SIR JOSEPH WARD’S RETIREMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4453, 17 May 1930, Page 3

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S RETIREMENT.

CONTINUED ILL HEALTH. RETAINING SEAT IN HOUSE. SUCCESSOR WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEXT WEEK. ROTORUA, May 15. “It will be remembered that towards the end of last session of' Parliament 1 suffered a breakdown in health, necessitating a temporary retirement from active participation in official duties. Early in the present year I came to Rotorua, where 1 am still undergoing a course of treatment. While I have experienced considerable benefit during my sojourn, my Rotorua medical advisors have intimated to me that in the interests of my health it is essential that I should have freedom from work and official worry. “After full consideration with my colleagues, and being inspired by a keen desire that' my indisposition should not in nnv way hamper the efficient administration of the public affairs of.the Dominion, 1 have decided, on mature consideration, to yield to the advice which has been tendered me by my doctors. “Accordingly, I am taking steps to place my resignation as Prime Minister in the hands of His Excellency the Gov-ernor-General. “I need hardly say that 1 take this course with the greatest regret because l hoped that the state of my health would have permitted me to devote my services to the progress and welfare of New Zealand for a still longer period. “However, the fates have ordained otherwise, and the time has now arrived for me to lay down the reins of office. In doing so, I look back to practically a lifetime spent in the country's service. I entered Parliament a young man, and almost continuously through the intervening years I have devoted what abilities 1 possessed to the service of the country, as an ordinary member of the House, as a Minister of flic Crown and as Prime Minister. During this long period 1 have al various times encountered strong opposition. What man in public lff’e does not V But 1 have made lasting h'iendships. To me the inspiring motive of service has been an earnest desire to advance the progress and prosperity of this fair land. “I have seen the development of the Dominion proceed in a truly wonderful manner. It is to-day a loci t innately proud claim for one to call himself a New Zealander, and it. will be for future generations to see that they guard jealously the heritage which will be theirs. “Thoifgh the times through which we are now passing are not without difficulties and pressing problems, and though the horizon may appear darkened by clouds, there is always a silver lining and the characteristic tenacity of our people will enable them to surmount the obstacles in the path of national progress and to win through. “To my Ministerial colleagues I desire to express deep gratitude for their loyal co-operation in Ihe task of government. I know full well that my ill-health lias rendered the way not easy for them. I cannot speak too highly of their devotion and assistance. To the leaders ui the other two political parties as well as to all other members of Parliament, I desire to tender my sincere acknowledgment ot their uniform courtesy, more especially during my time ot illness. “1 should also like to take the opportunity of paying a tribute to the efficiency of the heads of the Stale departments and the members of the Public Service. J speak with years of->experience when I say that New Zealand has been indeed well and faithfully served bv Government officers. APPRECIATION OF KINDNESS. ,

“To my fellow citizens \vh tion to me, particularly rluriuf like to voice my deep apprei sympathy, and now that the drawing- to a close I have not] and goodwill to each and ever; “May the land we love s the coming years, secure in ii Crown, which I fervently trust of the unity of our great B George Ward.” POLITICAL SITUATION. MR COATES DECLINES TO COMMENT. REGRET AT SIR JOSEPH'S ILL HEALTH. WELLINGTON, May 15. Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, the Leader of the Opposition paid a brief visit to Wellington to-day and returned North in the evening with the intention of going straight through Auckland to his home near Durgaville. He was asked by the -‘Standard’s” correspondent to comment on the situation created by Sir Joseph Ward’s resignation, but he declined, adding: “1 am very sorry on personal grounds that Sir Joseph’s health has not improved as we had hoped.” MASTER-TON MEMBER’S APPRECIATION. As a supporter of the Official Opposition. Mr G. 11. Sykes, the member for Musterton, remarked to the -‘Standard’s” correspondent that he had ai-wu-s held Sir Joseph Ward in high appreciation for his personal qualities. Private members always found him kindly and considerate. “One must admire the strength of will which struggled against physical odds in an endeavour to keep in active administration,” added Mr Sykes. “I have aluavs expressed the hope that Sir Joseph Ward would sufficiently recover to again undertake his onerous duties, bni now it lias become evident that this is impossible I can say that he Ims taken the right course in the national i uterest.”

