FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1012. Sir Joseph Ward.

Northland Age, Volume VIII, Issue 27, 23 February 1912, Page 4

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1012. Sir Joseph Ward.

The announcement of hie intention to retire from the leadership of the Liberal party, whioh Sir Joseph Ward made in the House on Tuesday, will come ai a surprise- to his detractors, and in the event of a dissolution, will leave the fresh election to be fought more on policy, and less on personal, lines. Sir Joseph recognises that the feeling in the Country against the Liberal party has concentrated itself in animus against himself, his religion, his title, and his Dreadnought. Sir Joseph has attempted to run his Government without taking into his confidence his best supporters, aud asking their advice. He is now consequently suffering from the want of confidence of the Liberals in the Dominion. Ho loyally recognises that the

result of the late eleotion was to a great extent levelled against himself and not his party, aud is prepared to take his place amongst the rank and file, and fight for the cause of Liberalism and Labour against Wealth and Capital. Friends and foes alike must admit that the deoision Bir Joseph Ward has oome to is the right one. He is sinking private ambition for the sake of his party. Everyone acknowledges that Sir Joseph is the ablest man in public life in New Zealand to-day, and that it will he exceedingly difficult to find anyone to adequately fill his place. In the House on Tuesday last he denied all the oharges and innuendos that have been levelled against him in the late oampaign as to favourtism to his co-religionists in all the departments of the government service, and as to the wealth ha is alleged to have accumulated during his term of office. We are still eagerly waiting the division next week, but the impending retirement of Sir Joseph has oleared the atmosphere to a great extent, and we quite expect the Liberal party to retain office after all.