THE PRIME MINISTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20991, 2 April 1930, Page 6

THE PRIME MINISTER.

TO THE EDITOR. Sm—Thousands of those throughout New 'Zealand wlrt> voted for the United Party (and thousands of others who did not, but'also possess an appreciation ot what is fair and sportsmanlike) will, i am Bure, be glad to' note that Sir Joseph Ward,.like the gentleman he has ever proved himself to.be, is quietly ignoring the attempts that are now being made m certain interested quarters to induce him to resign. ' ■".':.■;■'■ , ■ It is true that the veteran leader is not in robust health, but the answer—and, in my humble estimation, a very i complete one—as to whether the country is suffering or benefiting from his ad- '• ministration should be shown clearly next '■ week in the financial statement for the : year ending on Monday next. I am personally unable to forecast the 1 financial results from Sir Joseph Ward's : administration.. but if he can succeed ia i wiping out the Reform deficit of over ; half ;a million pounds and commence the j-year with even a small credit balance, j he has surely shown that he is still the ! highly capable administrator as of old. If he succeeds in ■ doing this in spite of the unaparalleled opposition, and obstructive tactics adopted by his opponents during the session, he should surely effectually silence the critics. May I respectfully point out to your numerous readers that Sir Joseph Ward is not the first Prime Minister to be temporarily laid aside during office? He is certainly the first, however, against whom a" move of this sort has been made. In common with many thousands throughout New Zealand, I sincerely trust thai Jiese attempts to depose one of our most able statesmen and Finance Ministers will not succeed. His lifelong noble service to this country should command the silence, if not the charity,' of his most bitter opponents. I am confident in saying. Sir, that when Sir Joseph feels that it is no longer in the interests of New Zealand for him to continue in, office, he will be the first to insist on giving up. Until then, I and many thousands of others in New Zealand can surely say: "Carry on with your eood ; work."—l am, etc.. ! New Zealandei:. i Wellington, March 29.