SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIII, Issue 1824, 3 August 1906, Page 3

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

PRESS ASSOCIATION Wellington, last uight. Interviewed by tbo New Zealand Times Sir Joseph Ward, referring to tho possibility of a split between tho L ; boral and Labor supporters of Ibo Government, said any attempt to disintegrate tho Liberal party would, in his opinion, bo a very great miattkj. Tho good rosniti ot unity in the past had enabled No.v Zealand to advance more than any other country in tho world. For his own part ho hopod bolter counsels would prevail in tho bolter interests of the party. Tbo cff.ot of disunion may be seen in tbo splitting of Lib ir into two fact oas which in itself shows the error of lack of ooboiiou, Labor in tho past had received every oniaidoration from the Government. Ho had always been sympathetic with its cause, and there was no reason to suppose Labor would not rccoiyo sympathetic consideration in tbo tutu, e

There is a probability that after forming his Cabinet, Sir J.S'ph Ward will address a public meeting, possibly here, in which he will outline tbo policy of the Government.

J .AST NLG LIT'S ’lt ECK LTIOX. Wellington, last night Sir J. "Ward uuended n reception givci by citizens in the Town Hull to-night. There was an immense attendance, the great hull being crowded in all parts There was considerably over three thou-

sand people present, and they gave Sir J. Ward and Lady Ward a warm welcome, Sir Joseph receiving quite an ovation on entering the hall, and later on when rising to speak. The Mayor of Wellington. Him! J. W. Hislop, welcomed Sir Joseph back to the city, saying, that on behalf of all parties he wished him success, for in his triumph he had shown no undue elation, and in his adversities he had never sh twit any unnerving fear.

Sir Joseph Ward's speech, with the exception of that part which referred to

the task before him, was practically non political, and broke no new ground. He paid a tribute to Mr Seddon's great labors, and commended Mr llall-Jones for his conduct during the last few weeks. The speeches made by the Mayor and by Sir Joseph, were frequently applauded, and the proceedings were of a very cordial character throughout.