DEATH OF SIR JOSEPH WARD

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18614, 9 July 1930, Page 2

DEATH OF SIR JOSEPH WARD

FORTY YEARS’ SERVICE TO NEW ZEALAND. EULOGISED BY PARTY LEADERS. The Prime Minister (the Hon. G. W. Forbes) pays a very feeling tribute to his old chief. “I came into the House.” said Mr Forbes, “when Sir Joseph was Prime Minister, and before that I had followed his career very closely, with admiration, for his boldness and initiative. He was one of the outstanding men of the very progressive Seddonian Ministry, and when I entered the House he had succeeded Mr Seddon as Prime Minister. I was struck then by his very capable grasp of all public affairs and the statesmanlike manner in which he handled difficult problems which the Government had to face. Notably there was the question of Imperial affairs, leading ultimately to the gift of the Dreadnought to the Mother Country, and the inauguration of the Widows’ pensions and generally carrying forward the policy of his former leader. Then the time came in 1912 when he stepped down in the interests of his party, to make room for Sir Thomas Mackenzie. Throughout Sir Joseph’s term of opposition I was his Whip, and continued in that position for over 10 years. I came to know him very intimately, during those years, and I came to know how public spirited he was, and how his sole desire was to do the best he could in the service of country, for which he had so great an affection. He would never countenance in any way methods which might be considered clever, but which were not straight. He was the soul of honour., very scrupulous in the observance of any promise he made. Then when the United Party was formed, and he was asked to take the leadership, I was one of those appointed to urge his acceptance of that position, and the result of the election showed that this choice was a very wise one, because it was acclaimed by the people throughout New Zealand. When Sir Joseph Ward asked me to accept a position in his Ministry, I was pleased to range myself alongside my old leader. Right throughout the time I ! have been in the Cabinet I was very | closely associated with him. and gained j his complete confidence. When, owing j to his failing health, Sir Joseph resigned the position of Prime Minister and I was asked to assume that responsibility, I felt that in doing so it was with hi,s full concurrence, and goodwill. There was no doubt about his unfailing courtesy often in the stress and strain of political life tested to the utmost, but never a weak link—always courtesy for the greatest friend or bitterest opponent. In his long illness, which we all regretted, he remained cheerful, and there is no doubt that it was his intense desire to carry out his public duties faithfully and efficiently in line with his high sense of obligation to his country, which contributed a good deal towards his breakdown in health. Sir Joseph’s relations with his Cabinet were cordial throughout, and we feel keenly the loss of the chief, for whom we had the greatest respect and affection.” Warm Tribute. A warm tribute to the memory of the late Sir Joseph Ward was paid by the Leader of the Opposition (Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates), who said:—“Sir Joseph’s personal qualities made him liked and respected by all. At all times he was an admirable host, and there was a no more pleasant travelling companion. He was particularly thoughtful and considerate, and on no occasion did he reveal party bitterness, even in most heated political moments.” Mr Coates said that throughout his political career Sir Joseph Ward had always placed country first, and hie thirty-seven years of political life had produced some notable legislative achievements. The outstanding events of his per.od as Prime Minister were his gift of the Dominion battleship to the Naval defence of the Empire. This was a substantial contribution towards Sir Joseph Ward’s Imperialistic policy, and an earnest proof of his desire to see the whole of the Empire’s trade routes properly protected. Sir Joseph saw New Zealand rise from the status of a Colony to that of a Dominion, and the accomplishments by which he would be remembered included the enactment of legislation introducing penny postage and initiating the present education scheme. Sir Joseph’s death would be an undoubted loss to the Dominion. Great Loss Sustained. Mr H. E. Holland, Leader of the Labour Party, said: “I personally, and the Labour Party as a whole, will join with all other sections of the people of the Dominion in mourning the death of Sir Joseph Ward, in offering sincere condolences to the bereaved relatives and in sympathy with the Prime Minister and his colleagues in the great loss which they have sustained. Sir Joseph Ward’s presence in the House and his leadership of the Government until illness laid him aside, linked the present period with the strenuous past, of from 30 to 40 years ago, and his death is like the breaking of a link of historical significance.” “ONE OF GREATEST SONS.” LORD BLEDISLOE’S VIEW. By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, July 8. “New Zealand has to-day lost one of her greatest sons, and the Empire one of its senior and outstanding statesmen,” said the Governor-General (Lord Bledisloe), in referring at the opening of- the Winter Show to the death of Sir Joseph Ward. “It is early yet to assess at its true value his public work for the country he loved so well and served so faithfully,” said His Excellency, “but on this day of his passing from our midst we m&y acknowledge without a dissentient voice his untiring and unselfish devotion to duty, his staunch Imperialism and his brilliant and creative statesmanship. At this industrial exhibition it may appropriately be added that his experience as an industrialist enhanced his value as a statesman during a period of this young country’s industrial juvenescence. At the close of a life of strenuous work for the public good, we may all join with his co-religionists in saying ‘Requiescat in pace.’ May he rest in peace.” ARRANGEMENTS FOR FUNERAL. By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, July 8. An alteration in the arrangements for the funeral of Sir Joseph Ward has been made. Instead of the body lying in state at the Basilica from 10 a.m. to-morrow until Thursday afternoon it will be in state at the Basilica all to-morrow, and at Parliament Buildings from 10 a.m. on Thursday to 4 p.m. that day, when the funeral will leave for the ferry steamer.

