TRIBUTE TO SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13379, 30 March 1912, Page 4

TRIBUTE TO SIR JOSEPH WARD.

EULOGISED BY OPPOSITION

ORGAN

SUGGESTED APPOINTMENT TO TRADE COMMISSION.

[United Press Association.]

Chrlstchurch, March 29. In a longthy leader "The Press" pays a very high tribute to Sir Joseph Ward for his public services. It:says: "We do not wish to criticise in any harsh spirit tho address of Sir Joseph Ward to tho people of New Zoa'aud, "although there is a good deal in its appeals for sympathy which savours too much of injured vanity, and it would have, boon m. better taste had some of its passages been omitted. We prefer to sum up as impartially as we can, the salient features of his political career. There is no doubt that the resignation of Sir Joseph Ward from the office of Prime Minister.removes from the Administration of public affairs in this country a vigorous personality, who lias made a mark in the history of tho Dominion that will not readily bo effaced. . . What may be Sir Joseph's intentions in regard to tho future we cannot tell.' It it impossible that he will long *je content with the position of a private member in the House of Representatives. It has been suggested that he may possibly bo appointed a member of _ the Imperial Trade Commission. which is to tour £be Empire with a- view of collecting information bearing on its commercial relations. Lor our part we ,tliink he would inako a very valuable member of such a commission, and no matter what Government is in power when tho appointment eomcb to be made w 0 cannot at this moment think of any public man in New Zealand who could more properly be selected for the post. We think it is for tho advantage of New Zealand that thc.ro should be a change from tlm Ward rogim? but wo frankly admit that Sir Joseph Ward has done a good deal for the country that is worthy of gratefid remembrance, and we hope that his possibilities of serving it have Hot been exhausted.