A FAMILY MATTER

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1909, 30 November 1918, Page 3

A FAMILY MATTER

INCIDENT IN PARLIAMENT,

Speaking on the third reading of the War Legislation Bill on Thursday night, Air J. Payne (Grey Lynn) said that he had heard a rumour that “Sir Joseph Ward’s good lady Avas a German.” He explained subsequently that his purpose in mentioning the matter Avas that he had learned the facts (vdiich contradicted the rumour), and he had Avished to combat the rumour. Before he made (his explanation he Avas called to order by Air Speaker. Sir Joseph Ward said that as the name of a member of his family had been mentioned, he Avould stale the facts. He had heard the statements, and he kncAV the names of some of the persons who Avere eireulating it, but he had not taken any action. Ills family had the records of the nationality of Lady Ward’s father; he Avas a Belgian, horn in Bruges, and bis ancestors had been Belgian for 350 years. The nationality of Lady AVard’s father had been recorded in Ibis country fifty years ago. Anybody, continued Sir Joseph, Avho had enough curiosity in this subject could see the records iii bis office. Ills wife bad never meddled with politics. She had never been a scandal-monger. She was a true wile and good mol her. If it came to a' choice between staying in office or standing by Ids wife, he would stand bv his wife to the last.

Sir Josepii AVavd also made it clear (hat he spoke Avithout heat, and Avithout bitterness. Never before, since he had been in the House, had lie referred to any member of bis own family, or to the family of any oilier honourable member.

Sir Joseph Ward's statement Avas Avarmly applauded.