“ WOULD LIKE A SPELL IN THE RANKS.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3463, 1 March 1912, Page 5

“ WOULD LIKE A SPELL IN THE RANKS.”

SIR JOSEPH WARD HAS TWO JOBS TO FIX UPA.COUPLE OF PROSECUTIONS. Sir Joseph Ward said he would like a spell in the ranks, as he had two jobs to fix up —the prosecution of two men for statements made in connection with the five million loan. Reverting to the present state of affairs, he held that the masses of the people ' would best be served by the bursting'up of the huge areas of land in the hands of supporters of the friends of the Opposition. Mr. Herries said that Sir Joseph Ward’s suggested course probably was constitutionally right, but was morally wrong. The House should adjourn for a fortnight to allow the new Ministry to be formed. A conditional victory had been won by the “Liberal” party on the pledge of Sir Joseph V aid, but they knew not whether the pledge would be ' kept- Had it not been for the pledge one vote which Sir Joseph Ward got would have gone to the Opposition. Parliament appeared to be run by one man, but he was going to have a say in its affairs. Mr Allen said that Sir Joseph Ward’s only course was to resign before the House adjourned- He had secured the vote of at least one member of the House on the pledge that he would resign the Premiership if he received that vote. Sir Joseph Ward gave that statement an unqualified denial. Mr. Russell quoted official figures showing that ten prominent Opposition members and supporters owned between them £110.222 worth of land, and mentioned, in regard to the statement which had been" flung broadcast concerning his Runanga property that lie held 66,000 acres. He said the land was originally purchased with the idea of turning it into 100 small, farms. He had a large family and wished to assist them on to the land. Mr. Ngata said lie only wished he owned the amount of land he had lately been credited with .He was trustee of a tribe of 3000 Natives.