THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10416, 21 March 1912, Page 3

THE POLITICAL SITUATION.

DIOPrTATION TO SI R JOSEPH WARD. ASKED TO RETA IX THE PREMIERSHIP. sru JOSEPH DECLINES. [From Out CorttiEsro.vnitNT.] WELLIXGTOX. March 'JI. Liberal members and others interviewed Sir Joseph Ward in a hit" deputation to-day and strongly urged him 1 o retain the Premiership. Sir Joseph, who had a splendid reception. said that he did not doubt-, tlio sincerity of the speakers, hut his answer must, be disappointing. His mind was definitely made up regarding his retirement. He was most anxious to help the Liberal Party and no one M as more cognisant of the fact that an enormous amount of good had been done by the Liberal Government in the past, but the general election, instead of being fought in the old British way. had degenerated into an abominable system of slander, innuendo and suggestion. TTe was entitled to say tl'flt ho had filled a responsible office with courage. He was leaving the leadership with matters satisfactory in all directions. The revenue would be :i record. Despite the Onnosition. the crowning fact remained that a majority of river n hundred thousand votes hat] boon cast, for Liberalism at the last election. Thus the Conservative?' claim that they represented a majority in Hie country was ludicrous and laughable.