The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, MARCH 20th, 1923. TAURANGA.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1923, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, MARCH 20th, 1923. TAURANGA.

The Wllington “Times’’, as also the Wellington “Post” were very eulogistic of Sir Joseph Ward’s opening meeting in the campaign for the Tauranga seat The ex-Prime Minister has come back to quite his old form, and there should bo occasion to rejoice that one so gifted is again in good health and able to place his outstanding services at disposal. The Wellington papers have noticed the optimistic spirit pervading Sir Joseph’s address. He dealt with his subjects from a broad standpoint, and looking back over his long record of political work in the past, there is no reason to doubt- his ability to put his ideas into practice. The ex-Pre-rnier has behind his candidature the prestige of great service to his country. In all his tasks whether in regard to finance, postal, tourist, and so on he acquitted himself brilliantly, and , tbe country has reason to remember

gratefully his outstanding services j under all conditions. Apart from his active service in Liberal Cabinets, there is very special reason to recall his magnificent work in the National Government. He entered the coalition at the promptings of Country, and not of party, and really his great work over that period was never adequately recognised by tbe Dominion, nor for the matter of that bv the Reform party whom his talents for financial management specially succoured. Tn entering the lists at Tauranga it must be realised a very capable legislator is offering his services— one who lias a full understanding of the national position, and one whose experience will be of the highest value to the country in these days of slowly making good. Sir Joseph’s speech covered as usual a bit of ground, and it was well coveted. There was a freshness about bis address which was rejuvenating after the dull, dreary warnings of Ministers’ speeches of late—warnings as to a position they had themselves contributed to so materially. The Liberal candidate for Tauranga enunciated a policy for the country, which put into force, will do the trick of lifting Now Zealand back to something of its former prominence and importance. As a financier of unequalled Ministerial achievement. Sir Joseph Ward was able to put bis finger on the present financial weakness of New Zealand. The burden of taxation, the undue impost on postal and other facilities, the need for a sound land policy, the demand for more population, these are all subjects in which tlie immediate future of New Zealand is wrapped up in. The country needs a vigorous policy in regard to such matters, and Sir Joseph is the man to point- the way how it- can be done. Westland, perhaps more than most places, will be disposed to take a prominent interest in the result of tiro Tauranga. poll next Wednesday week. Tins district owes a very great deal to Sir Joseph Ward for his special and consistent support of the completion of the Midland railway. It was his Government which bad the courage to accept a tender for tbe work, and Inter lie personally fired the first shot in the commencement of the tunnel works. Later, courageous again, and in the face of much latent infliienial opposition. lie took over tbe contract and pushed the work on as a State undertaking. At any of these earlier stages it would have been an easy matter to have dropped the giant undertaking—but Sir Joseph held on—always a friend to the Coast. Whatever the result of Tauranga, we make bold to say that the opening ceremonial on tunnel daywill not be complete unless there is a prominent place for the man who at the very outset and through all the initial stages of the work, made its final completion possible. If for no other reason than this great distinct service, we should like to see Sir Joseph Ward again afforded the opportunity to use his talents for tho good of the country, but in addition the people of New Zealand will welcome his re-election to Parliament as an overdue compliment for his outstanding services to the Dominion, and the Empire over the long years during which he lias rendered a faithful stewardship.