SIR JOSEPH WARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20086, 25 October 1928, Page 12

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Everybody in any way interested in politics, no matter what their views on parties and policies, will regret that Sir Joseph Ward has been compelled, temporarily at least, lo suspend his campaigning ' for reasons of health. He is entitled to sympathy for one very special reason. There is a political battle on : he had been called to take part in it as a leader : all the instincts of years, the memories of a long strenuous experience 011 the platform in every part of the country, must be urging him to be in the thick of the light, to carry on until the day when the elector gives his decision, making it useless for anybody to struggle any more. In these circumstances it cannot but be deeply disappointing to be compelled to halt by orders which cannot be gainsaid. It is easy to imagine him straining at the leash, fretting to be back carrying out the plans he had laid down for this contest. As rest has been decreed, it is to be hoped this feeling will not interfere with it, However, political experience should also teach philosophy in the face of plans that have miscarried; and Sir Joseph is old enough as a campaigner to have imbibed that lesson thoroughly. It is reasonable to expect therefore that lie will resign himself into the hands of his medical advisers and rest as they have, decided he must. Thero will l>c no reservations in wishing that his recovery may be speedy, and that he will be able to carry out a part of the programme he had drawn up for himself. Sir Joseph AYard is a notable liguic in the public life of New Zealand and has been for many years. I hose who agree leass with his politics wish him well personally. They will regret very heartily that any curtailment of his activities in this contest should be the result of conditions affecting his health and well-being.