SIR J WARD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8198, 31 July 1906, Page 5

SIR J WARD.

ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND,

By Telegraph—Press Association

AUCKLAND, July 30.

Sir Joseph Ward arrived from a visit to Europe and America by the San Franoisco mail steamer, to-day. He was met by a number of the leading citizens, and it was arranged that the formal reception be postponed till noon to-morrow. In a short address from the steamer's deck to a] large crowd, Sir J. G. Ward referred in feeling terms to the death of. the late Mr Seddon, and to the necessity of the formation of a strong Government. He expressed his pleasure at the return of Mr T. Seddon for Westland, and paid a high tribute to Mr HallJones for the manner iu which he had carried on the business of the country since the late Premier's death. He went on to refer to the great responsibility thrown on the late Mr Seadon's colleagues, and asked the people to suspend judgment till the new Government had time to settlo down to their work and fully consider their policy. He said his trip had impressed on him the fact that New Zealand was in advance of other countries in many directiuns, and particularly mentioned the management of such State services as railways and telegraph. Referring to the political situation, Sir Joseph Ward said he bad never in his life intrigued to obtain a position or place in the Ministry, and wuuld intrigue under no ciroumstances either to obtain or hold a position, and no maintained that if a man had to intrigue to get or hold a position his usefulness to the country would be sapped. Only a strong Government under the altered circumstances can ho'pe to carry on the affairs of the country as successfully as they demand to be carried, on, and it would be his duty to consult with his uolleaguee, and as a representative cf the people and a Minister of the Crown to try and form i\ new Government that would oommaud the respect and support of the majority of the people of this country. That was necessary, and would be done. Sir Joseph Ward was heartily ap ■ plauded.