WELLINGTON TOPICS

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14236, 10 December 1919, Page 8

WELLINGTON TOPICS

THE LIBERAL PARTY. LEADER'S OPTIMISM. (Special lo Times.) WELLINGTON. Monday. Sir Joseph Ward returned to Wellington yesterday highly pleased with his southern tour, and'with the prospects of hi.- party at the general election- He h«d gone to his own constituency, h<- says, prepared to lind some colour • truth in the stones that had been sp. ...d about suggesting somo of liis former supporters wore weary ol being represented by a member who could not reside 1 among them, but after travelling from one end of the electorate, to the other he hat! discovered no indication ol anything of the sort. His reception had been most cordial everywhere, and he had returned with a mandate from his constituents to fight die battles of Liberalism on what grounds he pleased, and with reiterated good wishes for his success. He is perfectly confident of leading a working majority in the new House, and of having the support of all progressive people in the country. THE OTHER SIDE.

Mr Massey, who passed through the city on his way north on Saturday, is equally confident of success. He Deal's no grudge against anyone for his failure to obtain a hearing at his Christchurch meeting, it was unfortunate, he says, but noL prejudicial to the cause he represents. The small minority that souglit to silence him by noise did not represent the manners or the intelligence of Canterbury, and did not stay the trend of public opinion towards ileI'orm. In the South there was abundant evidence that a majority of the electors were sick and tired of the old party methods, and desired the institution of a saner system. His opponents, however, had elected to contest the election on the old lines, and they must take the responsibility lor any untoward results that might follow. THE RESULT. The Prime Minister could not be induced to enter upon any precise prediction of the result of tne polling, nu. he had no doubt the country was bent upon maintaining a sane and staolfc Government, progressive and prudent, that would face the great problems following upon the war with the single purpose of advancing the best interests of the community as a whole. That in a nut-shell was the essence of his platform, and he was sure it would be acceptable to every patriotic man and woman in the Dominion. The leader 01 the Opposition, while making u similar profession of faith in the good sense of the electors, is confident of gaining ground in both the North and the South and of being independent of any support the Extremists may give or take away. Probably the party leaders are no better qualified than the average elector is to prophesy in this connection, but their optimism for the time being is distinctly cheering to their respective supporters. THE CAMPAIGN.

Meanwhile the campaign is being conducted on both sides with the utmost vigour. The leaders have concluded their appeals to the electors of the South Island, and from this till the day of decision will confine their efforts to the North. Mr Massey has gone to Auckland, from which vantage point lie will attend to the needs of the North during this week, and then make his way down to Wellington for polling day. Sir Joseph Ward will speak at Martinhorough to-night, at one of the Taranaki centres to-morrow night, at Hastings on Wednesday night, in Auckland towards the week-end, and in vt cllington on Monday nighW Both the leaders are in excellent health and form, ad both seem to be enjoying this living about trie country, as healthy schoolboys might enjoy a hustling holiday. And such is the game of politics-