GOVERNMENT AIEAIBER’S VIEW. The Chairman of Committees of the House of Representatives, Mr S. G. Smith, the member for New Plymouth, stated that, while everyone would regret the circumstances which obliged the Prime Minister to tender his resignation, there would be equally genera! agreement that one who had served his Empire and. country for so many years, and had come back to office a.s Prime ‘Minister, deserved the gieiitest sympathy when he found that ill-health precluded him from carrying on his important duties. “Aly feelings towards Sir Joseph have always been those of intense loyalty,” continued Air Smith, “for ray father had the honour of being closely associated with him during the Ballance-Seddon regime from 1890 till 1907. Sir Joseph Ward h its always been most kindly and considerate to members and has invariably placed the Empire and the country ' before private advantage. One cannot speak much of the future until the United Party has had an opportunity of considering the position,” added Air Smith, “but I think that in the ranks of the party are men capable of leading, and the 16 months’ ministerial responsibility has given members of the Cabinet a good grasp of the administrative work. Personally, I hope that it will be possible for Sir Joseph to retain ihe Finance portfolio owing to his great capacity for dealing with that outstanding problem of tlie moment.” RUMOURS DENIED.

•‘II is untrue that the Prime Minister's resignation was suggested by any party meeting," added Mr Smith, referring 10 the rumours current in Wellington some months ago. "When the last meeting of the party was held it carried a unanimous resolution of confidence in Sir Joseph Ward ae leader, and I personally hope that in the reorganisation which will take place he will find it possible to continue as Minister of Finance." FUTURE OF GOVERNMENT. Though the resignation of the Prime Minister will carry with it the resignation of all his colleagues, the practical requirement* of the constitution recognise the necessity of Ministers holding office until their successors are elected. It appears from reports emulating from Rotorua and corroborated in party circles in Wellington that the United Party members of Parliament will he promptly called together to appoint a new leader. It is taken as a foregone conclusion that their choice will fall on Hop G W. Forbes, who has been the right hand colleague of Sir Joseph Ward during bis trying period of lli-healtli. Mr Forbes hw been frequently designated

to extended so much consul erag the recent months, I should ciation of their kindness and evening of my official life is king but feelings of friendship youo. so well prosper exceedingly in l-eedom and liberties under flu? will always stand as a symbol iritish Commonwea Ith. —.) oseph actiiig-l’rinie Minister, a technical misdescription, ter there has been no such appointment by Sir Joseph Ward. However, Mr Forbes led the House of Representatives during his leader’s indisposition, and it was conceded bv all parties that he did so with coolness, tact and courage. He sat ont the long stonewall on the land and income tax measure and secured its passage without sacrificing any essential principles. It will be for tlie members of the Government Party to finally settle the leadership question though the retiring Prime Minister lias given a very definite lead to them. As- to-day's development was more or less anticipated in political circles, though it was not expected to eventuate until closer to the session, there has been a certain amount of discussion of the leadership and the only other name mentioned was that of Hon. E. A. Ransom, Minister of Public Works. Mr Ransom has shown great vigour and capacity, both in administration and on the platiorm. He lacks the long experience of the member for Hurtinui, but is sure to take a prominent place in any Cabinet which Mr Forbes would select. \\lli..\ PARLIAMENT WILL MEET. Parliament has been formally prorogued till the first week in June. Though the final nofice calling on niemb*■ rs to assemble lot- the despatch of business has uoi been issued, it seems probable than Sir Joseph W ard s resignation will not change the Programme which contemplated opening the session towards the end of JunG. No-eonfUien<v motion*;, w inch may be expected a.s usual, will b© watched with heightened interest. MR WTLFORD’S TRJIH’TE. LONDON, May 15. “Thirty yews’ political association has taught me to regard him as a broad minded Imperialist, with a big heal L, a generous hand and a world-wide \ ie\\, said Mr T. M- Willotd, K.C., in paying a tribute to 'Sir Joseph \\:» r*,. His resignation is an irreparable loss io New Zealand.” UNITED PARTY TO MEET. ASPIRANTS FOR LEADERSHIP. THREE NAMES MENTIONED. AUCKLAND, May Id.

