SIR JOSEPH WARD

Hokitika Guardian, 14 May 1920, Page 4

SIR JOSEPH WARD

(l J er Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 11. v At the recent banquet here to farewell Sir Joseph Ward many speakers expressed the hope he would not remain away from New Zealand for good and enter the political arena in the Did Country. The Mayor suggested that the Bri'tish Government should give Sir Joseph Ward a leading hand in the settlement of Ireland. Mr Isitt regretted that sectarianism had at least been fairly responsible ;or Sir Joseph’s withdrawal from New Zea land politics. In the course of his reply, Sir Joseph Ward remarked he would like to see some system in operation whereby the will of the people could receive. adoquate . expression at the could be no satisfaction to any party in power to feel that they did not re% present the majority of the people. The present Government represented a little over one-third of the electors who voted at the last election. That was not satisfactory to the Government or to the people. Sir Joseph spoke in support of a settlement of the Irish question in tLe interests of the Empire, and to preserve the friendship with the United States, and the peace of the world. He had suggested a policy at the Imperial Conference, and those who differed from him then heartily approved of his proposals now. He was unable to say how long he would be away, but he ihad no intention at the present, at all events, of remaining away, from New Zealand for good. He had in his possession a written offer from responsible men in the Old Country—not- the present Imperial Government—both asking him to stand for a seat, and assuring him their solid support 1 and assistance for return to •Parliament. ■ He had that offer made to him on more than one occasion but be bad not accepted the very powerful inducements hold out to him. He might never have an offer again. No one could tell what the future had for him. but all ho could say was that his present intention, after .having a good rest, was to come back to New Zealand. * (Applause).