SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 77, 31 March 1928, Page 17

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

LEAVING FOR ENGLAND. NO POLITICAL ACTIVITIES. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") VVELLIXGTON, this day. Sir Joseph Ward is making a briel visit to England, leaving Wellington on April 3 on the steamer Kotorua. It is a private trip, and Sir Joseph hopes to be back before the end of July, so that he will not miss much of the session, nor, of coure, the general election. Commenting on the general position of business, Sir Joseph declared that things are distinctly more hopeful, with augmentation of the national income by higher values of exported produce, particularly wool, which must have a heartening effect on everyone. "I think that a great deal of the increased prices for our produce have gone towards reduction of liabilities, but the fact remains that the economic position of the Dominion must be the better for it.

"No, I am not taking any active part ill political matters at present," he replied when asked if ho was interested in efforts to organise an Opposition party. "I have been chiefly concerned in looking after the interests of my own constituency, and I have made suitable arrangements for giving attention to its public requirements during my absence."