THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1912. PROPOSED COALITION.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10526, 13 January 1912, Page 4

THE Wairarapa Age MORNING DAILY. SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1912. PROPOSED COALITION.

. Although the suggestion recently made by the "Wairarapa Age," that the solution, of the present apolitical deadlock was to be found in : .the coalitioni of the moderate sections lof. the two dominant parties, has not been openly discussed by the leaders of /either party, thejje. is reason' to think that it is Ibeing favourably entertained by prominent supporters of botdh sidtes. The ohq difficulty in> the way appears to be Sir Joseph Ward. With that gentleman in the Ministry, coalition would be impossible. As was suggested in a previous article, however, there is no reason why Sir Joseph Ward, following the example of Sir George Reid, should not accept the position, oif High Commissioner. The "Poverty Bay Herald," dealing with the proposal of the "Age," says:— "The coalition idea', of course, is not new, and it lias a good deal to recommend it.' There was much unnecessary vehemence about the. recent statements and dis-j daimers made by the leaders of both parties regarding the rumour that ■■negotiations, had been- taking place, but iiossibly in viewi of the result of the elections, which gives neither side a working majority, they may find some reason, for serious consideration of the isulbject. Sir Joseph Ward, it has dor some time been reported, is desirous-'of pullling out of politics when, a fitting opportunity occurs He would probably be quite content to retire into private life. cordd he doso without loss of dignity and /honour, and there is no need for him' ix). llook for any political appointment, as his commercial enterprises are -very ■extensive, and must command a great deal of his attention. At the same time he would doubtless be willing (to serve his country in an officio;! capacity if needed, and the' post of rtlhe High Comimissionership offers valuable scope for his energies. There is no better man qualified for the position of New Zealand representative in 'London.-.' Sir -Joseph has made his mark in'the Councils of the Empire, and is held in the highest esteem by statesmen•'anld the British public. He .-is thoroughly conversant with the details of the' country's financial operations, and could do ..great work in London in "boosting" New Zealanld -along. When the suggestion that lie should take the High Commi&sionerehip was put to 6ir . Joseph .Ward,

shortly after his return from London . last year he scouted it, and doubtless | bo long as his Government remained 1 m office he wouild not subject himself I to the misinterpretation that might. be put upon, Ihis appointment to such , a post, but if as tihe result of a political deadlock and friendly comprom<ise the offer was put to him and approved, (by his party there could not ibe the same reason for hesitancy in acceptance." . y