Leader Honoured

Evening Star, Issue 20048, 13 December 1928, Page 17

Leader Honoured

UNITED PARTY DINNER SUCCESS AND RESPONSIBILITY [FeOM Our PABtUMEMTAKT RkpOBTBB.J WELLINGTON, December 12. The United Party members and friends entertained their louder, Sir Joseph Ward, at dinner to-night, the Hon. W B. Taverner, Minister of Railways, presiding. The opportunity was taken to review some of the leading features of the United Party’s efforts, and to rclci to the responsibility accompanying its success. Alter honouring the toast of 11 Our .leader, the Minister of .Ju-t- (Mr Wilford) in proposing the health of * the United Party,” said that party stood for no exclusive class, but for the interests of the whole dominion. The party had built on the foundations of Bailance-Scddon-Ward. The New Zealand public expected of the United Party that what they had preached they _ would practice and perform. The object ri the. United Party was to promote the growth of the national good, and the fact that Sir Joseph Ward was at the head of the party and Sir Apirana Nmita a member of the Mmistry was tfoof of good intentions. Mr Robert Masters (president of the party), responding te the toast, paid a. tribute to his friend and colleague, Mr Davy, in connection with the difficult task of forming the United Party. Few men would have stood up to the reverses which Mr Davy faced. His optimism was tremendous, and he came up smiling every time. Everyone realised the difficulties and responsibilities of the United Party, especially those of the problems connected with laud settlement; but all had confidence that tho party’s policy would be carried, into effect. As chairman of the United Party, he was proud to be associated with' tho party, but ho realised more than anyone that the party would not have been in its present position had Sir Joseph Ward not led it to victory. The Minister of Lands (Mr Forbes) proposed the health of the organiser. Mr A. E. Davy, who had helped the United Party to achieve its grand victory. He had tackled the difficult job lone-handed, and had formed the new party, thereby doing something never accomplished before. In a few short weeks ho was able to produce fifty candidates of fine type. Mr Davy had then cast about for a leader, and fortune favoured the party when Sir Joseph Ward was induced to accept tho leadership. Had it not been for the fact that ho led tho United Party it would not have been in the proud position it occupied to-day. Sir Joseph had proved to be the right man at the right time. The party which lie led had been accorded a tremendous vote throughout New Zealand, and if another appeal were made to the country the United Party’s vote would be greatly increased. There never had been such a turnover as that seen on November 14, when a party with fiftythree members was reduced to twentyeight. Mr Forbes considered it little short of a miracle that Mr Davy should have organised the United Party and built it up to its present position. His audacity, rather than his courage, ,iatl contributed to the party’s success. Referring to lands settlement, the Minister said the United Party would not be Britons if they did not live up to their promises. As far as he personally was concerned, he would do his utmost to solve one of the greatest problems with which Now Zealand had been faced.

Mr Davy, in returning thunks, said he did not deserve one-quarter of the good things said of him. Had it not been for the loyal support accorded him in the early part of the movement ho would not have been able to help tho United Party to success. In linking up the old National Party with the new United Party Mr Forbes had contributed considerably to tho success of the organisation. Tho United Party owed Sir Joseph a greater debt than could ever be repaid. The meeting addressed by Sir Joseph in Auckland Town Hall was the greatest triumph in the history of New Zealand. Mr Davy paid tribute to the work of Mr and Mrs Vincent Ward, who had done wonderful work for tho party. Tho speaker was sure tho United Party would have got nowhere had it not been for the fine type of candidates, who were prepared to face the jeers of the Reform Press. He had been accused of being a political rat, but bo bad left the Reform Party because ho believed the Reform Party was becoming a menace to New Zealand. If the United Party did not put its policy into operation in two or three years he would be tho first to secede from it. However, ho had no fears concerning the United Party, which would bo true to its ideals. Its leader, Sir Joseph Ward, could bo depended upon to put New Zealand’s interests before those of party. The Minister of Public Works (Mr Ransom) proposed the health of “ Parliament,” the Minister of Labour (Mr Veiteh) responding. Mr Donald proposed “The Ladies,” tho Lender of the Legislative Council (Mr Sidoy) responding in characteristic vein, making special reference to the question of women in Parliament.