SIR JOSEPH WARD'S FUTURE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 15005, 29 May 1912, Page 8

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S FUTURE.

PRESSED'TO STAY IN AUSTBALIA, [from ■■■■■■ at* ■ own vov&xafonvfXT.] ;'■"'"_'.;..*,,.■;■',;;.'.'■; Sxeolbx, May 21. ■Sitt" Jos»»' Wajm>, ' during his visit- to Australia, has been . strongly- pressed to enter cWri»«iirw«tlin*'^litics,'- those who bate put the matter before him pointing ■ oat that there as : great heed in 'Australia ' for prominent men to j stand in the fore- - 'front of the Liberal-' party. ■" ■■ ■ *':' ■.' • A. number ©i leading citizens of Melbourne approached Sir Joseph Ward when that gentleman was there-,a couple of weeks- ago, and, judging by the expres- . sions of opinion since he has come to Sydney, the j desire that be shall enter politics on this aide i& fairly widespread. It was put to him in Melbourne that it was felt that be could" prove himself the man for the hoar. They . knew. what Australia imided—tha ' democratic, free-minded majority of Australia. They knew what Sir Joseph, Ward was, had done, and could do. They considered that the need and the man fitted. Would he stay and do the work? To this was added the promptly volunteered assurance ' that Sir Joseph Ward would not he put to personal expense in taking an active part in t\nf coming great fight for Liberalism In Australia, it may be mentioned that thought had been given beforehand to the fact that Sir Joseph's associations have been almost wholly with New' Zealand, but it was also recollected that he had the prime qualification of Australian birth lor the liking of Australians. Ho was born in Melbourne. It was also well remembered, how Sir Joseph Ward lias, made himscif a prominent . figure in ' the councils ; of the "Empire, has there played a part.which has won for him the jealousy of some but the admiration of many. For reasons based on- a sense of obligation to the people of New Zealand Sir Joseph Ward bos given an unfavourable reply to the request for the present. But the hope is entertained here that when' it is more generally known that he has received a preliminary call, and this, call is backed up by a strong popularly expressed demand, he may reconsider his first answer. 'MAY ENTER.-THE; HOUSE OF ."■ \. COMMONS. ■ •• [MtOM OUB OWN" rORnKSPO.VDKST.] ;■■;"■.. ■■. ■■: '■'■'■■ London, April 19. The Manchester Despatch gives credence to the rumour that Sir Joseph Ward has intention* of entering the House of Com mons. There are now four New Zea landers -in: the House— Cathcarl Wason, Mr. - Arthur Fell, Dr. W. A. Chappie, and Mr. St. George Hamersley.