Telegraphing from Rotorua last night regarding the United Party caucus which is to lie lield on Wednesday to select tlie new leader, the Herald .s special representative says: "I lie selection of a leader is a task that will he fraught with some difficulties, and thus early it is predicted that some members of the party will press lor a thorough overhaul of the allotment of the Ministerial portfolios. One outcome of the conference may accordingly no the dropping of some members ol the present Cabinet. Indeed, the choice ol the head of the Government may turn on the nature of the Cabinet reconstruction proposed by the aspiring leader. In any case, there wiil normally be two vacancies to till, for, apart from Sir Joseph Ward’s withdrawal, the departure of Mr Wiliord for London as High Commissioner left a vacancy which was not tilled. AI least three aspirants are likely to covet the leadership, lion. G. W. Forbes, as deputy-leader of the Government, is the- most logical choice, but he is unlikely lo succeed unopposed. The two other names most persistently mentioned are those of. Hon. K. A. Ransom and lion. ii. At more. Mr Ransom ran Sir Joseph Ward extremely close in the original selection in September, 1928. Mr Atmore, who was incidentally not elected as a United Party candidate, is held in some sections of the party Lo be ; stronger than cither Mr Forbes or MiRansom and more likely than either of them to retain the continued support 'of the Labour Party. Iti addition, he is an accomplished speaker and an ambitious man. Should Mr Atmore succeed in the question for leadership, it will be interesting to note whether lie will be anxious to prosecute the plan of ; fusion between Reformers and Liberals ’

so strenuously advocated by him in the House in 1925.” UPTURN OP MINISTERS. Returning from the Cabinet meeting at Rotorua, Ministers ot the Crown representing .southern constituencies were passengers by the Limited express to Wellington this morning, lion. V\. B. Taverner (Minister ot Railways) with Mr T. 11. Aicken (his private secretary) journeyed south a few hours later on the Mam Trunk express. Mr Taverner declined to he interviewed.

GOVERNOR-GENEIiAL’ti TRIBUTE.

AUCKLAND, May 15. Reference to the retirement of Sir Joseph Ward was made by the Gov-ernor-General, Lord Bledisloe, in his address at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon. His Excellency’s tribute to the manner in which Sir Joseph lias served the Dominion was greeLed with applause:—“l have just received a message which has caused great regret and which I am sure will cuiiso you regret also,” IJis Excellency said. “The Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, has decided on medical advice to vacate the position of Prime Minister and retire from public life, a sphere of duty which he lias adorned lor many years. Whatever your political opinions may he, 1 feel sure that you will join with mo in expressing the hope that Sir Joseph Ward may live for many years to enjoy better health coupled with the respect and confidence of the people of tire Dominion for which lie has done so much. Whatever may result from this decision which so early in my duties as Gover-nor-General throws a measure of responsibility on my shoulders, I loci confident that no political predilections will stand in the way of the best interests of the Dominion being the predominant consideration of all those who sway public opinion in this country.”

MATTERS FOR, NEW PREMIER TO DECIDE. WELLINGTON, May 15. “i. prefer not to discuss the political aspect of the matter at all,” said the Leader of tho Opposition (lion. J. G. Coates) when aslced to-night had he any observations to make on tiro situation that had arisen as a result oi tho Prime Minister’s resignation. “On personal grounds l am very sorry to learn that Sir Joseph Ward’s health lias not made the improvement that had been hoped for.” “Do you think it necessary to call Parliament together?” was a further question asked of Mr Coates. “That is a matter for the new Prime Minister,” lie replied. “Personally I think it would be only cricket to give the new team a chance a.ntl allow them to settle in their new position and find their feet before asking them to lace the House.” Mr Coates, who arrived in Wellington this morning, returned to Auckland by the northbound Limited tonight. SPECULATION AS TO SUCCESSOR. ROTORUA, May 15. In view of tho statement made by Sir Joseph Ward of his intention to resign the Prime Ministership speculation is rife as to his successor. Until the resignation is received by His Excellency the Governor-General nothing can be' chronicled. After receipt of the resignation the Governor-General will have the matter in his hands and the person chosen to form the Ministry will call his party together and decide who the successor will be. Until the resignation is received nothing definite can be stated as to who tho successor will be. The Ministers left Rotorua by the afternoon train amid an air of silence.

