POLITICAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 151, 21 November 1914, Page 3

POLITICAL.

SIR JOSEPH WARD AT DUNEDIN. A GREAT RECEPTION. INfTENSE iEXCITEMENT AND EN-' THUSIASM. (Special to Daily News.) Dunedin, Thursday. Sir Joseph Ward has cause to be satisfied at the splendid reception accorded him at Dunedin to-night. He was advertised to speak at.the Garrison Hall at eight o'clock, but long before that hour the vast hall was crowded, and the doors had to be closed, hundreds of people being turned away. Not only was every seat in the main body of the hall and the galleries crowded, but the stage also was utilised, seating accommodation being provided for a number of people on the platform. The hall was gaily decorated with the flags of all nations, prominent amongst them being those of the Allies. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, who walked to the hall from the hotel, had a very difficult task in getting into the building, so large was the crowd outside who could not get admission. When at last the leader of the Opposition fought his way into the hall, his appearance was the signal for a great demonstration. He was cheered wildly, the whole audience rising to applaud him as he walked through the building to the platform. The ladies waved their handkerchiefs, and the men their hats. The Mayor, Mr J. B. Shacklock, presided. | There was further cheering when Sir Joseph Ward commenced his address. His speech was on the lines of those delivered in other places in the south. He outlined his policy and expanded upon it, and severely criticised the Government for not carrying out their election pledges. He received a splendid hearing, applause being frequent, and at times "deafening. He spoke for two hours and a quarter, and on resuming his seat received an ovation.

On the motion of Mr J. H. P. Hamel, seconded by Mr James Haymes, the following resolution was carried unanimously, amidst a wild scene of enthusiasm: ""That this meeting of electors of Dunedin thanks Sir Joseph Ward for his magnificent address, expresses itself of an opinion that the Massey administration is unworthy of confidence and support, and pledges itself to do its utmost to secure the defeat of the 'Government at the election." There was not one dissentient voice, and the meeting, which closed with cheers tfor Sir Joseph Ward and Lady Ward and "boohs" for Mr .Massey, can only be regarded as a great triumph for Sir"joscph Ward and the Liberal Party. The fine meeting culminated in a scone wfliich is seldom experienced on any other than election night. The steps ( of the hall and the streets outside the building wctc lined by a dense crowd waiting to get a plimpse of Sir Joseph. When he and Lady Ward reached their carriage, loud cheers were given, and the excited crowd unhitched the horses and the carriages, propelled by a number of : enthusiasts and followed by a tremendous crowd, was wheeled to the monument to the accompaniment of cheers , for the Liberal party, for its leader, for ! the dreadnought, and the local Liberal and Labor members. j

A speech was demanded, but Sir Joseph was excused when he said his voice would not permit him to speak in the ope nair after coming out of a heated hall. Further cheers were given with enthusiasm, and Sir Joseph and Lady Ward were escorted to their hotel, the cheering lasting until the hotel doors closed, when the crowd gradually dispersed. The meeting was in grt-at contrast to the one held the previous evening when Mr Masscy 'attended a meeting of the Tory candidate for Dnnedin south, and for his pains received a warm time, and was finally counted out, and a resolution was carried against his candidate by an overwhelming majority.

DATE OF CLOSING ROLLS. By Telegraph.—Per Press Association. Wellington, Yesterday. Writs will be issued to-morrow and , the enrolment of voters will cease at (i p.m. Nothing is fixed as to the date of the election yet. j THE OROUA SEAT. Fcilding, Yesterday. Mr J. Morrison, the Liberal candidate for Orou;i. addressed a meeting her" last night. He supports Mr J. Ward on the navy and general policy, favours a 55 per cent, majority on both issues of the liquor question and is against a referendum on Bible-in-Schools. He had a good hearing. RANGITIKEI SEAT. Marton, Yesterday. Mr R, E. Hornblow, Liberal candidate for the Rangitikei seat, addressed a large meeting last night at Marton. He was well received and at the conclusion !of the meeting a vote of thanks to the candidate and confidence in the Liberal Party to administer the affairs of the country was carried, with cheers for I Sir Joseph Ward and Mr Hornblow.