PREMIER RESIGNS

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 142, 15 May 1930, Page 8

PREMIER RESIGNS

ADVICE OE MEDICAL MEN LONG SERVICE TO COUNTRY MESSAGE FROM SIR JOSEPH WARD Per Press Association. ROTORUA, May 15. “It will be remembered that towards the end of last session of Parliament I suffered a breakdown in health, necessitating- a temporary retirement from active participation m official duties. Early in the present year I came to Rotorua, where lam still undergoing a course of treatment. While I have experienced considerable benefit during my sojourn, my Rotoi-ua medical advisers have intimated to me that m the interests of my health it is essential that I should have freedom from work and official worry-. CONSIDERATION WITH COLLEAGUES. “After full consideration with my colleagues, and being inspired by a keen desire that my indisposition should not in anv way hamper the efficient administration of the public affairs of the Dominion, I have decided, on mature consideration, to yield to the advice which has been tendered me by my doctors. “Accordingly, I am taking steps to place my resignation as Prime Minister in the hands of His Excellency the Gov-ernor-General. “I need hardly say that I take this course with the great-, est regret because I hoped that the state of my health would

have permitted me to devote my services to the progress and welfare of New Zealand for a still longer period. LAYING DOWN REINS OE OFFICE. “However, the fates have ordained otherwise, and the time has now arrived for me to lay down the reins of office. In doing so, I look back to practically a lifetime spent in the country's service. I entered Parliament a young man, and almost continuously through the intervening years I have devoted what abilities I possessed to the service of the country, as an ordinary member of the House, as a Minister, of the Crown and as Prime Minister. During this long period I have at various times encountered strong opposition. What man in public life does not ? Hut I have made lasting friendships. To me the inspiring motive of service has been an earnest desire to advance the progress and prosperity of this fair land. / DEVELOPMENT OE DOMINION. “I have seen the development of the Dominion proceed in a truly wonderful manner. It is to-day a legitimately proud claim for one to call himself a New Zealander, and it will be for future generations to see that they guard jealously the heritage which will be theirs. “Though the times through which we are now passing are not without difficulties and pressing problems, and though the horizon may appear darkened by clouds, there is always a silver lining and the characteristic tenacity of our people will enable them to surmount the obstacles in the path of national progress and to win through. “To my Ministerial colleagues I desire to express deep gratitude for their loyal co-operation in the task of government. I know full well that my ill-health has rendered the way not easy for them. I cannot speak too highly of their devotion and assistance. To the leaders of the other two poli-. tical parties as well as to all other members of Parliament, I desire to tender my sincere acknowledgment of their uniform courtesy, more especially during my time of illness. ; _ „ “I"should also like to take the opportunity of paying a tribute to the efficiency of the heads of the State departments and the members of the Pub]*: Service. I speak with years of experience when I say that New Zealand lias been indeed well and faithfully served by Government officers. APPRECIATION OF KINDNESS. • “To my fellow citizens who extended so much, consideration to me, particularly during the recent months, I should like to voice my deep appreciation, of their kindness and sympathy, and now that' the evening of my official life is drawing to a close I have nothing but feelings of friendship and goodwill to each and everyone. “May the land we love so well prosper exceedingly in the coming years, secure in freedom and liberties under the Crown, which I fervently trust will always stand as a symbol of the unity of our great British Commonwealth. —Joseph George Ward.” •