SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 12776, 30 May 1912, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

HIS POLITICAL Fl-TURI

(Special to Herald.)

WELLINGTON, this day

Looking much better as a. result of a rest trip to Australia, Sir Joseph Wartl returned yesterday, with I/ady an* Miss I- Eileen Ward. He was welcomed by the Hon. W. D. S. MaeDonald and the Hon. - J. Colvin and a number of well-known ■ local citizens. "I had a very interest- ■ ing trip," he remarked at tlie outset of a chat with your correspondent. "My stay iv Australia, was made as pleasant as possible for anyone travelling as I did, as a private individual. I avoided public functions as far as possible, and strange as it may seem, perhaps, 1 left off reading tlie papers Irom New Zealand, though many were sent to me. Now lam back, and glad to be back, I assure you," continued Sir Joseph, with hearty emphasis on the last sentiment, "I shall go round the Dominion, picking up the threads, so to speak, of what I have missed, familiarising myself with ,-Avhat I might have lost sight of during my absence." AUSTRALIAN INVITATIONS. * When Sir Joseph was shown a cable, mentioning that he had been approached to enter the Commonwealth political arena, lie showed no surprise, but he at once made it clear that there had been no discussion on the matter with any of the leaders of the 3 great parties. "HoAvever," he. continued, "it is quite correct- that many representations were made to me, and sincerely made, by men who are personally anxious that I should enter the public life of Australia. Naturally one regards the requests as a ■ compliment. Obviously 1 am not so egotistical as to attempt to push myself m against the leaders of public life m the Commonwealth Avho are carrying on their difficult and responsible duties. I have not- given a definite reply to the representations, aiid I think it only right to say that I do not propose to do so. at present." When I suggested to Sir Joseph that his -work on the Imperial Trade Commission might interfere with his Parliamentary duties m New Zealand, he replied that he did not wish to make any statement dn regard to this matter- at the moment, but he would do' so m «■ few days. '. ■* ' NEW ZEALAND PROSPECT'S. Naturally Sir Joseph was invited to prophesy as to what Avill happen when Parliament meets. He answered that he had designedly kept clear of newspaper reading when m Australia, though he added, with a, smile, he had doubtless lost a good deal of illumination on the subject of political prospects by so doing, but it was a refreshing relief, especially when allied witli the sense of having no personal responsibility. "I recognis© the position m New Zealand is very difficult, and at the same time very interesting," he continued, "and I am of opinion that m the best interests of all classes of the community and the public life that a strong Government is essential, and the sooner this is recognised the better. I , have previously expressed my personal views, and I repeat that I am not anxious to again take up an active Parliamentary life. My/ personal friends know that I am not going to take up the position of the dog-in-the-manger so far as the politics of this country are ' concerned. I am not going to express any opinion as to what, may eventuate next session. The common sense of the v House must be trusted to act wisely and strongly m the general interest of the country. I have always been associated with the Liberal party, and have no intention of doing anything except to help them, conditionally upon the policy being a sound and progressive one."