SIR JOSEPH WARD

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1930, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD

MR POLSON’S VIEWS

(By Telegraph- -Per Press Association.)

BLENHEIM, May 16.

In a statement to the “Express” in reference to the resignation of Sir Joseph Ward. Mr W. J. Poison (Independent ALP. for Stratford, and President of the N.Z. Farmers’ Union) who was at Havelock when the news came to hand yesterday, stated that the country would regret the cause of the resignation. Sir Joseph had devoted his life to the country’s service and even those who disagreed with ii s polities would share in the regret that his health had forced him to Jay down the reins of office. I hat he had done the right thing, there was no doubt. Who was to succeed him was s’UKother ucation. That, the United party would have to decide for themselves.

The resignation would throw the whole political situation into the melting pot, and whoever aspired to lead the party would require to bring down a new and statesmanlike policy. Old alliances would be no longer binding, and unless the new Leader was able to satisfy the country, his reign might be short.

Mr Poison believed that everything would depend upon the poucy. The new policy to succeed must show appreciation of the problems of the country, provide fundamental remedies for unemployment, reduce costs, create economies in keeping with the times instead of maintaining a post-war expenditure, with a pre-war income, and give the country sound taxation readjustments. A bold land settlement scheme was an absolute essential to success. tSuch a policy would bring support from many who were not entirely blinded by purely party considerations. At all events the opportunity existed for a leader to weld together interests now divergent. Who the United Party would select for that task, lie had no idea.

AUCKLAND, May V

Auckland members of Parliament have little to say concerning the political situation' created by Sir J. G. Ward’s impending resignation. One or two Labour members express their belief in the ultimate fusion of Reform and United.

Hon. J. G. Coates on arrival from Wellington refused to comment. It is understood Mr Fletcher M.P., for Grey Lynn, has not received an invitation to the United Party Caucus.

LONDON PAPER TRIBUTE,

(Received this dav at 10 a.m.) LONDON, May 15

The “Daily News” in a leader pays tribute to tlye moving dignity of Sir Joseph Ward’s farewell address, which it states provides the best answer to those who are inclined to sneer at parliamentary institutions as a nature of babble and intrigue. It continues: “It is a noble tempered expression of the filler side of Parliament.”