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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 11, Issue 2 (May 1, 1936)
Leading New Zealand Newspapers
Leading New Zealand Newspapers.
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The Spirit of United Empire.
But in making mention of Sir Joseph Ward's wonderful achievement as Minister of Finance in the war-time National Cabinet, I have for the moment run in advance of his work in the building up of the spirit of Imperial solidarity which served us so well when the great tragedy of 1914–1918 befell the world. From the turmoil of local, often parochial, politics he entered early as Premier into the inspiring atmosphere of British Empire Councils. He attended the Imperial Conference of 1907, in London, and gave his views on the value of co-operation of all the units of Empire, and at the Conference of 1911 he enlarged upon that principle as the only effective method of holding the Empire together. He was the strongest advocate of a representative Council of an advisory character in touch with public opinion throughout the Empire. His views on Imperial development coincided with those of other progressive representatives at the Conference, and the sentiment of mutual co-operation on equal terms was developed with enthusiasm. Then in 1914 came the tremendous test of those principles of united action enunciated by the Imperial delegates, and we know how the British peoples the globe over put the co-operative theories into effective practice. One of the most discussed acts, several years before the war, the seemingly impulsive offer of a Dreadnought to the Empire, was a master-stroke justified by results. Therein Sir Joseph was a seer, a prophet; he had vision and imagination that were verified to the full.
When do you have your first smoke of the day? Lots of chaps start before breakfast and many save up the dottels from yesterday's pipes for their early morning smoke. Doctors don't recommend this plan, by the way. Immediately after breakfast is the time preferred by multitudes of smokers for a first “lighting up.” Others will smoke at any time, from daylight to dark. But some never exceed a certain number of smokes a day. Tastes differ a lot regarding tobacco. Here in New Zealand a pretty considerable proportion of smokers pin their faith to “toasted” owing to its alluring flavour and delightful aroma. It certainly excels in those respects—and in another—its harmlessness, due to toasting which rids it of its nicotine and leaves it pure, sweet and fragrant. “Once a smoker of ‘toasted,’ always a smoker of ‘toasted’.” All five of the genuine toasted brands, Navy Cut No. 3 (Bulldog), Cut Plug No. 10 (Bulls-head), Cavendish, Riverhead Gold and Desert Gold appeal irresistibly to smokers. But worthless imitations are on the market. Beware!*
Ward the Man.
In this brief sketch of one of our greatest of New Zealand public men, it is not needful to go into political history to any extent; that is dealt with competently and authoritatively in the biography already mentioned, the last work of that grand old journalistic comrade of ours, the greatly-beloved Robert Loughnan. He wrote with inside knowledge of the political machine of his time. No doubt I have omitted mention of some of Sir Joseph's important political acts. But it is rather the personal note that appeals to me.
I write of Ward as it was my good fortune to know him—a pleasant, clever, brisk, active man, with a wide range of interests. It was probably his Irish ancestry that gave him his sunny nature, his traits of generosity and quick sympathy. His kindly nature was not repressed by political antagonism. I like to dwell on his generous genuine nature. It is natural for a man in power to smile on his friends; it is not so easy to be generous to fierce opponents. Hot speeches once over, Ward was the most genial of companions. Honours came to him, but he was never puffed up. He was a firm and steadfast friend, therein he was closely akin to his great chief, Seddon. If he made some enemies, as every strong and prominent politician does, he had an army of life-long friends. Thousands of New Zealanders have warm and kindly memories of Joseph Ward; he lives in the hearts of his friends, his fellow-country people, and that is the best monument any man or woman can have.
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