SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 85, 14 August 1913, Page 6

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

HEARTY WELCOME AT DUNEDIN [Per Press Association.] Dunedin, August 13. Sir Joseph Ward arrived in Dunedin hy the first express from the North to-day. Despite most unpleasant weather, there were fully one ; hundred people on the platform, in 'eluding the Mayor (Mr Downie Stewart) and prominent citizens. Aftci the visitor had been briefly welcomed and cheers given for himself and Lady Ward, Sir Joseph drove to the Town Hall, where a civic reception was held in the council chamber, which wasitaxed to the utmost capacity. The 1 Mayor having welcomed Sir Joseph. 'Mr A. Johnstone, president of the Otago branch of the Navy League, extended a welcome on behalf of the executive of that body.

Tii speeches turned mainly on questions of finance and Imperial defence, and Sir Joseph’s reply was similar to I what he has already stated in other 'centres. He thanked the Mayor coi'flially for the hearty reception accord!ed him. He was back as a free and 'independent representative of the people, a brother man to help his brother members of Parliament to do their best For New Zealand, to attempt to improve the legislation affecting social conditions of the masses of the people, to make the country a prouder portion of the British Empire, and to bring about more 1 co-operation and co-ordination, and, !„t the same time, complete local economy for the Dominion in helping other j portions of the Empire and to stand Four square to any other nation that 'tried to attack it.