SIR JOSEPH WARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 244, 21 February 1911, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD

A WELCOME AT WINTON. By Telegraph.—Preas Association. Winton, Last Night. Sir Joseph Ward to-night addressed his constituents of Awarua electorate at Winton. On his arrival at Winton he was met by a large gathering of local townspeople, and was triumphantly escorted to the public hall, the procession being headed by the Winton Band. At his meeting he was enthusiastically wel- ■ coined by a crowded assembly, and was I presented with an address recording appreciation of his services to the Dominion as Prime Minister and indebtedness for the able performance of his duties aa M.P. for Awarua electorate for the past 25 years. Wishes were also expressed for his success as New Zealand's representative at the forthcoming Imperial Conference. In his speech Sir Joseph Ward reviewed several measures passed last session on lines previously reported elsewhere. He pointed out that by the National Annuities Act a man could provide for his widow and family in case of death, and further, the needy backblocker could by small payments ensure getting a sum at times of maternity that would ensure his being able to send his wife where she could get medical attention, and thus reduce the risks that nowadays had to be taken by the poor backblockers. He pointed out that the revenue for the last ten months was £873,000 more than for the corresponding period of last year, and predicted the increase to be £1,080,000 by March 31. He elaborated to show that this prosperity was due to the reflex of prosperity in other parts of the world, and to the maintenance of the value of our products. Our exports and imports had touched the record of £40,000,000, and the deposits in the banks had made another record of £40,000,000, while the population in the last nine months had shown an increase which in proportion out-distanced all other Australasian States. A vote of confidence in the Government and in Sir Joseph Ward as its leader was unanimously carried amid loud cheers. On the conclusion of the speech, Sir Joseph received an outburst of applause, which was continued for some minutes, and he was later presented with an address signifying appreciation of his services to the electorate and the Dominion, and confidence in him and the Government.