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Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1925, Page 2

Tin: re-election of Sir Joseph Ward to Parliament will he hailed with general satisfaction. If Sir Joseph is to range himself with the Opposition ho will In* a most useful critic. Mis host services could no doubt he rendered on the government, side where constructive thought is neiessary is helping to assist the financial administration of the Dominion. Probably bis influent o will Is* in that direction to a great degree for it is understood that bis election was assisted in ter small wav by commercial interests in Wellington which wished to see the ripest and most experien: cd jmltitiient available in regard to finance- brought into Parliament. It is conceivable that Sir Joseph would lie a tower of strength to the Prime Minister inside and outside Parliament. Mr Coates has yet to select his Ministerial team hot on the siirftite he has no strong debaters oil which to draw. He is hampered in particular by the lack of men of financial ability about him. and there are few of proved administrative ability in handling large departments, A Minister with ‘the ex|/oricnce and knowledge Sir Joseph Ward would bring to the Cabinet, room, would Is* of the greatest help to Mr ('(tales. The Prime Minister and Sir Joseph have an old friendship and political attachment, and if they were again associated politically, the event would Ir the beginning of toot real fusion of parties which the country genuinely desires. Should Sir Jose]ill not enter the Ministry immediately, (.here may he other ways of seeking 1 profiteering by bis experienced advice, lie can bo at least a critic, but the public would like to see him associated in some practical way with the financial side of the administration. If a Grand Comvnittee of Finance wore soi up Sir Joseph would prove an admirable chairman, and he is so much of a patriot that lie would not refuse to assist where he eMild. He has such outstanding ability that he will wield a great influence in Parliament.. He will lie more looked u]i to than auv other member of the House when intricate financial problems have to ho dealt with, and such being the ease there can he only a feeling of great gratification that in the surprises the recent election offered. Invercargill did not surprise the rest of New Zealand by omitting Sir Joseph Ward from the new House. There is certainly a niche for Sir Joseph to fill in the new Parliament.