WELLINGTON TOPICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1922, Page 2

WELLINGTON TOPICS.

MORE ELECTION GOSSIP. GUESSING AND SPECULATING. ! BPEOIAI* TO GUARDIAN. WELLINGTON, Oct. 27. I As the day of decision approaches rumour becomes more and more busy with the name of Sir Joseph Ward in connection with the general election. This morning the “Dominion” quotes from the “ Dunedin Star ” a statement to tlie effect that if Sir Joseph contests a sent at all he will make his appeal to his former constituency, Awarua. As it happens, the one thing the ex-Liberal leader has made plain j in respect to his intentions is that he will not ask the electors of Awarua to reverse their decision of three years ago. He has only the kindliest recollections of his association with Awarua, and he harbours no grudge against its people for having made a change in their representation; but he feels that with the numerous demands upon his time in. other directions he would not he justified in again undertaking the representation of a large and scattered constituency so far removed from his residence and his business activities, lleyond this Sir Joseph has no confidences to give the public to-day concerning his political intentions, hut Ins initimnte friends incline towards the opinion that he will be taking an active part in the proceedings next month. HIS ATTITUDE. Meanwhile one can only sepculate as to what would be Sir Joseph Ward s attitude towards the contending parties in the event of his being returned to the new Parliament. That lie would do nothing to create further disruption in the ranks of the Li bora 14 La hour forces may be taken for granted, and that he would ally himself with the Reformers in any way is unthinkable More probably he would assume the role of an independent adviser and critic, devoting his attention partieu larlv to finance, and leave his old associates to work out their own salvation. It may be said at once, and positively, that he has no intention of attempting to form a party of his own or of disturbing any of the existing party arrangements. It is expected that he will make an announement of his intentions within the next few days and that without ally further delay he will plunge con amore into the election campaign. His presence in the field even as a free lance, without any aspirations to office, would give additional piquancy to the contest and assure it against the deadly dullness with which it was threatened only a little while ago. THU PARTY IN POSSESSION.

TV Reformers, as tlie party in possession, naturally would llot bo overjoyed at the appearance of Sir Joseph Ward on the scene, but, strenuous as their opposition to his return would be. there would be no personal rancour in their efforts to keep him out of Parliament. He has many personal friends in their ranks, both inside and outside the House, and quite a numb* er who would welcome his return to polities. Mf Massey and his colleagues, without leaving one stone unturned to secure success, are frankly confident of having a good workuig majority in the new parliament, and at present there seems no definite indication of their calculations going astray. The Minister of Lands and the Minister of Education are the only members of the Cabinet at present threatened with a stiff fight. Mr Guthrie is faced bv a very live opponent, a capable young man of parts, who will liavo a great deal of support on personal grounds alone, and Mr Parr, in his zeal for "Reform and for “ flag-waving, ’ has given offence to a number of people whose party preferences are not very deeply rooted. The chances are that these Ministers will retain their seats, but their hold upon their constituencies does not seem so secure as it- did two years ago. OFFICIAL LABOUR. Mr Holland and his friends'expect to substantially increase their strength at the polls, and tlie Reformers’ determination to have a pledged supporter in every contest, no matter if it makes the way easy for a “ Red Fed,” will help them very materially towards that end. An instance of what is going on in this respect is provided in the Waimnrino electorate, where Mr R. W. Smith was given the option between subscribing to the Isitt pledge or having a Reformer in the field whose presence would insure the return of tho “ Red Fed ” candidate, who is a Red cf the very Reds. Mr Smith,-who is a broad minded Liberal of the old school, who never put party before the interests of-the country, made the reply that might have been expected of him. He had come into the House as a Liberal and, if needs be, would go out as a Liberal, but he could not change sides to make his seat secure. And so Official Labour has another opporunity.