THE HON. J. G. WARD’S DEPARTURE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2770, 31 January 1895, Page 3

THE HON. J. G. WARD’S DEPARTURE.

The Hon. J. G. Ward was entertained at a banquet in the Theatre, Invercargill, on Monday night, about 200 sitting down at the tables, and a similar number occupying seats in the circle. Replying to the toast of his health Mr Ward spoke for about an hour on current political and financial topics, his remarks being much the same as at Dunedin on Saturday. At the Bluff on Tuesday Mi Ward was presented with a diamond ring by the residents, accompanied by an address, and with a gold guard by his old schoolfellows, also with an address. Mrs Ward was presented with a dressing case and carriage clock from the ladies of Campbelltown. A very large party of Invercargill citizens and country settlers, accompanied by the Dunedin members and the Hon. H. Feldwick, proceeded to the Bluff by the early train on Tuesday morning, in order to see the Hon. J. G. Ward and Mrs Ward off in the Monowai. The Bluff wharf was crowded by residents of the port and visitors, with whom the Treasurer had a very busy time handshaking. As the steamer swung from the wharf hearty cheers were given for Mr and Mrs Ward A party of over a hundred, including Mr Ward’s family, then embarked on the harbor board’s tug Awarua, which accompanied the large vessel to the heads, where the bunting of both steamers was dipped, the whistles blown, and the final farewells waved with handkerchiefs and hats.