SIR J. G. WARD.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18346, 1 April 1925, Page 8

SIR J. G. WARD.

RE-ENTERING POLITICS. TO STAND FOR INVERCARGILL. (grxcuL to "ik» run.") IXYERCARGILL, March :•!. In response to tho request of a representative deputation, which v.:utrd upon him at the Grand Hotel. Sir Jo«ep!: Ward to-day consented to contest th>> Invercargill scat at the forthcoming General Election. The deputation was headed by Mr W. X. Stirling, ami consisted of Mcssr# A. Lc 11. Hovlcs. K. L>. Pilcher. J. Uolio way, G. Hollowav, G. Galloway. A. D. Bum, D. \V. McKay. E. Abbey Jone<. A. Jackson. F. G. O'Beirne. H. T. Drewe. J. Fleming, 1). Stalker. J. W. Stead, A. Clark, and Dr. Pottin^cr. "As Mr Hanan will not be again contesting the Invercargill seat," sa:. ; . Mr Iloylcs, "it appears to us of suprem.importance who represents InvercarjriH. and we want to get the best possible niau of proved loyalty to the province, ono with a strong personality and one familiar witli Parliamentary procedure. We have looked all round, and fee! that you are suitable in every way to be the member for Invercargill. We do not bciievc in parochialism, but wc feel that Invercargill, as a very important centre, has not in the past received duo consideration in Wellington. The natural features of Xew Zealand .?rc such that the primary producers are tho backbone of the country, but the secondary industries and commerce are of the greatest importance, and we feel strongly that Parliament does not properly represent these interests. We think that you will put the case fairly and squarely, and from your varied and uniquo experience of commercial life you could not do better, if your health 1 and inclinations arc favourable, than' to give careful consideration to our request."

Sir Joseph replied that in the first place he would thank the deputation sincerely for the honour conferred upon him in asking him to contest the Invercargill electorate. Invereargill was an important centre in one of the finest districts in Xew Zealand. He wjuld tako the opportunity of savin" that Mr Hanaii, who had retired after 25 years' service, had done some goad work for the town, and had proved himself as head of the Education and Justice Departments. His geing front Invereargill entitled the people to look ahead, and, as he had many ties daring almost a lifetime in Jnvereargill, if the desiro of the people was that fco should represent the town, he would placo himself unreservedly in thethands. ''l would like to say at this point.'* said Sir Joseph, "how much all sections of the community, apart from any political feeling, must regret that ' Mr Massey has been laid aside through illness. He was never a believer is taking advantage of an opponent's iDhealth, and I sincerely hope that fco will get over his severe ill-health awl be spared, especially for his family." Sir Joseph Ward went on to say "that he had a strong conviction that the Government shojld be fcr all the people and not be a sectional Government witb sectional laws making invidious distinctions. He had always opposed 9£e\.~tional Government, and if the finances were strong, and there was no unfair ani improper interference, each and every one would have equal opportunities of pushing from the bottom of thtt ladder to the top in the. Dominion. -li« would take the opportunity of saying that a strong Government was wanted, and no Government should be forced into the position of a sectional power by a majority of one, two, or three. Tho time was coming when a change would have to bo made, and when no Government could be a "Will o' th© Wisp" but would be representative of every class in the community. Expediency before principles was tbo way that lod to trouble, and as the people of the Dominion learned everything of material importance that was going on in the Government, all shooid strive for principles before expediency. He was not criticising the present Government, but there was no donbt th*C unfair things were done. Xew Zealand was a wonderful country, Cut tho burden of taxation had to be cased, for some people were nest door to groaning under the present taxation. He was a believer in cheap money and in the encouragement of private and public financial institutions which were issuing moneys on loan. He was also a believer in State advances at tho lowest possible rates, and, without being too optimistic, he would say that it should continuo to improve and. prosper. "I am right out to strengthen as far as possible the co-ordination of the British Empire," said Sir Joseph Ward in conclusion. -'No other mother country has such a galaxy of countries behind it, and I am wedded to the belief that it is the duty of every partv, whatever its beliefs, to stand behind the Empire and maintain the monarchy. There can be no rule save that u£ monarchy, for no one would be nr»» pared to remain under a party leader. Wo have as near as possible "the Government of a Kepubliu, .with the King as its neutral leader. I look forward to addressing the people of Invereargill in the near futur™, and again assuro you of my cheerful response to your request." (Applause.)