Sir Joseph Ward at Taihape.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7833, 27 May 1905, Page 3

Sir Joseph Ward at Taihape.

(Per Frew Association.) TAIHAPE, May 26.

Sir Joeeptt Ward arrived at Taihape on Friday evening, when a retception committee met him and escorted him to the Post Office, in Ihe Company of Mr Grey, Ch':e4 Postmaster at Wangnnui. After dinner the Minister received deputations, requesting the immediate erection ol' a new Post Office and new CouriAn adjournment was then made to this Gretna Hall, where a mass meeting congregated. Sir Joseph Ward delivered a great speech dealing with local affairs, and indicating some of the measures contemplated by the Government next .session. He combatted the Opposition .statement that the colony was too heavily taxed, and showed 4>y figures and comparisons that New Zealand had never been in a more prosperous condition. It was unjust on the part of the Opposition to criticise Uio Land Commission till the report was presented to Parliaiment. The adulteration of New Zealand butter at Hoime was reprehensible, and fee ball cabled Mr Beeves, Algpnt-General, asking for the inser<tion of a clause in the British Butter Bill to protect New, Zealand (butter. He favoured the Eupera)mu|&ion scheme, tree-planting to preserve Native forests, iirdi visualisation of Native lands, the preferential tariff, Increased revenue to local bodies through payment of part of the timber and flax royalties. At the close a vote of thanks to the Minister, and confidence in the Government, was carried with acclamations

After the speech several more deputations were received.