SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2318, 20 August 1921, Page 1

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

The recent visit- of Sir Joseph Ward to Berlin, incognito, is the subject of some good-humoured banter at the hands of “Givis” in the Otago Daily Times. Says “Civis”: —“lt is pleasant to hear of Sir Joseph Ward in his newest incarnation. Many parts has lie played in his time —all the world’s a stage, we must remember —and all the men and women merely players. In his newest incarnation, Sir .Joseph is ‘Mr J. W. Begg,’ under which appellation, half revealed and half concealed, lie reports himself from Berlin. Visiting the Hun in his native home, he thought it expedient to assume this cloak of darkness. Why einbarras the German Government?

Why excite the curiosity of the police? A British baronet, P.C., K.C.M.G., as well —said lie — Also Right Honourable —that’s me!

Better lie low. And for more reasons than one:

The giver of the battleship To teach the Huns how many a slip May lie between the cup and lip —

That’s me again! We must dissimble! Why invite another Hunnish strafe ?

Let me not wake it sleeping dog! But wrap me in impervious fog; To Berlin, yes! but go incog. —s ‘Mr J. W. Begg!’ It is good

to hear that the ruse succeeded. Effectually disguised, Sir Joseph found out facts that the Germans particularly wish to hide—namely, that they, the losers of the war, are in better case than the winners; thiil the Berlinese for their part go about well dressed, seem well-to-do, and are living in luxury —and, in a word, that indemnities may be paid in full —ought to be, and can be. Let us believe it. Wo do not forget that first- and last Sir Joseph is one of ourselves. Somehow lie contrived to shiil the door of Xew Zealand polities against-himself. But for a lime only. Jle will come back."