TIMARU’S SYMPATHY. MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR. The Mayor of Timaru (Mr W. Angland) yesterday despatched the following message of sympathy:—“lt is with much regret that the Timaru Borough Council learnt of the death of Sir Joseph Ward. Please accept, on behalf of myself and the Council, our deep regret at the death of one who has played such a distinguished part in the Government of £Tew Zealand. and our sincere sympathy with the family of Sir Joseph Ward in their sad bereavement.”

At the South Canterbury Electric Power Board meeting yesterday, Mr C. J. Talbot referred to the death of Sir Joseph Ward. He said: “Since coming to this meeting this morning, I have been advised of the death of the late Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and I am sure that you gentlemen would not disperse to-day without expressing regret and sorrow, and sympathy with the relatives in their bereavement. It is not necessary for me to enlarge upon Sir Joseph Ward’s statesmanlike ability. It is well known that he devoted his lifetime to the interests of our Dominion as he saw it, and he rendered valuable service to New Zealand and to the Empire Imperially. I will move that this Board express its sincere regret at Sir Joseph Ward’s death, and its sincere sympathy with the relatives in their loss.” Mr Talbot, continuing, said: “One would have liked to see Sir Joseph Ward, who served this country in Parliament for 40 years, practically without intermission, live to enjoy some years in retirement, but} unfortunately, he has passed away, and we to-day mourn the loss of one who rendered such signal service to this Dominion, and did his utmost to promote the welfare of this young country.”

The motion was carried ,the mem- J bers of the Board standing with bowed ! heads. Reference to the death of Sir ' Josepli Ward was made last night at : the meeting of the Waimataitai School : Committee by the acting-chairman ! (Mr F. Oxford). < Mr Oxford stated that the ex-Prime : Minister had done a vast amount of i : good in the interests of the country, and had played a prominent part in ' education. Although they might not 1 have agreed with all Sir Joseph’s pol- < itical opinions, it was only right that « the Committee should express their : sympathy with the relatives, and ' recognise the great loss the country < had sustained. The motion was carried in respect- ■ ful silence. SCHOOLS TO CLOSE ON THURSDAY. MASS TO BE SUNG TO-DAY. I By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, July 8. All Government offices are closed 1 to-day as a mark of respect to the 1 late Sir Joseph Ward. 1 The Minister of Education (Hon. H. : Atmore) announced to-day that he 1 had issued instructions for the schools throughout New Zealand to be closed this afternoon, and also on Thursday. ! : Solemn Pontifical Mass will be sung : to-morrow morning at 10 o’clock, by i' Archbishop O’Shea. The Deacon will I be Father Dowling, S.M., and the sub- | : Deacon, Father Kelly. Archbishop 1 1 Redwood will assist in the Mass from his throne, and he will be assisted by 1 Father McCarthy, S.M., and Father j Connolly, SJVI. Archbishop Redwood will speak. SIR JOSEPH WARD’S CAREER IN BRIEF. SOME NOTABLE EVENTS. Born April 26, 1856. At 13 entered the Post and Telegraph. At 20 joined the Railway service. Year later started business as export merchant. February 1870, became one of first Councillors of Campbelltown Borough. November 1881, elected Mayor of Campbelltown; served for five years; re-elected in 1397-8. 1889—Member of Bluff Harbour Board; continued membership for 10 years; chairman 1883-8, and 1893-4. Elected to Awarua seat as Liberal in 1887, defeating two opponents. From then onward took a leading part in political history of New Zealand. Joined Seddon Government as Colonial Treasurer in 1893-6; Post-master-General 1899-1906; Commissioner of Customs, Minister of Industries and Commerce 1894-9 and 18991906; Minister of Marine 1893-6; Colonial Treasurer 1899-1966; Minister of Railways for six years; became first Minister of Health in the world in 1900 and held the office for six years. Three times acting-premier during absence of Mr Seddon. First to advocate All Red Cable service; by persistent advocacy achieved 1 penny postage in New Zealand. Created K.C.M.G. in 1901. As New Zealand representative attended postal conferences in Sydney 1892, Brisbane 1893, Wellington 1894, Hobart 1895, Rome 1906, where he advocated universal penny postage. During his absence in Rome in 1906 Mr Seddon died: on his return assumed the office of Premier. | Represented New Zealand at Imperial Conference in 1907 and 1911. In 1907 secured recognition of New Zealand as a Dominion. Received freedom of Edinburgh, London, Bristol, Manchester. Honorary LL.D. Edinburgh and Trinity College, Dublin. Appointed Privy Councillor in 1907. In 1909, on behalf of New Zealand, offered Imperial Government one, or if necessary two battle-cruisers. Created Baronet, 1911. Resigned office of Prime Minister, in February, 1912, his Ministry having been saved by the casting vote of the Speaker. Minister of Finance in National Cabinet 1915-1919. With Mr Massey, attended several War Conferences in London, and was present at the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. Defeated in December 1919, after having represented Awarua since 1887. Unsuccessfully contested Tauranga seat at by-election on the death of Sir William Herries in 1923. Elected for Invercargill in 1925. Leader of the United Party in elections of 1928; re-elected for Invercargill; became Prime Minister in December 1928, on the Reform Party being defeated on a no-confidence motion. Created G.C.M.G., in 1929. Resigned’ Prime Ministership, in l 1930, owing to continued iU-bealtb.