SIR JOSEPH WARD'S VIEW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18349, 15 March 1923, Page 6

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S VIEW.

Since the occasion had some degree of the informality of a social gathering, Sir Joseph Ward's speech at Te Aroha cannot fairly be regarded as a complete' statement of the reasons for his candidature in Tauranga or of the purpose he hopes to achieve by winning the seat. Some such explanation is necessary to clear up the ambiguity of his professions. He discussed the contention that his election would compel a dissolution, 'and' claimed that if he was returned Parliament would be no nearer a dissolution than if his opponent was elected, firstly because the Government would be no better situated with a majority of three than of one, and, secondly, because he and a majority of the House are entirely opposed to a dissolution. So far as the former point is concerned it is relevant to observe that in 1912 Sir Joseph did not perceive any impropriety in continuing in office himself, or in another Ministry carrying on the government of the country, when they were dependent on the narrowest majority possible, the Speaker's casting vote. But these considerations were no doubt intended as subsidiary to the constructive suggestion that "the best brains of the House must put their heads together to prevent a dissolution." What Sir Joseph means by. this, he will, it may be hoped, explain before the campaign is far advanced. The proposal is not original. Tt has been definitively made to the Liberal Party by the Reform Party, and rejected. Now Sir Joseph Ward says that if he is elected, he will mobilise the "best brains"obviously, if there were no such combination of forces, there must be a dissolution, which Sir Joseph Ward says is a contingency that may be disregarded. But this will only create a fresh perplexity for the electors of Tauranga. They will jbe curious to know whether Sir Joseph Ward includes the Reform ' Party in the category of the "best I brains" in the House, or contemplates a fusion of other elements. Obviously the scheme to prevent a dissolution must be fully explained, for Sir Joseph Ward cannot expect the Tauranga electorate to delegate to him its responsibility for the fate of the Government unless he declares definitely to what purpose he would use this power.