EFFECT OF THAT PAMPHLET

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 201, 3 December 1910, Page 5

EFFECT OF THAT PAMPHLET

PREMIER AND THE LEGISLATIVE ! COUNCIL. | . "WARM EXPRESSIONS OF ESTEEM. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night., MewlxTH of the Legislative Council assembled this evening for the purpose 01 tendering to Sir .Joseph Ward an assurance of thnir sympathy with him on account of the attacks he has recently been subjected to. Hon W. C. F. Carwross, in the absence of the Speaker, informed the Premier that lie had invited him to meet the members of the Council in order that they might have an opportunity of assuring hiitn, not as a .party or as politicians, but as men of their sympathy and, to congratulate him on the regard felt for him right through the country. Hons. (Smith and Luke endorsed the previous speaker's remarks. Sir Joseph Ward was greeted with hearty cheering when he rose to reply. He expresed his sincere thanks for what he regarded as an unique and graceful compliment. He appreciated very highly the kind words of the speakers. Men in public life had to receive hard knocks, which were looked upon as adjuncts of position, and "public men ought to take them in a proper spirit. But there wer*» some people who adopted tactics that would be recognised even by savages as tactics of cowardly assassins. He threfore appreciated the kindly words of tlve speakers. Had he been as bad as he was painted in the Scurrilous pamphlet, he felt sure the men and women of independent character would not haw stood by him in the way they had done. (Applause.) In his public career he had always tried to avoid injuring his fellow men and to show leniency wherever possible. -He had passed through a very trying time, but he recognised that the proper course was ito maintain, a silent and dignified attitude until at last the time came when he could make a full statement He believed every rightthinking man and woman realised it waa a low down method of attack adopted towards him. That night's pleasant, ceremony would stand out in his memory as a most pleasant one, prompted as it was by pure good hieartedness on the part of members of the Council. It was reassuring and encouraging, and made him feel that they had keen sympathy for him in the circumstances in which he had been placed. The Hon! C. C. Bowen, Speaker of .the Council, assured Sir Joseph Ward that he was glad' to see him in the Council Chamber, and to assure him of his sympathy dn a very disgraceful business. Sir Joseph- Ward said he would convey the Council's graceful compliment to his wife and family, -mho would appreciate it even more than he did. Cheers for Sir Joseph atid Lady Ward concluded the meeting.