SIR JOSEPH WARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 291, 5 June 1912, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD

BANQUET AT INVERCAKGILL. By Telegraph—Press Association. Invercargill, Last Night. There were some seven hundred residents of Southland present at the banquet tendered to Sir Joseph Ward tonight in the King's Hall. Amongst those present were the Prime Minister, the Hon. Thos. .Mackenzie, and the Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister for Education. In reply to the toast, "Our Guest," Sir Joseph said that he did not intend tq refer to any policies or possibilities, either party or personal. He contrasted the conditions of the country twentyfive years ago, when he entered Parliament as member for Awarua. Closer settlement 'was scarcely known then, trade conditions were'very different, and the people now were generally better eft. lie outlined the various measures which the Liberal administration has introduced, the altered conditions which had been brought about. He referred particularly to the nationalisation of the water-power of the Dominion, which, he said, would be a boon the effects of which were inconceivable. Sir Joseph went on to speak of the great prosperity of Southland, and concluded his speech admfst cheers and applause. Sir Joseph .was presented with an illuminated address containing photos of the scenic resorts in Southland, and the signatures of the banquet committee.

The Prime Minister, in a brief speech, said that, Sir Joseph Ward's name was famous throughout the Empire. There were some puny intellects who tried to frustrate the efforts of their distinguished guest, but difficulties for some men were made to be converted into stepping stones. Sir Joseph's Dreadnought offer had made Europe pause, and Mb name was indelibly printed in the history of the Empire.

The Hon. J. A. Hanan referred to the party spirit and prejudice which dominated the politics of the country, and expressed the desire that it should be cleared away and that the Government of the country should be placed on sound democratic lines.