SIR JOSEPH WARD

Hokitika Guardian, 22 August 1928, Page 2

SIR JOSEPH WARD

Australian Press Assn.—United Service ' (Received this da.v at 9.30 a.in.) VANCOUVER, August 21. Sir Joseph Ward has reaffirmed his Winnipeg statement that he has been requested, at the instance of fifty representative members of tlie United Party of New Zealand to assume the leadership. The ex-Premier sails for New Zealand to-morrow. He stated that he would confer with the party representatives on arrival. A FURTHER INTERVIEW. VANCOUVER, August 21. In an interview Sir Joseph Ward said the United Party’s invitation was contained in a cable he received before he reached Winnipeg. Obviously it would not be fitting to accept yet. Upon his arrival he would he met by fifty candidates and would give his answer. He had so informed them by cable. Sir Joseph Ward received no communication from the leaders. He intimated that a section of the party opposed his leadership. The situation was the result- rif a political skirmish. He had not invited the offer. Sir Joseph Ward was of the opinion that it would be a long time before the dream of an Empire trade unity, pictured by British statesmen would be realised. Only by building and maintaining reciprocal trade within the Empire, would the commonwealth be unified.