The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1930. SIR JOSEPH WARD’S RETIREMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, MAY 17, 1930. SIR JOSEPH WARD’S RETIREMENT.

There will be universal regret that the state of his health has prompted Sir Joseph Ward to resign the Prime Ministership, a step which' meaiis the creation of a new Cabinet. Sir Joseph aas been identined with the political fortunes of New Zealand over long years, and he has left lus mark indelibly on the country. His return to office so late in life came at an opportune time for the Dominion, for with his knowedge and prestige be was able .o reserve the finances of the country from the drift which lmd set in. He resigns now at the moment when iie d.a.s to his credit a year of successful office during which,Jie-turned a deficit .nto a credit, and'has floated a loan ■ on the London market under very favoured circumstances compared with the possible achievement of any other country. He has to his immediate credit both the saving and the maintaining of the credit of New Zealand, and that must be regarded as the coping stone to a very long and useful public career, in which he did much for his adopted land, yet never receiving the full kudos he deserved for all his valiant services. Sir Joseph had the honor of being associated with Mr Seddon during the period of great political transformation for New Zealand. The Liberal regime was a great epochal period for the country, and Sir Joseph Ward was one of the most farseeing workers in that period of change. The Liberal policy placed New Zealand in the forefront of world legislation on many topics, and the portfolios which Sir Joseph held were identified directly with much of the legislation in mind. The Liberal land policy was made possible by the financial policy which Sir Joseph specially sponsored. The Liberal record became outstanding because of postal reforms for which Sir Joseph was directly concerned. The financial fortunes of New Zealand were secured and assured by the ability of Sir Joseph who produced recurring credits, and built up a credit in London, which enhanced the financial prestige of the country. His foresight was demonstrated by his gift of a battleship to the Motherland, though at the time his action was condemned and the gift used to the utmost against him in his political career. But time brought its revenge for the New Zealand battleship was one of the most s active participants in the naval actions at the time of the Great War. It would he possible to go on recounting the invaluable services of Sir Joseph Ward to the Dominion and the Empire, for his Imperial bent was never in doubt, but sufficient lias been said to indicate that the country has much to appreciate in his great career, for his services have been always in the public interests. During his late term of office he has been wonderfully active for his years and state of health. He has kept his grip on national affairs, and has been anxious to give his best for the o-ond of the country. He has do”e well, and surely has earned the leisure and respite he now seeks. There will he universal wishes for the restoration of his health, and the desire that ho may he spared for many a day yet to bo with us. As regards the political situation, he loaves a well tried team of colleagues. Events have prov-

oil that in the composition of his Cabinet ,he chose wisely and well. Some of the Ministers were new to office, but all took up their tasks enthusiastically, and have not shirked their duties which have been discharged creditably. Hon G. W. Forbes who lias been Act-ing-Leader is naturally mentioned as the new Prime Minister. Mr Forbes is essentially a product of the Liberal policy, for lie is a farmer who became installed at Cheviot when Mr Seddon made bis first important stroke in the Liberal policy of providing land for the people. Mr Forbes is naturally an advocate for that policy—a policy which did so much to help New Zealand forward. If Mr Forbes is chosen for the leadership his late Deputy work will stand him in'good stead as preliminary training. He will surely he sound on a definite land policy for the country, and that was the foundation of tiie success of the Liberals in the past. Events will soon transpire which will indicate the probable course of affairs, and with the creation of a reorganised Cabinet,’ doubtless Parliament will be met at the appointed time. The preparations of Sir Joseph’s Cabinet for the session will probably stand in the main, so that there should be plenty of business ready for the session which from all accounts is likely to run its course.