LIBERALISM REVIVES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 December 1928, Page 2

LIBERALISM REVIVES

SPEECH BY SIR A PIR ANA XGATA

SiR JOSEPH WARD’S OPPORTUNITY.

WELLINGTON, Dec. 12. Returned Liberalism re-emerging .with a policy of progress was the theme prominent in the speech of Sir Apirana Xgala at a dinner tendered by the Fnited Party to its leader, Sir Joseph M’ard. to-night. He aroused enthusiasm by his eloquent, reference to the Liberal giants of the past— Ballanee, Seddon. .John Al'Keiizie and Ward. In proposing the toast of the guest of the evening, Sir Apirana Ngata said his mind travelled hack- to thirty-eight years ago. when lie had just matriculated at college and Air Ballanee oil ine into power. There Were four names talked about at that time and one was Will'd. There was a good deal in a name, and the fact that Sir Joseph Ward’s name was on top of the banner under which the United Party fought at last election was a great inspiration. The speaker could rank himself amongst the rearguard of the old Liberal Party, lim-aose lie was one of the young men who beard Ids elders in the baekbloeks ol the East Coast mention the names of Ballanee, Seddon. AFKeii/.ie and Ward. New /calami in those days required men. Perhaps they were rough and ummilh. hut they had boldness and Hie courage to sav: “These are the tilings we want and the tilings we wish to adopt.” This was the type of man who came into power in LS!)1. and tho guest of honour was I lie hist ol the four great men at their head, who for good or ill swayed the destinies of Xcw Zen,land for twenty years from IRdl till 1911. Another name which ii 1 sir stood high was Carroll. (Applause) .

A GREAT RETURN". “The last of that team,” continued Sir Apirana Ngata, “lias performed a meat feat in coming back at the'head of a party and creeping again into the hearts of the people. This is not wonderful. because wo have arrived again in New Zealand at a stage when there is another hand of young men wishing to take another stop forward. Ibis is not a time to say: ‘We must play safe.” because New Zealand again insistentlv demands that the same problems which (on fronted us in IF9I must ho solved by the same type of men. It struck mo at the 'United Party conference that they were the same tyne. though a little smoother in contour and capable of wearing their clotlms better, but they were the same type as I hose who made the forward move in 1890, and we have the miracle that a man who came forward then is at the head of the same movement to-dav. (A'lplanxe). T hope Sir Joseph A\ ard will ho*, spared a. good many years lo give voice, and with his experience to give shame, to the mint level longings of (he youth of New Zealand repiesented in the younger members of the l.Jnited Party.”

GREAT LIBERALS OF THE PAST

Sir Joseph Ward, in his reply, referred to the fact that there were dillieiilties ahead which he would ordain I to Parliament., and the party lie had [the honour to lead Would have to he j tearless in eafrying w * ,ilt l^,rv j '■•nnceived to he their duty to lh" ! people of New Zealand. No man had greater confidence in the Inline than he had. It would lie impossible to conceive such a country being on the down grade. TTo remcmihereiT early in his career meeting at To Ante a young man. an active figure, who was desGui ~,| |n ip| :in honourable pla-e in P;"lia,incut representing Ids people. I hr 1 was Sir Apirana Ngata. u'Tm bad referred so eb’uuently to Ins <'!• ! IriemL j —Seddon. Ballanee. .b'liii AUKemde | and Carroll. He bad the warmest a fleet ion for Air Ballanee. one of the (iiiosl characters ever seen in Pnrliaj mold, lie was a man of broad views, j with high ideals, and a courageous j man. No words of Ids could adequateI |y portray the character of .Mr Seddon. Until one got into very close | association with .Mr Sr. id n. it "as • impossible l to realise the immense pmvI er of the man. He was a very lovable man. who did a good deal in his i day to jay the foundations of this I country. 11 is old friend. .lolin .M’lvcn- • '/ao. was a, fearless fighter who always drew the elavmoiv immediately lie

came into contact with opponents. He will* ked for n great land policy, for ] which he never got lull credit. Tew people understood witli what wonderful courage he fought those who believed his policy was inimical to their class. John .M'Kenzie’s name would go down in history as that of a great laud reformer. He could not forget Sir James Carroll, who never said an unkind word of anyone. These were the names of old Liberals. ! heii deeds and memories would continue iu the minds oi everyone as men who in their day worked courageously for their country. Ihe hulk of the l nitod Party comprised men who were in political life for the first time, hut there were some who had been Liberals foe tliiitv vent's. They had a broad recognition of their duty to help those who could not properly help themselves. It would he his duty to cooperate with every member of the party to this end. Mr AVili'orcl linked u,p the past toitunes of Liberalism with its present success by a charming story ol his experience in Wanganui. whither he let to see lus mother alter the general election. He f<>»» (1 there a basket of flowers sent with tin- compl>meiits and congratulations of *l«s IL> - widow of the loriner lnhei.il Prime Minister.