LEADER OF THE UNITED PARTY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3846, 18 September 1928, Page 2

LEADER OF THE UNITED PARTY.

SIR JOSEPH WARD CHOSEN. Wellington, Last Night. At the United Party’s Conference to-day, it was announced that the position of leader had been offered to and accepted by Sir Joseph Ward. By unanimous resolution it was agreed that the Party should go to the Polls as “The United Party.” The various questions of policy were referred to special committees, which reported to the full conference, where the policy was exhaustively discussed and finally determined by all the candidates assembled. Mr. W. J. Henderson, deputychairman of the United Party’s Organisation, in addressing Sir Joseph Ward and the assembled members of the organisation and the Party said, “Sir, it is my duty and my pleasure to welcome you this morning on behalf of the candidates, the organisation, and the whole of the United Party. The conference just held, may I say, was the most impressive and successful political gathering that has ever been held in the history of New Zealand. It was impressive because of the large number of candidates present, each and every one actuated by the same higff ideals. It was successful because of the unanimity of views regarding policy and more especially because of its choice of such a distinguished and experienced statesman to lead the party to the poll. We sincerely believe, sir, that in choosing you we have done the very best for this fair country of ours. To us you are an incarnation of the spirit of real leadership and statesmanship. Wie know the long-felt want there l;as been for a party with a sane policy and a leader that will bring about financial stabilisation and prosperity. We have come into being to supply that party, and the conference was held to supply that policy. That leader is now here with us. The long experience and profound knowledge of finance for which you are so justly, may I say, world-famed, I am certain will bring about that prosperity that is the right of this young, virile and progressive country to enjoy. On behalf of the United New Zealand Political Organisation, I pledge you its undivided loyalty and its wholehearted support, and in doing so I am confident that you will succeed.”

Mr. W. Perry (Wellington) speaking as a member of the executive said that he endorsed the chairman’s remarks in offering, on behalf of the conference, the leadership of the party to Sir Joseph Ward. The basic principle of the party at the present time must be unity, and it ■was felt by the conference that the best way in which to achieve their main object was to invite Sir Joseph Ward to be leader. It was the wish of the party t hat with his outstanding qualifications Sir Joseph Ward could see his way clear to accept the position. Mr. G. W. Forbes, Leader of the National Party, said that he saw Sir Joseph Ward on the previous afternoon and with Mr. T. M. Wilford, M.P., told Sir Joseph that his selection as leader was acceptable to the National Party, which party would do everything to assist him. (Applause). “I thought that statement might help him in coming to a decision. Sir Joseph said he was pleased at the statement I made. Gentlemen, I congratulate you on your selection, After all, the conference was called for the purpose of electing a leader, and the conference has come to a decision. The conference was called to bring about unanimity; and I think in the decision you have come to there will be a better chance of unanimity than there would have been under any other selection. After all the conference was called to select a leader. Speaking as an old footballer, I accept the decision of the referee.”

The meeting sang “For He's a Jolly Good Fellow” and gave three hearty cheers for Mr. Forbes. Mr. E. A. Ransom, M.P., (Pahiatun), said he wished to express his deep appreciation at the presence of Sir Joseph Ward and upon his having been selected as leader of the new party. Mr. T. K. Sidey, M.P., also congratulated Sir Joseph Wjard on his selection as leader of the new party, and gave Sir Joseph his assurance that he would give him all the assistance possible especially in his own electorate. Mr. W. J. Broadfoot (Waitomo), Mr. J. T. McDonald (Southern Maori), Mr. J. Trevetick (Auckland), and Mr. W. Horne, M.P., algo congratulated the United Party and Sir Joseph Ward upon his selection as leader. Mr. A. J. Stallworthy (Eden), Mr. W. E. Taylor (Wallace), and Mr. J. II Donald (Auckland East) all congratulated Sir Joseph and the conference, and pledged their loyalty and support. SIR JOSEPH°WARD’S REPLY.

The Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward, who had the most enthusiastic reception, in an impressive speech, said that no one occupying the position in which he stood at the moment could help feeling very proud. The sentiments which had been expressed towards him were such as to make any man feel very proud. He thanked Mr. Forbes, leader of the National Party, for the remarks he had made, and the goodwill he had expressed in regard to the future. In addressing the members of the conference, Sir Joseph Ward said he desired to say a word about the difficulties of the situation. It would be idle for them to think

that after what had been a most successful conference to think that they could go back to their respective districts with the feeling that everything would run smoothly. That was not so. He urged them that whatever difficulties might arise that they should treat their opponents fairly and honourably. Sir Joseph Ward said that if the United Party came into power it had got to affirm and act up to certain principles, which he was sure would commend, themselves to all those present and.to the bulk of the •people of New Zealand. He wanted to see a policy adopted which would not only be for the good of the country as a whole; a policy which could be carried out without injuring any section of the business community, or the farmers, or the workers. Sir Joseph then said: “I want to say that I highly appreciate the fact that you have asked me to fill I lie position of Leader of the United Party. I will very cheerfully undertake those duties, and I feel sure that I will have the goodwill and support of all its members.” Sir Joseph concluded by expressing confidence that the United Party would return successful after the elections with its banner flying high at the masthead.