SIR JOSEPH WARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18247, 14 November 1922, Page 7

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

NOT TO BE A CANDIDATE. HEALTH SEASONS GIVEN. REPLY TO REQUISITION. [D3f TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WELLINGTON, Monday. Sir Joseph Ward made it quite clear to-day that he had decided not to be a candidate at the general election. The requisition that was presented to him inviting him to contest the Wellington North seat was signed by some 1500 electors, and was backed by the representations of a strong deputation. Sir Joseph Ward said that he had decided not to stand. He felt that he could not become a member of Parliament without undertaking a great deal of very heavy work, and he did not think that his health would permit him yet to bear the burden.

"I can assure you that I am deeply sensible of the compliment you are paying me," said Sir Joseph Ward. "I think it is but right that I should say that I had no previous knowledge of the intention to circulate a petition, and the first I knew of it was when published in the press. Since its publication I have been

agreeably surprised at the quarters from which support has been freely offered to me should I stand, from tradespeople, railway and publio service employees,

people of moderate Labour opinions, Liberals, and many former political opponents.

"Whatever might have heen the result of an election, any man placed in the circumstances I am could not be other than highly gratified .at the evidence of goodwill that has been shown. If I were to stand for any seat at this election, it would be either for Wellington North or Invercargill, because both places have more than ordinary attractions for me. I lived in Wellington North for 27 years, and one of my family was born and two were married there, so that I am not a stranger to the locality or to its people. And,, as you are doubtless aware, I spent the greater portion of my life in the district of Southland, of which Invercargill is the centre, and to which my former seat, is adjacent, "I had the signal honour and distinction of representing that seat in Parliament for over 32 years, and, of that period, 25 years was spent a s a Minister of the Crown. No man could in any country undergo such a long period of service and wide training, during -which a complete revolution was accomplished, without takinga close interest in the country's affairs. No one recognises more than I do the difficulties ahead of the country, and I would, therefore, naturally be proud to be in Parliament to assist in any way in my power in promoting the general interests of the country and well-being of the people. "There is, however, a practical difficulty in the way that prevents this. As a result of a long and very strenuous public and private life I had, as you know, a breakdown in health, and, although the trouble has completely disappeared and I am getting stronger every day, I have, after careful consideration of your request, come to the conclusion that I must for the present defer the question of re-entering the strenuous activities of public life. I have, therefore, with great regret to decline your request. I feel both honoured and grateful for the promised support, and I hope, at some future time, that circumstances will permit of my being able to tike a further part in the public life oj the country."