SIR JOSEPH WARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 59, 20 May 1907, Page 3

SIR JOSEPH WARD

ENTERTAINED BY DUBLIN STUDENTS. A FAREWELL ADDRESS.' HEARTY SEND-OFF FOR HOME. Received 10th, 4.45 p.m. London, May 18. Sir Joseph Ward was entertained at dinner by 250 students of Dublin University. The Provost of Trinity College presided, and proposed Sir Joseph Ward s health. Sir Joseph Ward, in response, mentioned that a number cf graduates of Dublin University, including Lord Plunket, he'd high positions in New Zealand. The students made a great demonstration as Sir Joseph Ward left the lull Sir Jo*ph Ward has issued the following farewell address: —"Before leaving England I wish to express my thanks i for tlie very great kindness of all classes of the community. I have everywhere been treated with the greatest possible cordiality, and attentions lnve been shown me in such profusion that it is impossible to acknowledge them individually. I fully recognise that in honoring me, the people of <Jreat Britain have shown their goodwill for New Zealand, and their desire to draw closer the ties binding them to their oversea kinsmen. New Zealand well understands this, and heartily reciprocates the sentiments. Speaking as one of the representatives of the oversea dominions, I am satisfied that, though we have not accomplished all we aimed at, our labors have not been in vain, for the~ noble ideal of Empire unity is distinctly nearer and clearer than before we came."

Sir Joseph Ward inscribed his name in the Visitors' Book at Buckingham Palace. After having taken farewell of Lord Elgin' and the other visiting Premiers and Colonial officials, the Wards, Dr. Fitchett, and Mr. Belcher started from Charing Cross for Brindisi. The party received a hearty send-off, boquets of roses and lilies being presented to lady and Miss Ward. The large gathering present to bid farewell included the Hon. ,W. P. Reeves and Mrs. Reeves, Earl Haddington, Sir Westby Percival, and Mr. Bertram Cox of the Colonial Office.