THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 233, 30 March 1912, Page 5

THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S FAREWELL. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Friday. Sir Joseph Ward, the retiring Premier, met the heads of the Departments in the public service yesterday with a view to bidding them farewell. The gathering was held in the Cabinet room, the apartment being crowded. Sir Joseph Ward said that it was painful to have to take leave of the heads of the departments with whom he had been associated for so many years. With some he had been associated very intimately. He felt the impending separation keenly, and he wished to thank them fo'r their valuable services rendered to the country during the long time he had been a Minister of the Crown. Mr. W. C. Kensington, Under-Secre-tary for Lands, replied on behalf of the whole service. Brief speeches were also delivered by tlie heads of those departments with which Sir Josph Ward had been directly associated. They expressed regret at his departure from office. In concluding his speech, Sir Joseph Ward spoke at some length about the different departments he had been connected with. He claimed a record of service as Postmaster-General, having held 1 the portfolio since 1891. In an appreciative reference to the manner in which the postal officers carried out their duties he particularly mentioned Mr. Robertson, Secretary of the Post Office. Sir Joseph Ward said that naturally parting from the heads 'of departments, whom he had known for many years, was a matter of great regret. He had' tried in his Ministerial capacity to help the service by providing better opportunities for advancement for younger members, and for the present only he. would say au revoir, as he would be present as a private member in the House. Cheers were given for Sir Joseph Ward and Lady Ward. Sir Joseph then left for the Governor's residence, where he handed his resignation to the Governor and recommended him to send for Mir. T. Mackenzie. The latter submitted for approval the names of his new colleagues, and they were formally sworn in at Government House.