SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16869, 26 October 1925, Page 13

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

IN FAVOR OF FUSION. NO BARRIER OF DIFFERENCES. In the course of his speech at Invercargill, Sir Joseph Ward made an interesting reference to the party situation: — “As you are aware,” he said, “/luring the last year or two there have been negotiations for the fusion of the Reform, and Liberal parties. I have naturally as a private citizen taken no part in them, but I have been a (dose observer. 1 do not think ii possible for three political parties to exist in either the Homeland, Australia, or New Zaeland, and act fearlessly in doing effective work. In such a case, owing to the large number of minority ; elections the Parliament ceases to be a true reflex of the public mind. At the last general election 23 members were returned on minority votes—7 Reform, 7 Labor, and 9 Liberal.

“The undoubted tendency everywhere is to meet the rising LaborSocialist movement by a union of forces of those who stand for Constitutionalism, law, and order. That is my own view. I am of opinion that the two main parties should get together and endeavor to form the strongest the best Government the Dominion can produce. There are no great vital questions dividing them, such as existed between Liberals and Conservatives in the old days. I recognise that the dividing lines arc important, but aro not incapable of adjustment. My assistance and advice will, therefore, go in the direction of a fusion which I regard as sooner or later inevitable, whether the leader be a Nationalist or a Reformer. Whilst saying this, however, I wish it clearly understood that as there is no Fusion party before the country as such, though the Nationalists under Mir. Forbes have declared in favor of it, if returned I shall take my seat with the parly 1 was so long associated with and led, and give any assistance I possibly can to bring about the strongest Government that can be obtained, providing, of course, flint tin 1 main points of a sound financial and progressive policy are first agreed to. lam not out for leadership to displace either Mr. Coates or Mr. Forbes — lam out for the country because I am convinced that there are difficult times ahead. I have never been in the whole of my public career in any intrigue with men on either side of politics, nor will I be. If I have any special knowledge as the result of a life’s work it will be fully and unreservedly given to help the national progress and prosperity of all classes in the Dominion.” (Applause.)