A SIGNIFICANT UTTERANCE

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 29 May 1912, Page 2

A SIGNIFICANT UTTERANCE

The recent statement made by Sir Joseph Ward, Bart.—to give him his full and proper title—to the effect that come what might in so far as the policitcal situation of this Dominion was concerned, he would be ready to stand by the present Prime Minister, moreover, tender assistance and advice in time of need, is in itself significant. The great wizard of finance —the great Dreadnought exponent of personal aggrandisement —has long since proved himself to be a true prophet, and while

the assertion, in question, is not altogether flattering to the abilities of the Hon. T. Mackenzie, we should not be at all surprised to see, eventually, Sir Joseph Ward once again the brilliant leader of the much-abused Liberal Party, despite the fact that he declared it was his intention to take a rest from his labours. Nevertheless, the people of *New Zealand are open to conviction —at least we assume this to be the case —hence, in the face of the ex-Premier's strenuous tour of Australia, and the several poignant speeches to which he has been giving utterance, it would not appear as if he were determined to carry out his previous resolve, viz., to take a holiday. To use an Americanism, Sir Joseph (of many colours) is, apparently, as " fit " as ever, and in the near future may be expected to play an inevitable and obiquitous role in the limelight of parliamentary life, but in what actual capacity has yet to be seen. With all due deference to the Premier of the moment, and recollecting the truth that, practically speaking, he has not, up to the present hour, had a fair opportunity or chance of showing his prowess as the Commander of a now somewhat ramshackle barque; there is no denying the verity that the Liberal Party suffered an irreparable loss through the sudden retirement of Sir Joseph Ward in, what might appropriately be termed, the teeth of an historical crisis. Thus the Member for Awarua, who in the past, has been buffetted and subjected to the most virile criticism at the hands of unscrupulous opponents, may, in the bare likelihood of a political turmoil, be persuaded to grasp the reins of office as Prime Minister as heretofore.