SIR JOSEPH WARD

Otago Witness, Issue 3099, 6 August 1913, Page 34

SIR JOSEPH WARD

ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND. REPRESENTATIVE LIBERAL WELCOME. AUCKLAND, August 1. Sir Joseph Ward arrived hy the Niagara from Sydney to-day. He was formally welcomed at the Star Hotel by a large and representative Liberal gathering. Speeches were made by Mr A. M. Myers, M.P., the Hon. G. Fowlds, Messrs T. W Leys, F. La wry, A. E. Glover, M.P., W. J. Napier, and P. J. Nerheny, all extending to Sir Joseph a cordial welcome. They expressed the hope that he would long be spared to the people in the interests of the Liberal party and the progress of New Zealand. Sir Joseph said he regarded it only 7 a right thing that while in the Old Country, even though there as a private citizen, to do everything in his power in every direction possible, privately and publicly, _to help to maintain the strength and position of the dominion.—(Applause.) Referring to the Dreadnought gift, he remarked that he had never at any time attempted to take indiviudal credit for the presentation. It was true that no one had suggested that the gift of a Dreadnought was a desirable way to help the Empire at the time, but he did have a knowledge of the circumstances, and that the occasion was one for the outlying dominions to show to the outside world that if a hair of the head of the parent was touched the younger colonies had to be reckoned with.—(Applause.) The gift the purpose of showing the closeness of the ties existing between the Mother Kind and the dominion. It was his firm opinion, however, that the great subject of the defence of the Empire should be kept clear of party politics, but this was not done by his opponents at the last election. The vast majority of the people independent of political opinion believed that the solidarity of the Empire meant the solidarity of the British Navy 7, and from the standpoint of protection of all the interests, small or great, the one and only thing on the sea that.kept us right was having an Imperial Navy so powerful that no combination of Powers would attempt to attach it. In the Old Country New Zealand stood in the highest position. He had met leading men on all sides of the great political wrnrld, but had never discussed either the present Government or dealt with the politics of this country 7 behind anyone’s back or out in the open, on the principle that in New Zealand they reejuirod to deal with all affairs in a way that the majority of the people desired. In his view it was not the general desire of the public that men should go abroad to discuss politics for the purpose of gaining any advantage. In the past he had frequently to keep things quiet, and had in consequence met very hot criticism, but he believed the occupants of responsible positions would find that they were compelled to do the same if they were going to achieve the best for their ♦ mntry 7 .

UNLIKELY TO LEAD OPPOSITION. NON-COM MITTAL STATEMENT. (From Celt Own- Corrkspondsnt.) AUCKLAND, August 1. The headless Opposition is likely to look in vain to Sir Joseph Ward to undertake its leadership, unless the varied factions into which it is at present split join together in a cohesive whole. This much can be gathered from the somewhat noncommittal statement Sir Joseph made to dav in the course of his speech at the informal reception accorded to him in Auckland by supporters of the Libera! causa.

Various speakers at tile gathering in question ventured to hint at the natural public curiosity known to exist as to whether Sir Joseph intends accepting the leadership of the Opposition, should it be offered to him. Mr P. J. Nerheny, presidnt of the Liberal and Labour Federation, during his speech of welcome, suggested that what is about to transpire at the official welcome to the returned ex Prime Minister in Wellington might give his friends a lead as to his intentions as regards the vacant post. Later, Mr A. E. Glover, M.P., for Auckland Central, went more directly to the point. Addressing Sir Joseph, he said : “In coming back to lead your party you will, we feel sure, rise to the occasion and do what is in the best interests of the country.” Mr A. M. Myers, M.P. for Auckland East, said; “In the commercial world everybody is looking for the services of men of experience. Surely then in dealing with the affairs of the dominion and the Empire we cannot afford to lose tire services of a man who has devoted the greater part of his time to the interests of both.” The hope was expressed by the Hon. Geo. Fowlds that the future would give Sir Joseph the opportunity of again guiding the destinies of New Zealand. As for Mr W. J. Napier, he expressed the conviction that Sir Joseph would be able to lead his party to “the most brilliant victory the Liberals" have ever experienced.” Mr T. W. Leys, in the course of his remarks, said it would be impossible for Sir Joseph to exist in the dominion and not occupy a foremost place in the politics of the country. *Tf we want to get rid of him,” the speaker added, “as a great publicman we shall have to bequeath him to the Empire. He is well fitted to represent ns on the councils of the Empire, but we want him here.” —(Applause.) When Sir Joseph Ward came to this subject, in replying to his welcome, he declared. “I feel as though an attempt has been made to pull my leg.” — (Laughter.) When I arrived in a distant part of Australia pressmen asked me what I intended to do when I got back to New Zealand. I find to-day there is the same desire on the part of several of those who have spoken to be made aware of my intention. When I went away,” Sir Joseph proceeded, “I said I would be back about the middle or end of July. I went as a private member, having taken that position of my own account. I return still a private member. I would be wanting in self-respect if I did not acknowledge with gratitude the many hundreds of communications I have received since my arrival. I have never at any time in my public life tried to force myself upon my party, nor endeavoured to exact personal assistance unless given freely of the party’s own account. I do not know that I shall be able to make my attitude any clearer at the reception in Wellington, which this gathering anticipates. “As for the future.,” continued Sir Joseph, “it is absolutely unknown. 1 have not come back to force myself on anybody, and I do not want to let my party think I want to take the position of a leader (nor of a Minister of the Crown) unless that party is true to itself. —(Applause.) A house divided against itself can never stand. The Liberal party being split up into sections, as it is at present, cannot expect to make an effective stand.” Sir Joseph added that though he was not yet au fait with recent New Zealand politics he believed he would before long be able to gauge public opinion. He would support all sound legislation wherever it came from, and would join others in doing his best for the'country to which he was devoted in every way.—(Applause.) Subsequently, an effort to “draw” Sir Joseph further in an interview met with a courteous refusal to discuss the matter. Similarly he declined to express an opinion when asked what he thought of the alliance between his party and the Red Federationists in connection with the Grey election. “I prefer not to discuss that matter,” Sir Joseph Ward said, “seeing that I am not seized of the facts.” SIR JOSEPH’S HEALTH. (From Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, August 1. A slight temporary setback to his physical fitness, in the shape of an unacustomed headache, caused Sir Joseph to look a little pale when he landed, but otherwise his robust appearance bore out his own statements as to his general fitness for the resumption of his parliamentary duties. In the course of his speech Sir Joseph said he went away for a rest. On his arrival in England he wap completely overhauled and received a first-class report. At the outset of his visit he found he had a slight incipient trouble in his lower gum. This, however, had been completely removed. The cure consisted of a series of inoculations of an antidote and a slight operation. Otherwise, Sir Joseph said, ho and Lady Ward and their daughter had enjoyed the best of health. Personally, he had had more exercise during the trip than he had been used to take in this countx-y during the last 15 years. Sir Joseph stated that he had had a very interesting time in the Old Country. He had visited all parts of England, from north to south, as well as both coasts. Everywhere he had gone a fine feeling was displayed towards New Zealand.