NEWSPAPERS’ COMMENT. Amongst the editorial comments on Sir Joseph Ward’s resignation are the following: New Zealand Herald, Auckland. — “Sir Joseph Ward entered politics when great events were afoot. Very soon his firm grip of Parliamentary emthods, liis administrative ability, and his personality brought him preferment. Since then lie has never dropped back into the ruck. He has been attacked and opposed. The one fate lie lias not suffered lias been that ol being ignored. His hardest critics have had to admit that he lias attempted great things and accomplished great tilings. The closing words of liis message rightly, remind the country of the wider faith, the robust belief in Lite righteousness, and the destiny of the Empire, which have always been a characteristic ol Sir Joseph Ward. Ho played a part- in its affairs, and be thereby established liis reputation far beyond the shores ol New Zealand. His retirement from office will ho acknowledged as a loss by the Empire as well as by the country lie has represented at its councils.” The Press (Christchurch).; —“The resignation of the Prime Minister is first of all a personal misfortune lor which lie will have the sympathy oi the whole community. Lt can be said at once also that it is a national misfortune if it leads to no more than the selection of a new Prime Minister from tho members of the United Party at present in the House. We are not going to say- —he would not himself thank us for saying—that Sir Joseph’s return to office after ihe last election was a good thing for the country. It was, however, the return of a man of outstanding ability and of almost unparalleled experience, and there is no j one else in Lhe party of whom that could he said withouL absurdity. Even n.s a sick man Sir Joseph has been a force to be reckoned with, and if be bad not all Lire time been very much worse in health than the party propagandists kept pretending, he would have continued to he the whole Government. Now there is no Government, and no material in the party out of which a real Government can be made. If tho United Party is willing to do everything that Labour wants it will be able to remain in office till Labour is ready to risk a general election, and in continuing to hold office on those terms it will bo doing no worse than it has already done, but as long as Sir Joseph Ward* led it the party bad one man whose name was known abroad and whose past performances were impressive enough to screen it actual futility. Dunedin Star. —“Only a few people can have attached more than ordinary importance to this week’s Cabinet meeting at Rotorua, and tiro announcement comes in a way as - a surprise, but it lias been increasingly evident that in the difficult times, such as the present, vigour, as well us experience, is a necessary qualification for the man who is to direct affairs aright. The resignation cannot but constitute a severe blow to the United Party, but continuance of tho conditions under which Cabinet has been working lately Iras evidently been found impracticable. Naturally, speculation will be let loose as to the new leader, under whom the Government will meet Parliament next month. The names of Air George I'.orbes and Air Ransom will be mentioned, but whoever it may bo there can be no contesting the fact that there is likely to be a relaxation of the quasi-party truce, and that tho political outlook is liable to undergo considerable alteration.”

Otago Daily Times.—“ln the acceptance of the inevitable, Sir Joseph Ward, it is not too much to say, has relieved the mind of the whole community of a sense of uncertainty and tension involved in the contemplation of a position the resolution of which

in ono way or another could ohvhniG.v not be imlel initely deicn . il agamsl Urn disabilities under win. Ii lie I ilmin'.-il a-. Prime Minister. He made a g'lllani fight, and lie retires from the conlesl with lull honours. The message in which be announces bis resignation is couched in terms which are worthy ol Iris record as a political leader and a statesmen with whom the well-being ol iiisow.ii country and of ihe Em pirn have ever been considerations oi paininonnl influence. Sir Joseph Ward'n If" - ,'' well to political office as oxprewied in Ids announcement ol Ins resignii!mu is fraught with a dignify and simple eloquence that will appeal deeply l<> his 'fellow-citizens of all similes ol poll Ideal opinion. The olleof n| Sir J" soph’s resignation upon I lie pnlil.ii al situation must, ol course, he the subject of considerable eon joe I tiro to Ihe United Party, lo which it has meant so much. The loss ol his leadership cannot hut lie a serious blow. It. was Sir Joseph Ward who with his great personal prestige, led the parly iulo the promised land ol olliee; within the party he has lieeii the laclor contributing most largely lo its stability, and bo lias been at mice its helmsman mid driving lureo. Willi his retirement tho United Parly's political edifice may well I"' severely shaken. Immediate' interest must ol course attach to Ihe choice of lire new loader to whom Ihe l idled Party will oiler Ihe niaiille which Sir Joseph Ward now gracefully resigns.’