The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1928. THE TURN OF THE WHEEL.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 September 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1928. THE TURN OF THE WHEEL.

The selection of Sir Joseph Ward as the leader of the United Party now shaping in the political arena, is a turn in the wheel of political fortune at once complimentary to one who lias done great service for the country, for it is a handsome recognition of merits and abilities, as well as performances, which through political prejudice, were I or a while obscured. Actually very little is known outside of the United | Party. What has leaked out is to the I effect that it is composed of an extra--1 ordinarily good solid sot of men—-not necessarily all with public ambitions—but all anxious to do their country sound political service by infusing new life and wisdom into what should be essentially good government. The name of the party suggests something of a union of forces though it would appear the Liberal element now that Sir Joseph is at the head and front is predominant. But the country still awaits a declaration of the policy of the party, and on this much may turn. As to the leader, his political services arc well known. For long years now Sir Joseph has been in the public eye. In his political career he had a record to he proud of, and the fact that he is now chosen for a very important post shows that that record hears no blemish. Rather would it appear to have been heightened in value as the years have- rolled by, and in the light of other days, a clearer perspective can be had of wlmt after all were giant services to New Zealand. Sir Joseph Ward began his active political career as henchman to the late Mr, Scddon who was such an outstanding Premier. Yet Sir Joseph was not overshadowed in such illustrious company. He did great administrative work as Colonial Treasurer, and under his regime came great financial reforms involving cheap money and lending schemes for farmers

and workers. He borrowed moderately and wisely, and kept the credit of the country intact. Taxation was adjusted without harmful inflictions, and New Zealand went its way through a period of remarkable progress and prosperity. In other directions Sir Joseph did special service. He brought in the penny postage and introduced cheap telegrams. All this was accomplished with’ apparent ease and without financial embarrassment. Later, when Sir Joseph stepped into the Premiership he followed the robust Imperialism of his predecessor. In this connection it is interesting to recall his special services at the Imperial Conferences, and in particular the fortunate stroke by which the gift battleship “New Zealand” was brought about. 'Hie effect was not immediately recognised. Indeed much condemnation was heaped on Sir Joseph because of his act. But ,

time worked on his side and the naval episodes of the Great War in which the New Zealand battleship took part, were surely a very complete answer to all the adverse criticisms. The battleship did not miss a single engagement in the North Sea fighting, and on every occasion rendered good service in action. Next, we must pass briefly :o Sir Joseph’s services in the National Government when at the suggestion if His Majesty he joined up and took he portfolio of finance over the war icriod. Again lie rendered remarkable :ervices and finished up his regime with i nice little nest egg for the country leposited at Home. The political reord of Sir Joseph Ward leaves no loubt ns to the magnitude of his past ervicos and in the light of what he ccomplished for New Zealand it is ot surprising he is again selected as leader. It is pleasing indeed to find ir Joseph’s health permits him ending on a liioro active participation in lie political field, and that he is a ictor once again, in assisting to work at the political destiny of New Zoaind, for which already he has done i much very valuable work.