STATEMENT BY SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15279, 15 May 1915, Page 7

STATEMENT BY SIR JOSEPH WARD.

(SPECIAL TO "THE PRESS.") AUCKLAND. May 14. The Leader of the Opposition (Sir Joseph AVard) arrived in Auckland this morning, and went on to Kaikoho, whero he meets delegates of the Liberal and Labour Party with rcferonce to the selection of the candidate for the Bay of Islands seat, and where ho will also deliver a public address to-morrow evening. "Like most people in New Zealand," said Sir Joseph Ward, "1 havo been waiting "for .the decisions on the petitions affecting the different electorates. Tho last one having been decided, it becomes necessary to tako steps with a view to further elections. Until the two scats that are now vacant have been filled, it is difficult to forecast what is going to ■happen when Parliament meets. The Liberals in the past have shown themselves to be strong Imperialists, and have subordinated every other consideration to ensure what is best in the common interests of our country and of the Empire. That is the position to-day. No one can sensibly contend that if tho Liberals come into power, as I think they will, that tho great Empire situation will not lie directed as competently in their hands as in tho hands of any other party." "At the present juncture," added tho Leader of tho Opposition, "I prefer not to discuss tho suggested war tax or defence matters. It is a time of considerable responsibility for all parties, and it is well that no discordant note should bo struck. No doubt in the future opportunities will arise for sensible and legitimate critic-ism."