look to' tho support, of the. progressive forces in tho country,, working unitedly to assist us in bringing about a condition of things which will again place New Zealand in tho forefront of the States of the Empire."

Sir Joseph Ward said his position 011 Imperial questions was well known, and as Liberal leader his course in tho future would be 011 the same lines as hitherto. Ho greatly appreciated tho requests that had been received by him from all over tho Dominion to accept the leadership, and especially the loyal offer from the Liberal party i'i» the House. Ho felt that 110 was asked to undertake a. great responsibility, but any reluctance 011 his part had been overconio by tho general and cordial nature of tho representations mado to him. Sir Joseph Ward regarded tho future of the Liberal party with the utmost, confidence. Ho believed that the great mass of the people wero progressive in heart and in sentiment, anil looked to tho liberal party to take <up again and carry forward the great, work with which it had been identified in days past. He felt very grateful for the honour that had been done him in being asked again to lead tho party, and he would givo the best of his sen-ices the country for tho benefit of all classes.