ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 August 1911, Page 3

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.

Sir Joseph Ward, Prime Minister, and SY John Findlay received an enthusiastic welcome on their return in the "Ruapehu on Friday la&t. Sir Joseph, after expressing his warm appreciation of the welcome, said now that he was once more back with?:i the territory of New Zealand he supposed that those people who had said, "Will he come back?", would be satisfied that the surmises, perhaps the hopjis, of some of them, were not to be realised. He was back now, and here was his throat if they thought they could put their feet upon it. (Applause) He and his friend Sir John Fmdlay had been away thousands of miles in the Old Land, striving to the best 61 their ability to do what they could, not only for New Zealand, but for,that Biitish Empire of which New Zealand is a part— (applause)—-and while absent, working for their country, many strange and sinister rumours had come to them, rumours which were unworthy the Hps of any man who had the interests of his conntiy at heart;. (Hear, hear.) But we are prepared —and I am now speaking as the head of the Government"—said Sir Joseph. "I trust the people of New Zealand will judge between us and thofe who have descended this vicious and malicious - vilification Their* innuendoes were only.made with the idea of damaging the party of which he was the h^ad. The High Commissionership would be decided by himself and his colleagues, whenever and whoever it went to, but it would not be to himself or to Sir John Findlay." Sir Joseph went onto deplore the statements tkat had been circulated concerning Sir John Fmdlay and the honour conferred upon him. The Prime Miuister said statements had been made that that Sir John Findlay did not represent the people. Well, Sir Johu Fiudlay would reply-to that by standing for a seat in Parliament at thenoxt general election, and lie (Sir Joseph) had no doubt that he wouid be returned.

Sir James Corroll welcomed his chief back in an eloquent ard heartstirring speech Both of the returned Statesmen had, done great and' noble service for their country. Sir John Fine) lay said a few words in recognition of the webome extended to him. He endorsed all that Sir Joseph Ward had said. It would be his first and only endeavour to serve New Zealand and her people to tfie best of hia abiHty. If his services were not wanted he would cheerfully return to the profession which he had followed five years ago.