THE MORAL OF SIR J. WARD'S SPEECH.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 April 1914, Page 4

THE MORAL OF SIR J. WARD'S SPEECH.

Sir Joseph, like the Ministerial chief, is engaged in at) election campaign before the time such campaign is due. The fact shows the keeness of the rivalry- it is a healthy sign. The country whose people take no interest in politic? is doomed to slavery. So far A-ery littla has been said abouc the policy on which the election will be fought. Both sides seem content to play the roles of Codlm and Short—One's your friend, t'other aint. It is a farrago of protestations and claims for service rendered. But Mew Zealanders are not seeking elernosnajy aid from their rulers. They are a free and indepepdeirfc people, anxious to avoid the mistake of older nations and ready to baild up a new state according' to a new ideal. Iu this leapect there is not very much to choose between the candidates for popular favour. Which of them will get the most people on to the vacant lands now yawning fur uceiinahoii profitable to the many ? Which mil put the roads of the back blocks into the right condition for the jxopli, ~1 (jad's Own Countr\ y

In the gloom in which |!h^h .•>!.'.hjects are iuibt-diled, wo uiv fni-cod v> look ahead for further policy mdicitions. In the inpan tini^ thero is a in >ral to be enforced. That part of i>u Joseph Ward's speroh at Wellington which referred to the prospectus issued for the last loan by the Massey government, contains that moral. That prospectus was full of financial points of New Zealand glory which the old Opposition had dep.ouncpd up hill aixl down dain, as all wrong, mischievous and " faked." The Liberal press is laboriously insisting that ono or other

of theso attitudes must have been wrong. But v\ hat use is that ? Let all these financial questions be kept clear of party feelings and party tactics and the political atmosphere will be cleared for good, solid work. Wo might then have some real pro> gress.