Sir Joseph Ward.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7320, 13 June 1902, Page 4

Sir Joseph Ward.

(Trcsa AsiViolr.uou.'J

Wintox, Juno 12. Sir Joseph Ward uddrcssed tho electors of Awarua at Winton this ovening. There- wore 700 persons present, and tho Acting-Premier was given or. enthusiastic reception.

After dealing at longth with tho finances ot tho colony, Sir Joseph 10----forred to the viuious departments. Dealing with tho war now happily concluded, he mentioned that the total expendituro mado in ivew Zealand' was .£2.095,055. Tho Government had been trying to obtain a direct line of steamers to South Africa, and a tendi-r had boon received from tho Blue- Star line, which was now under consideration in London. Sir Joseph reforrcd at length to what tho Government had douo to impiovo tho conditions of tho farmers. Gin ap money had boon obtained for them, i>ud the results from tho working of the Agricultural Department showed that it had boon of inestimablo value. The grading and inspection of butter and cheese had lifted the trade in those articles to a high level, and legislation for tho puriliciitiou of manures hud done good. Tho lowering ot rates on farming produce upon tho railways meant a great saving, and tho regular cablod advices from London were of valuo. A representative had been soul out to find markets, and laws had been broadened in a way which had enabled thousuuds to get holdings nt easy rates. Bccauso Government had also endeavoured to do good to artisans and workers in towns, it was no reason why farmers should turn against them. To create class prejudice wns inimical to the interests of tbe colony. Tho legislation which was to be submitted during tho coming session would deal with important matters, but would bo within tho limits of practical procedure. Tho Government should agree to adopt a referendum, so that lsrgo social questions should at certain times bo submitted to tho peoplo for consideration and decision. Tho electoral law requited attention, as also tho all-important matter of the export of our products. Measures dealing with tho superanuation of railway employees, regulation of share-broking, juvenile depravity, conservation of rivers, rebate to Crown tenants, and State firo insurance would bo considered. Improvements would bo made in tho Factories Act, safeguards for tho public doing business with seeoud-bn id dealers would bo Made law, and ai jcndments dealing with rating on Unimproved Value?, and a Coroncru' Act would bo introduced. Tho land laws would bo further amended. He did riot think that any attempt would bo made to deal with tho licensing laws during the session. Further remissions m railway charges would bo announced during the sitting of Parliament, and measures would be introduced for the classification of tho civil service. In regard to expenditure, Sir Joseph said wholesale retrenchment, except where actual necessity compelled, should bo avoided. Tho effects oi such n policy was followed by disasters never contemplated. Unnecessary expenditure should bo avoided, ar.d that upon reproductive works should bo first undertaken. Ho was far from nervous about tho position ahoad of tho colony. Railways already begun should bo continued, and the connecting link of North Island railway should bo vigorously carried on. Tuo surplus revenue from tho consolidated fund this year should bo used lor opening up lands and roadmg tho country. Constituencies should bo reasonable however, and while Government would not shiik its legitimuto responsibilities, it would not bo driven upon a course which it behoved to bo utnviso or unsafe for tho eoleny to follow. In conclusion, the outlook was hopeful, and there were no grounds for apprehension.! ;.'r.'^;"^ lNvi:i;cA.nr;iLr,, June' 12."" This afternoon Sir J. G. Ward was prorented i:i the Club Hotel with a huge testimonial in appreciation of his services as representative in Parliament. The movement originated at Wiuton, in the Awarua electorate. The -Mayor of Invereargill presided, and tho address, which svas soiho four foot high, sots forth tho Parliamentary matters with which Sir Joseph has been connected, and eulogises his public services. Some fifty doctors and friends were present.