NO IMMEDIATE CRISIS

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 198, 19 May 1930, Page 10

NO IMMEDIATE CRISIS

LENGTH OF PARLIAMENT MEMBERS’ VIEWS That there will be little alteration in the political situation as a result of Sir Joseph Ward’s pending retirement from the Prime Ministership is the opinion of several Wellington members of Parliament, as expressed in interviews on Saturday. “As far as I can see there will be ho political crisis this session,” declared Mr. R. A. Wright, Reform M.P. for Wellington Suburbs. “The Labour Party, j’udging by the expressions of Mr. H. E. Holland, who is their mouthpiece, will continue to support the reconstructed United Party. “It would appear that the latter party is not anxious for a dissolution or a general election this year. If that deduction is correct then in all proltability the present Parliament will run its full course, and the general election will be held at the normal time —in November or December, 1931. “I would like to join with the friends of Sir Joseph Ward in expressing sincere regret that his failing health has compelled him to relinquish his position as Prime Minister,” Mr. Wright continued. “I have known Sir Joseph since 1908, when I first entered the House, and personally we have always been good friends. Naturally I have differed from him politically all along the line, but that has never made any difference to our personal friendship. I recognise, with others, that he has served New Zealand well and. according to his own judgment, has always done what he believed to be right. I hope that with relief from the anxiety of office, his health will Improve and that he may be able to take his place in the House again as the representative of Invercargill. “I have no doubt,” Mr. Wright added, “the United Party will have extreme difficulty in replacing Sir Joseph Ward. His prestige was very great, and I am satisfied it had much to do with the return of the United Party to power. The new Prime Minister will have great difficulty in following in the footsteps of such an able and respected leader as Sir Joseph Ward.” Unable to Predict. “The whole thing is in the lap of the gods,” said Mr. R. Semple, Labour M.P. for Wellington East, when invited to express his opinion. “The whole machine may be upset shortly after Parliament meets, or the full term may be gone through. It is impossible to predict what will happen. “The attitude of the Labour Party will depend upon the measures that the Government Introduces. If the Government brings down legislation which the people are crying out for, and endeavours to tackle the many serious problems ahead, it can depend upon a strong measure of support from the Labour Party. There must, however, be no hopeless drifting. The Labour Party will put country before party when it comes to tackling the urgent problems. We are not concerned about who does the job, as long as it is done.”. Paying a high tribute to the retiring Prime Minister, Mr. Semple said that Sir Joseph was one of the most 'experienced figures in the political arena, a good general in the House, and a courteous gentleman. There was no Individual in the United Party, inside the Ministry or out of it, who could possibly take his place. A Normal Course. In the opinion of Mr. C. H. Chapman, Labour M.P. for Wellington North;, the present Parliament will run its normal course, but the next general election will see an entire rearrangement of the political forces. “My impression is that Sir Joseph Ward’s resignation is not going to make any real difference to the political situation as it has appeared for the last year or so.” Mr. Chapman added. “I regret very much the necessity for Sir Joseph’s action, since one cannot but hold him in the highest possible esteem, no matter, how one may differ from him. He has rendered wonderful service to New Zealand.” Executive’s Regret. The chairman of the Dominion executive of the United Political Organisation (Mr. J. W. Henderson) has forwarded the following telegram to Sir Joseph Ward: — “Members of the executive of the United Political Party deeply regret that your Impaired health has necessitated your resignation as Prime Min ister, and fully appreciate the publicspirited motive which has actuated you in your decision. We tender our best wishes for your continued improvement in health." Sir Joseph Ward replied :— “I sincerely thank you and members of the executive for your kind messages. I desire to take this opportunity of expressing my warm appreciation of the help and support which ail of you have so loyally accorded me. Kindest regards.” JUNIOR WHIP RESIGNS By Telegraph.—Press Association. Nelson, May 17. Mr G C Black, member for Motueka, interviewed on his return from Rotorua, had ho comment to make on the piesen political situation. “As the office of Junior Government Whip was conferred upon me by Sir Joseph Ward personally when the United Park took office. 1 have deemed it only right and proper to resign such position now,” said Mr. Black, “and I have accordingly sent my resignation to my retiring lender.”