SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1416, 17 April 1912, Page 11

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

INFORMAL GATHERING AT CHRIST. CHURCH. AN INTKHVIEW; (By Tclegranli.-Prcss Association.) Christcliurcli, April 10. Jreo from (ho cures of ullU-c and quite Ins iisiinl urbane soli', Sir Joseph "Ward arrived in Chrislchurch this morning, accompanied by Lady Ward ami llifs Kileen Hani. Sir Joseph Ward spent the? mornlug m (Ins Lily, and during his stay was called upon at Warner's lintel bv'many personal friends and political supporters. Jlc loiind time lo give a brief interview us to ins future luoveineiits to a reporter. He said (hat he would l» lonving the lSluiV on Monday next fur Melbourne, and it was his intention to visit Unllarat, Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane, lie expected to Ixj away for six weeks altogether. •! am moving along for the first time for many years with a complete relief troiu all kinds of oliicial responsibility," said hn Joseph Ward. "We arc going on wiiiit is entirely u pleasure trip, and though 1 am in good health and good form alter a rather strenuous life, the prospect is quite acceptable to me. It is my first holiday since I have been in polities, and it is the first time that I have gone out ot tin- country without having some heavy work before me. As I have large circles of personal friends in Australia, as well as others whom I have met in the ordinary course, of events, I look forward to this visit with a great deal of pleasure." bir Joseph Ward also said that it was no use discussing the political situation or any political questions, lie. wns off for a holiday, and it was not his intention to do anything in the nature of political work:

An .informal gathering of citizens was neld in the lounge of Warner's Hotel this morning as a sort of valedictory to Sir Joseph Ward. The gathering was a very largo one, very much in excess of the space accommodation of the loiince Even (he stairway, which leads from the hall to the first floor, was occupied bv the crowd of admirers. Tne function was not intended- as a party tribute, and all political parties were represented at it. When Mr Joseph Ward entered the loun"e ho was received with an ovation, the whole company spontaneously rose and sail" lor He's a Jolly Gcod Fellow," and this rousing chorus was followed by enthusiastic cheering. Several speeches were made by representative men. Sir Joseph Ward, who was received with great cheering, heartily thanked the speakers and the gathering for tho reception given him on what would always bo i? , m ,, a i,app >' nn(l memorable occasion. Hβ inlly recognised that it was not possible lor men, either in private or public lite, to agree upon everything, and it was sometimes difficult for them lo agree upon any lung. (Laughter.) If any one of tho gentlemen who had spoken had been in the eye of the country for just a quarter of a, century, they would marvel that one could continue so long in tho highest official positions without having given mortal offence to nine-tenths of the community. It had been a time of great evolutionary changes from tho inception of the transformation instituted by Mr. Baljance, and carried on by Mr. Seddou and ms successors' down to the present time. J. ho rciutu-ks made by tho speakers could not fail to have an inspiring effect on one who had cleared himself of all official responsibilities, and was now taking a wellearned rest.

bpoakuitf to a reporter about the proposal In celebrate Empire Day on Juno -2, which combines the anniversaries of tho King's Coronation and Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee, Sir .Toseph Ward said that at the Imperial Conference ho had urged that it should hi-"celebrated on the birthday of ..tho reigning Sovereign. JIo lv.is Klill of that opinion, believing that it was desirable, to havo one general day fixed throughout tho Empire. When Queen Victoria died, Empire Bay was appointed for Hay U. When later on Kins Jiuwnrd passed away a difficulty alrout recognising his birthday, as the custom Uirmiglioul: tho Empire" was! to recognise the birthday of the reignins; Sovereign. There seemed to be a danger of a multiplicity of holidays if all thc«e dates wero to Iw recognised. It seemed to him Hint the best-plan "was to pclrfjrate Umpire Day on tho King's Birthday, and to change the date to the birthday of the future successor to tho throno. Hβ was convinced that Empire Day would receive moro enthusiastic and united support from tho people throughout the Empire if somo arrangement of that kind " was como to.

Sir Joseph Ward was enthusiastically cheered ami escorted to the railvay station by a veritable procession of taxis and motor-cars. A groat crowd cheered him again at tho station.

DUNEDIN RECEPTION.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Dunedin, April IC,

Sir Joseph Ward arrived by tho second express to-night, and, shortly afterwards, a largo and representative gathering of citizens was held at tho Grand Hotel to congratulate him on his appointment as a. member of the Empire Trade Commission.

Jlr. G. Ritchie (president of tlio Chamber of Commerce) presided. In replying, Sir Joseph Ward said that the Commission hoped to do some good for the trade of tho Umpire. It would not interfere with tho fiscal policy of various countries, that being a mailer for tho countries themselves to settle. Sir Joseph Ward will proceed to Invercargill by tho second express to-morrow.