A DESERVED HONOUR.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1099, 11 April 1911, Page 6

A DESERVED HONOUR.

CITIZENS' RECEPTION TO HUGH

J. V/ARD. GREAT GATHERING AT THE TOWN HALL.

At 3..10 p.m. yesterday people began to lake their seats in. the big Town Hall. A little later every seat was occupied, and later still there were many who had to bo content with standing room. The occasion was a notable cne. Six months ago Wellington was in need of a Children's Hospital. There was talk, but, liltlo action. Enter Hugh J. Ward, actor, who, true to the literal meaning of the word, acted. He proposed a schcnie of finance, headed l:y a generous donation of JilOO, and a promise of more, if others would help. Others did. The Mayor and Mayoress (Mr. and Mrs. T. 11. Wilford) threw themselves into the campaign, and with a most energetic committee trawled the city day and night, and, when the nets were, hoisted there was gold, enough to build a great Children's Hospital. It was Hugh .T. Ward and those with liim who came at the right moment with a workable scheme, and saw through—singing on the streets in the winter's rain, mumming delightfully through a special matinee, until the fund exceeded the wildest hones of everyone concerned. It was to honour the man who brought the scheme to so speedy a climax that the Town Hall was nlled yesterday afternoon. Mr. Ward is leaving Wellington this week, probably for a long time, and certain citizens were of opinion that something should be done to honour "the man who did things." His Worship the Mayor (Mr. Wilford) presided, and' on the stage were seated Mr. Hugh Ward, Miss Grace Palotta, the members of the company, and the committee v. ho had arranged the function. The entrance of the party was the signal for an ovation, which was repeated on Mrs. T. Ci. Macarthy handing Hiss Palotta. a beautiful bouquet. The short concert programme included an orchestral selection, the songs "Take a Tail' of Sparkling Eyes" and "Good Company." by 3lr. E. J. Hill, and "Bccause 1 Love You" and "Good-bye'' (Tosti). which were very charmingly sung by Miss Mabel Fowler.

The Mayor's Speech. The Mayor said that he was glad to have boon afforded the pleasant opportunity of expressing tho sentiments of the city towards Mr. Ward and the members of his company at such a great meeting of the citizens of Wellington. It had been said that the people of Wellington only had a six months' memory. He did not believe it. This gathering was strong and striking ovidenco that deep down in the hearts of the people v.-as. tlie remembrance of thosa who arc kind and generous in the public cause, and such would always find those who were ready to lielp. They hart there Mr. Ward, Miss Palott'a, and the members of the company, who had assisted to carry out a great scheme, and who had arous-al the most generous impulses ever experienced at any time. (Applause.) The city of Wellington had been called cold and unresponsive—that it was not ready to respond to a proper call, but that stigma had been removed, and the name of Wellirgton could now be quoted as convincing evidence of how. ready the people are to come forward to help the noblest cause possible to imagine. (Applause.) It was a fine thing in this fordid work-a-day world to do something fine to help your fellowmen and find, meet with, genuine response and appreciation. He would rather have the good name of his follow citizens than all beside. .Thero was nothing finer than to have the good opinion of tiiose among whom you live and pass in daily life. (Applause.) Mr. Ward was endowed with temperament, electricity and a personality to command enthusiasm in others. Undoubtedly Miss Palotta had many charms that were denied the male sex. When she smiled so sweetly, who could deny? When she entreated, who could delay? (Laughter.) Be sure that Mrs. Wilford and himself appreciated to the full the noble work done by Mr. Ward and his distinguished company. They wero not to have Mr. Ward much longer as an actor-manager. They had laughed with liim, and at him at times in.his portrayal of his various characters. Ho had made them langli! Tf lie were a wealthy man lie would found a Sunshine Club, the members of which would exact, a pledge that before they went to bed tliev would have to make somebody smile each day. If lie could only get Mr. Ward as president and Miss Palotta as vice-president they would lie well on the way to founding a srrcnt institution. In conclusion he would say this of Mr. Ward, that lie bad a heart to pity and a hand open to melting charity. (Ap-' plause;) Someone had said that beauty was.only skin deep, but that lino had not application to Miss Palotta—her beauty was much deeper. (Applause.)

