POLITICS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 11 March 1912, Page 5

POLITICS.

NcW ZEALAND LSBLRJL PARTIT. THE LEADERSHIP. HON. 3. A. MILLAR'S CHANGES. (United Pkess Association.)' CHRISTCHURCH. Sunday. The "Spectator," which is owned and edited by Ml' G, W. Russell, M.P. fov Avon, lias the following editorial comments on thft political situationlt is a fact that one of the reasons for Sir Joseph Ward's retirement is that he wishes to be free to attaclc in the Courts two men who malinged hinl in connection with the loan transactions (luring; the late ftlection. He cannot 1 do bo while he is Prime Minister; bnt'.as a private individual he can once more 1 defend his honour, and lie is just now m the temper to do so. _As to the Liberal Leadership in succession to Sir Josepbi Ward, the i Hon. J. A. Millar is the most outstanding figure in the Liberal Party. The objections to him are personal ones, and not politcial. His record as a Liberal is unblemished, and the whole country recognises him as a strong man. Other names have boem sugaested, but it is doubtful if any of' them appeal as strongly to the public as Mr Millar's. Assuming that Mr- Millar is elected, it is pretty certain'that he-will wish to select bis own. Cabinet. He will know the men he flan work with, and in whom he is able to - place confidence. On the other hand, the Party may wish to have a, choice in -the selection of the Ministry, in which case there is sure to be trouble." ( ' APPRECIATION OF SIR JOSEPH WARD.

DUNEDIN, March 10. At a social tendered to Mr Wv D, Mason, the unsuccessful- Liberal candidate for Otago, at Middlema,rcli laafe night, t(he .following resolution wass submitted by' Mr Mason,, and adopted with enthusiasm:—''That this ' meeting* desires to express its appreciation: of' the great services rendered to, the Dominion by Sir .Joseph Ward in his legjislafcivo and administrative capacity during thes past twenty years or more, especially as leader of the Liberal-Labour Party j that no act more became him than the unselfish and patriotic resignation of the high position, with the object of furthering his political principles, and the nolicy he has so long championed!:' W& desire to place on record our regret at the circumstances which compelled him to take this course, solely in the-inter-ests of the' party of which ho is leader ; and also are gratified to know that bir Joseph Ward will remain in the Dominion, and give the cause''of Liberalism the benefit of his great abilities, foresight, and ripened judgment." HON. T. M'KENZIE INTERVIEWED NO RIVALRY AMONGST . MINISTERS. ! ; GORE, This Day. , The Hon. T. M'Kenzi© arrived hex© rotate for Queens town. Interviewed regarding the .political, position, he was perfectly open, and said "that no rivalry eicisted amongst Ministers for preference. The Liberal .party would meet for the selection. Every jviinister was. prepared to do what he de«tued best in the party interests, and woulo!. endeavour. fo keep the paTty an power, its aim being the socjal, economic, and N J ria^e . rla l prosperity of the country.