GREAT IMPERIALIST AND FINE LEADER

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 973, 16 May 1930, Page 10

GREAT IMPERIALIST AND FINE LEADER

TRIBUTE BY COLLEAGUES Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. The following tribute to Sir Joseph Ward from his Ministerial colleagues is issued by the Hon. G. W. Forbes: “I am speaking on behalf of myself and my colleagues in the Ministry when 1 say how deeply we regret that, owing to the state of his health, our leader has felt it imperative to follow the earnest suggestions of his medical advisers by relieving himself of the cares of office. Our close association with the Prime Minister has enabled us to see with what courage and mental resolution he has fought against the physical handicap which overtook him toward the end of last session. This attitude is typical of Ihe man, and has been demonstrated time and again throughout his long career in the public service.

“Now that Sir Joseph has decided to relinquish the responsibilities of administration, I am certain I am voicing the feelings of all New Zealanders when I say that we earnestly hope that he will recover health and strength, and that he will enjoy many happy years.

“We as his colleagues naturally feel keenly this official parting from our leader, and take this. opportunity to express our appreciation of the confidence which he showed in asking us to join his Ministry. Sir Joseph lias been a considerate leader, and we have appreciated his sound judgment and wise counsel. “In addition to our admiration of Sir Joseph’s capacity as a political leader, we recognise that he had a still wider conception of his public responsibilities. As an Imperialist he established for himself a reputation which extended far beyond New Zealand. Inspired with intense loyalty to the Crown, he brought to bear at many Imperial Conferences a constructive capacity which undoubtedly has helped in the evolution of our British Commonwealth of Nations. The Prime Minister’s decision to retire from the forefront of public life creates a gap which will be hard to fill; but his career is an inspiring example to all New Zealanders whose sense of public duty prompts them to serve their country.”