SIR JOSEPH WARD’S HEALTH

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4428, 18 March 1930, Page 3

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S HEALTH

—- “CANDID FRIEND’S ADVICE.

Commenting editorially on the political situation and the condition of the Prime Minister, the Dunedin “Star” says: It cannot he denied that there is an undercurrent of dissatisfaction over the present position, and that it is not confined to those more closely as- ' sociated, directly or indirectly, with Parliamentary representation. “It arises, so far as one can judge,” says the “Star,” “more from the atmosphere of uncertainty as to the future than from disappointment over the past. Slowly realisation has conic that physical causes prevent Sir Joseph Ward from exercising the powers for which he fought so courageously and to which he succeeded so unexpectedly when a large proportion of the people imagined he was a completely spent force. The campaigning effort of 1928 proved he was not then, but the reaction from it has been so prolonged that critics are justified in surmising that Nature lias ordained that he cannot now prove himself otherwise — or at least shown that, she cannot furnish him with the reserves necessary even for a far younger and more robust man essaying to lead a minority party successfully, and to conduct the Dominion’s affairs safely during a period of intense difficulty. The consideration which was extended' to Sir Joseph Ward and to a Cabinet composed mostly of men with not a tithe of his political experience has nut been fortified, and we take it that its spirit persists in the advice which the Wellington ‘Evening Post’ tendered yesterday with a view to ending what may be termed a period of suspense : ‘lt seems to us, though we say it with the utmost reluctance, that it is his plain duty to all concerned, including himself, to resign.’ ‘The Post,’ if not neutral in party politics, is at least impartial. It. has been inclined to extend a friendly hand towards the Government during the latter’s thus far brief career, and the advice typical of' the candid friend is backed by reasons which, if established beyond doubt, could not be cavilled at by anyone, even a staunc-h Liberal, who desires to see New 'Zealand come through a time of economic crisis without permanent scar. Only this week Mr. Scullin threw out a suggestion to members of the Federal House of Representatives, when they reassembled at lOaiiberra, to the effect that Parliament should resolve itself into an economic conference to discuss the position of Australia. In minor degree our difficulties resemble ours, and (with one important exception, that of the balance of trade) are attributable to similar causes. It may be utopian to expect an effective party truce, an earnest, harmonious concentration on pressing problems—that would prove more than ephemeral. But, even if a sensible moderation of party warfare could be arranged, an outstanding leader would be more than ever needed to hold members relentlessly to the task in hand until they had seen it through successfully. In such a leader experience would be an essential qualification, hut there are many other essentials, and one of them is a dominating vigour.”