SIR JOSEPH WARD'S RETIREMENT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1398, 26 March 1912, Page 6

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S RETIREMENT.

(By Teleeraph— Press Association.) Christchurch, March 25. In connection with the retirement of Sir Joseph Ward from the leadership of the Liberal party, the Christchurch branch of tho Post and Telegraph Association has forwarded to him a telegram containing the following resolution,:—"That the Cliristclmrch branch of the Post and Telegraph Association desires to express its sincere regret that you are about to relinquish tho portfolio of Postmaster-General and Minister lor Telegraphs. Your lengthy administration of tho Department has bean 'marked by. numerous beneficent reforms and improved conditions, which we believe havo been warmly appreciated alike'by tho staff and the general public. Proof of this widespread recognition of your outstanding ability and progressiveness as Postmaster-General is to be found in tiie high encomiums and tributes Mint-havo spontaneously and deservedly been tendered you from all quarters, and which tho Christcluirch staff cordially endorses. Wβ take this opportunity of bidding farewell in your nfiieial relation to us as our .Ministerial chief, and wish yourself, Lady Ward, and family all success and happiness in the future." The following reply to this telegram has been received from Sir Joseph Ward:—"Plcaso accept and convey to the members'of your branch my sincerest thanks for the generous expressions on my behalf contained in the resolution set forth in your telegram. I appreciate very highly the reference made to my term of office as Post-ma.ster-General and Minister for; Telegraphs, and desire to assure you all that among regrets I havo in retiring from the Ministry none is so acute as tht> severance of* my connection with tho Post and Telegraph service. I hold the most kindly feeling for the officers of your Department, and I will ever seek to do what I can to promote their general interests. Kindest regards to all. (Signed) J. G. Ward."