THE COMING PREMIER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1822, 31 July 1906, Page 2

THE COMING PREMIER.

ARRIVAL OF SIR JOSEPH WARD

PRESS ASSOCIATION Auckland, last night. Sir Joseph Ward arrived from a visit to Europe and America by the ’Frisco mail steamer to day. He was met by a number of leading citizens, and it was arranged that the formal reception be postponed until noon to morrow. laaihirt address from th 3 steamer’s deck to a large crowd Sir Joseph Ward referred in feelirg terms to the death of late Mr Seddon, and to the necessity of the fotma’.ion of a strong Government. Ho expressed his pleasure at the return cf Mr T. Seddon for Westland, and paid a high tribute to Mr Hall-Jones for the manner in which he had carried on the business of the oountry since the late Premiei’s death. He went ou to refer to the great responsibility thrown on tbo late Mr Seddun’a colleagues, and asked the people to suspend judgment until the new Government had time to settle down to their work and ful y consider their policy. Ho said bis trip h.d tmpre—ed o-> him the fact tb-t Ne«. Z- - and to aice of o her countries t-- many d'rsctio.--, »nd he p trticu ar y mentioned tho m >nagt--ment of such State services as railways and telegraph.

Sir Joseph Ward was heartily applauded. Mr G. Fowlds, M.H.R., also arrived by the Sierra. POLITICAL SITUATION.

Referring to tho political situation, Sir J. Ward said ha had never in his life intrigued to obtain position or place in the Ministry, and would intrigue under no circumstances either to obtain or hold a position, and he maintained that if a man had to intrigue to get hold of a position, his usefulness to the colony would be sapped. Only a strong Government under the altered circumßtanoes could hope to carry on the affairs of the country as successfully bb they demand to be carried on, and it would be his duty to consult with his colleagues, and as a representative of the people and Minister of the Crown, to try and form a new Government that would command the respect and support of the people of this oountry. That was neoessary, and would be done.

Mr Vincent Pyke, manager of the Bank of New Zealand, telegraphed to Sir Joseph Ward yesterday ; 11 Most heartily welcome Lady and Miss VYard and yourself back to dear old Maoriland,”

The following reply was received last night : “ Lady Ward and I thank you for your very kind messags of weloome.—J. G. WARD.”