WELCOMED IN WELLINGTON. CORDIAL RECEPTION. (From Ocr Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, August 4. On his arrival in Wellington this afternon Sir Joseph Ward received a hearty welcome from a large number of his friends and supporters, who assembled in large numbers at the railway station. There was also a considerable gathering of the general public, and in all there must have been about 1500 people present. Sir Joseph was received with cheers on stepping from the carriage, and amidst further cheers he was escorted to a stand, from which he delivered a short address. A party of Maoris were present, and they

greeted Sir Joseph with a modified haka as a demonstration of welcome. At the conclusion of hie address Sir Joseph was honoured -with further cheers, and the singing of “ For he’s a jolly good fellow.” Sir Joseph was met at Palmerston North by several members of the Opposition party. The public reception, which was given to Sir Joseph Ward at the Town Hall this evening, was very largely attended, all the seats being filled whilst many people had only standing room The Mayor of Wellington (Mr J. P. Luke) presided, and a large number of the Liberal members of Parliament were amongst those who occupied seats on the platform. Sir Joseph, who was played to the meeting by the Waterside Workers’ Band, received an enthusiastic reception on entering the hall, and the demonstration was repeated when he rose to speak after the Mayor had delivered his opening address. He was loudly applauded and cheered, and the audience sang “ For he’s a jolly good fellow.” The party of Maoris who were at the railway station again took part in the proceedings by giving another haka. Sir Joseph’s speech was brief, and it contained almost nothing of importance. There was only a short and very guarded reference to politics. Sir Joseph contented himself during the half-hour that he spoke principally with expressing his pleasure at returning to New Zealand and receiving such a cordial reception, and with saying nice things about the dominion. Towards the end of his speech he made a brief reference to the importance of keeping the two important questions of defence and finance outside the arena ot party politics. While the speech largely consisted of “sweet nothings” it was in admirable taste, avoiding as it did anything of a controversial nature. There were a few interjections, but nothing seriously to disturb the harmony of the meeting. In concluding Sir Joseph said that he had already made speeches half-a-dozen times since leaving Auckland, and ho therefore asked to be excused from prolonging his remarks. “During the eight months that 1 have been away from New Zealand,” he said, “ I have not attempted closely to follow the political life of the dominion because I have been very pleased to be away from the responsibility of it for a time. I have come back to find Parliament actively at work, and I believe there are some differences of opinions amongst the members as to the legislative requirements of the country. —(Laughter.) In a day or two I shall go and join the ranks as a private member— (a Voice: As leader, and loud applause and cheers) and assist my brother members as far as one can—(a Voice: To put Massey out) to help onward and forward this beautiful dominion under the Southern Cross.”— (Loud applause). There was then further cheering, another haka, and more singing of “ For he’s a jolly good fellow.” Cheers were also given for Lady Ward, both at the railway station and at the evening meeting. The meeting was altogether a very successful one, and the reception accorded to Sir Joseph Ward was one with which he has every reason to feel gratified. After the meeting Sir Joseph, in company with the members of the Liberal party, returned to Parliament Buildings, where a party gathering took place in the Opposition whips’ rooms. It is understood that attempts were made during the journey from Pplmerston to-day by the Liberal members to induce Sir Joseph to indicate his intentions regarding the leadership of the party. Neither then nor since his arrival here has he, so far as can be gathered, said any more than he said in Auckland on the subject. Even when a burst of cheering followed the interjection regarding the leadership at the meeting to-night he did not attempt to respond to the idea, but replied as a private member. Sir Joseph will probably pay a. visit to his constituents shortly, and it is stated that it is unlikely that he will make any definite reply regarding the leadership until after that visit.