WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 January 1922, Page 2

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

POLITICAL RUMOURS

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S INTENTIONS.

SPECIAL IO GUARDIAN. WELLINGTON, Jan. 16. S The story concerning Sir Joseph Ward’s political intentions did not get a sufficient start to .create any particular fiuttor in parliamentary circles. • His personal friends here had Sii Joseph’s oivii assurance that he had no plains in this respect for the future, and that he would have none until he had consulted his doctor and ascertained the wishes of the Liberal Party. He is quite satisfied about his health himseli, fooling fitter, as ho puts it, than he has done for many years past, but aitei what he lias passed through lie does not feel justified in assuming any. big responsibilities without the approval of his medical adviser. As for the report that Sir Joseph’s eldest son, Mr Cyril Ward, would contest his father’s old seat, Awarua, that was quite worthy of the fertile imagination that invented the other part of the story. Mr Ward is an active partner in a big commercial house in Christchurch, and so far has never dreamed of seeking a public careci. “ One thing at a time,” is tlie young man’s motto, and just now business is the one tiling. A COINCIDENCE. Probably it was purely an accidental, coincidence that the canards in regard to the intentions of Sir Joseph W ard and his son were published on the same day as a meeting of the members of the official Liberal Party in the House of Representatives was held j but many people see a significant connection between the two occurrences. The meeting of members which is said to litne consisted of fewer than a dozen, expressed its appreciation of the mannei in which Mr Wilford had led the party, and re-affirmed its loyalty to him. The suggestion is that it proceeded to dispose of the destiny of Sir Joseph Ward in order that it might be understood his return to Parliament would not interfere with the organisation of the party. There are members of the party, who, whiie. recognising Sir Joseph’s ability as a financier, and wishing to see him again at the Treasury, do not think him sufficiently versatile and progressive to lead re-united liberalism and labour out of the wilderness into the promised land. LIBERAL-LABORR REV 1V AL. Whether or not the adoption of the old title Liberal-Labour is going to crown the official Liberal Party with the "lories of the Seddon regime remains to be seen. Much will depend upon the policy it has in preparation, and more upon the personnel of its following. There has been a movement on foot here and in Auckland for some time past to re-unite progressive Liberalism and Moderate Labour, altogether apart from MrStatlnun’s effort, but apparently it has uot taken Mr Wilford into account, and that gentleman, not unnaturally, may resent its omission. No doubt the time is opportune for the formation of a strong Opposition, the Government’s path being beset by difficulties, and none of Mr Massey’s colleagues having been able to greatly lighten tlie burdens of their ei.Lf; but till Liberalism and Labour get togetaei • on some working basis, Reform "ill have no serious occasion for alarm. Toe . prospects of a rapprocliment between the “progressives” seem brighter just now than they have done for some years past, but extreme Labour still presents a grave obstacle to tlieir consummation.

RETRENCHMENT.

It is expected that* the Bill embodying the Government’s retrenchment proposals will be brought down this week, and that it will form the subject of an important statement by the Prime Minister. So far Mr Massey’s “ savings ” have taken a shape that has not meant an immediate reduction of expenditure, and the Minister’s friends have been busy explaining that a Government cannot put its financial house in order with the same expedition as a private individual might adjust his expenditure to his income. But it is understood the legislation Mr Massey is introducing will enable him to effect a great deal more in this direction than he .lias yet attempted. It is reported be will seek authority to abolish altogether certain offices to which big salaifes are attached and to amalgamate others that are giving employment to an unnecessary number of hands. Accompanying the rumours, however, there is a suspicion that the Government is much more likely to do too little than it is to do too much, and that a majority of the House will be in no humour to urge it towards more drastic measures.