HUGH WARD RECEPTION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1098, 10 April 1911, Page 4

HUGH WARD RECEPTION.

TO TAKE PLACE THIS AFTEIiXOOtf

Memories of the great campaign which gave Wellington a Children's Hospital are recalled by the announcement in another column that tho citizens of Wellington aro to honour Mr. Hugh J. Ward and the members of his company at a reception to be hold in tho big Town Hall at 4.30 o'clock this afternoon. It is too often the case that the real workers who bestir themselves to philanthropic undertakings aro passed over, and others less deserving get llio credit, but this is not to Iμ the case in this instance. Without the assistance of the spirited impetus given by Mr. Ward's enthusiasm and generosity ii fund would have been started, and very likely by this time there would have been several hundred pounds to its credit, but it is beyond all question that the prompt action of Mr. Ward in offering .CIGO if nine other citizens would do likewise, anil following it up with his inspiriting fund-raising campaign, which extracted over X7OOO from the pockets of (he public six months ago, was mainly responsible for the splendid success achieved. So it is only right aud proper that he should on his return to Wellington— probably his last visit for many years to come—be assured publicly of the appreciation of the citizens. The function promises to be altogether pleasant. Mr. Ward is to be presented by the Mayor with an illuminated address, the ■ members with photographic copies of the same, and Mr. Ward mid Jliss Grace Palotta are also to be presented with silver mementos of the great campaign. There is to be a brief concert programme, including, selections by a big orchestra from the city theatres, and sonss by Miss' Mabel Fowler, Mr. E. J, Hill, and )lr. J. F. Can , . Tho committee will meet Mr. Ward and the members of his company

in the Mayor's room at 4.15 p.m., and will conduct Item to tho large hall, where the reccntion and concert arc to ho held. Miss Palotta, who is making her last appearance in New Zealand for some con« siderable time—she loaves for Vienna on a twelve mouths' holiday and visit to her mother—is to be presented with a bouquet tied villi the Austrian colours—black and yellow. Tliero is to be no charge for admission to the concert and reception.