SIR J. G. WARD.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1830, 16 August 1913, Page 4

SIR J. G. WARD.

HIS RECEPTION IN SOUTHLAND. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Invcrcargill, August 15. On his return to Southland on a flj*" ing visit to his constituency, Sir Joseph 1 Ward was accorded a hearty reoeption. Ho was met at Gore by tho Mayor and a largo; number" of citizens,; and cordially; welcomed there. A similar ceremony took place at Mataura. On his arrival at Invercargill Sir J. G. Ward was greeted by a large crowd, and escorted by tho pipe and brass bands to tho rotunda in ,I'ost. Office Square. Hero ho was officially welcomed by the Mayor, and warnily oheered by tho crowd. ' Following this ceremony ho was escorted to tho Council Chambers, where he was presented with an address thanking him for tho services which ho had rendered to Invcrcargill when in London by raising a loan of «EOO,OOO, for which servioo ho had declined to accept any payment. A portrait of Sir Joseph Ward had been liung in tho Council Chamber, and this was formally unveiled in tho evening. 1 Sir Joseph Ward was entertained at dinner by a gathering of citizens. His speeches at the various functions were on lines previously reported, and gave no indication of his political intentions. Tho receptions throughout wero spontaneously hearty, and Sir Joseph Ward expressed nis thanks for the expressions of goodwill which had distinguished his visit to his old Droviiioe.