The Illuminated Address. His Worship said it was then his pleasure to present to Mr. AVard an illuminated address, which had the photographs of tho members of the company inserted in the border. It was a very handsome piece of work, and one .which Mr. Ward must and would treasure. The address, which was beautifully illuminated by Mr. W. It. Bock, read as follows:— "Wellington, New Zealand. "April 10th, 1911. "To Hugh J. Ward, Esq., "Dear Sir,—The citizcns of Wellington, New Zealand, assembled in public meeting at the Town Hall, on Monday, 10th April, 1911, desire to take tho opportunity of your wclcome return to tho city to express by this address and tho accompanying souvenir their Fincero and warm appreciation of the feeling of sympathy towards suffering children, and the public spirit which animated you when you so generously supported, both financially and otherwise, tho movement for the provision of a Children's Hospital in Wellington inaugurated last year. "Due, no doubt, in a great measure to the enthusiastic and splendid example shown by you for this noble cause, tho movement was a pronounced succcss. A sum of no less than £16,0C0 1 was provided by voluntary donations subsidised by the State, sufficient to build, decorate, and furnish a Children's Hospital of the most approved typo (now in course of erection), which will bo the greatest boon to the community, and adequate for its needs in that direction lor years to come. "Your unselfish efforts and those of tho ladies and gentlemen of your company, who so loyally assistod you, will ever be gratefully remembered, and the reward of yourself and those associated with you will bo tho knowledge of the good accruing to tho sick and sutTering. With best wishes for your futuro success and happiness. "We remain, on behalf of the citizens, "T. M. WILFOED, Mayor.' "Conveners of Committee—F. W. Haybittlo (chairman); H. Van Slav, ercn; 1(. Clement Kirk; Ernest C. Le'ivey; Knox Gilmer; John Fuller, Jun.; 11. Hardwick-Smith." Souvenirs. The Mayor then handed to Mr. Ward a silver souvenir of original design. Oil a backing of dark polislied oak (13in. x ICin.) was a large silver plate, on which was neatly etched a representation of the facade of the Children's Hospital.. On top was a ribbon of silver emblazoned with the line, "l-'or tho children's sake," and below a plate bearing tho inscription, "Prom the citizens of Wellington, A'.Z., April 10, 1911." In presenting this handsome souvenir, Mr. Wilford called on the vast audience to rise and sing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," which was done with great gusto. Cheers naturally followed. Miss Palotta then received a similar trophy | (with chorus and cheers).

Following this caine more presentations —leather-bound photographic conies of the address presented to Mr. Ward, each inscribed with a name—this time to each member of tho company. "It looks like giving out prizes," said Mr. Wilford as each member of the talented company came forward. Their names were—Misses Cclia Cihiloni, Maud Chetwynd, Ruby Baxter, Florrie Redfern, Messrs. Reg. Wykcham, Aubrey Mallalieu, Walter Monk, H. H. Wallace, Robert Greig, H. Henninghnm. W. A. Low, and H. Lister Gilbert. Mr. V/ard's Reply. In reply Mr. Ward, who was received with a storm of applause, sairl that they were all making fnr too much fuss over the little affair. Those present and the

people of Wellington deserved the tribute ju?r as much as he did. They save, and that was really all that was essential. He gave a little leading help—they would all have done the same hail they been in his position. Fortunately his protessian permitted him to do something occasionally, and in this ease he was only too glad to have the opportunity of assisting so great and noble a work. (Applause.) Wellington, it had been said, was a hit; tight with its money, but since the Children's Hospital campaign he noticed that there had been two more successful campaigns depending on voluntary subscriptions, so it had evidently loosened un the purse strings some by raising money for the Children's Hospital. It was so easy to give for a good cause, and if the occasion were to c.tl'er again, lie hoped they would all go at it with the same vim and enthusiasm, lie did not want to make a long speech, hut he begged to assure them that, to him and his company, the experience had been a real joy. lie could not speak too highly of his company, whose co-operation lie had obtained not only in Wellington, but in other cities as well. As to the profession, he had spent a lifetime in it, ami for people of emotion, spontaneity, generosity, and real heart, there were none superior to them. (Applause.) They rush in with swing and never care, and it is only when people decry them that lie felt a little distressed. The achievement in fund-raising was a marvellous one, which stood as a record for Australasia. Though lie would 110t.be coming back as a player, lie might, in a managerial capacity. They would hear from him from lime to time in connection with the Children's Hospital, and in years to come—well, they never could tell of the needs ahead. (Applause.) He thanked them all for the reception, and Mr. Wilford for his kind remarks, so ably put. (Prolonged applause.)

Miss Grace Palotta. in returning thanks, said that in comparison with what Mr. Ward and others had done, her part had been a very small one, but like the other members of the company she had been delighted to assist. She was going to be away from New Zealand a long time, but she would never forget the warm welcome and the kindness received from Wellington's hospitable public. "I'm not good at making speeches—just thank you!" she added prettily. Mr. Ward moved a vole of thanks to the Mayor for presiding, and the great gathering dispersed.