The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JULY 14, 1930. A NATIONAL TRIBUTE.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1930, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, JULY 14, 1930. A NATIONAL TRIBUTE.

The national tribute to Sir Joseph Ward has indeed been a remarkable one, emphasising again his wonderful “come back’’ in popular esteem, For over forty years Sir Joseph had been in public life, and his service naturally was of great value to the community, But his popularity suffered at times despite his statesmanship and foresight, and lm fell hack in the public esteem, It was only when new political idols held the stage for a brief interval that the public had the opportunity of really comparing his pubI lies work, The eulogies which have been passed on Sir Joseph AVnrd place . him in the forefront of colonial statesmen, and in the last he has received I his just reward, But despite the. slings and arrows of outrageous political ! fortune, Sir Joseph was nevor a man to lose his grip, nor to show temper nor pique, His temperament fitted him specially for the high position lie had opportunities to fill, and his life’s service finally won the regard and esteem of the masses. A very notable tribute indeed was paid to his memory during flip course pf his obsequies. The remarkable demonstration of public sympathy manifested in Wellington last Thursday when tine funeral cortege moved to t|ie ship's side, has seldom been exceeded in that front city, Thousands of people in a damp, cold atmosphere stood for hours to watch the bier puss by and pay a tribute of respect. It was indeed a, notable manifestation of public sympathy. Then again the personal tributes to Sir Joseph Ward Imvo seldom been exceeded. Tim members of the Labour Party in particular have tributed the work and worth of the great late Prime Minister in a most arresting manner, Other political opponents have also spoken words of praise and appreciation of n life’s service in the public interests, but the contribution by the Labour members was outstanding and show Hint wliat has been done by the Liberal party for the benefit of the masses |ms been appreciated in the right quarter. Other cities and towns, like Wellington, have paid their respects to Sir Joseph in very solemn form, and in a manner showing the sincere expression of the public syninnthv. The great gathering yesterday for Die final stage of the obsequies was in keeping with the public ■■expression of sympathy which has gone before. The character of Sir Joseph so highly eulogised, and the record he hag left behind, is a great heritage to this country. He

had faith and courage. He had a keen do-fire to help the people and the country, and lie spared neither himself nor Lis personal means to that end. The full measure of Lis sacrifice can never be known, hut not the least effort was 'Li;s final return to public l'fe, and the inspiration lie was to the political action of the country at a time when leadership and decision were required. In 111 at special service no doubt lie hastened his own end. It will be recalled his health showed signs of breaking up in the general election of 1928, but he held steadfast to his purpose, and seemed to feel that no sacrifice on Lis part was too great for his country. The public have come to recognise what was meant by his entry into the turmoil of a difficult political situation, and the courage with which he went forward with the task he set himself. All that he performed made a great strain on his strength and certainly hastened the end. Recognition of his great services has neon made in part by the people, and it remains now for Parliament to make further recognition of the memory of one of our great public leaders.