SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8473, 27 June 1907, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

RECEPTION IN WELLINGTON. By Telegraph—Press Ajsociation. WELLINGTON, June 26. Sir Joseph Ward and Lady Ward arrived by the Maheno at noon today, and were welcomed by the members of the Ministry and a number of personal friends. A public reception will be held to-night. The weather for the reception of Sir Joseph Ward to-day was depressing, drizzling rain falling; but these conditions did not diminish the heartiness of the welcome accorded to Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. Sir Joseph, in the course of an interview, said that he was in excellent health. He had in fact, come through the ordeal scathless, as he had not been indisposed for even half-an-hour. He was the only one of the Prime Ministers who could say that he had fulfilled every engagement he had accepted, and that alone was a great performance.

By Telegraph—Press Association,

WELLINGTON, June 26. The city's formal reception of Sir J. G. Ward took place in the Town Hall this evening. The Hon. T. W. Hislop, Mayor, presided Sir Joseph Ward, Lady Ward and Miss Ward, entered the Hall to the strains of "Home, Sweet Home," played by the Garrison Band. The Premier looked the picture of health. As he walked to the front of the platform he was heartily received, the audience rising. The Mayor referred to Sir Joseph's services'to the colony, and welcomed him home again on behalf of the citizens of Wellington. (Applause.) , The Premier, on rising to speak, was met with vociferous applause, the audiepce giving three cheers. Sir Joseph prefaced his remarks by returning thanks for the enthusiastic reception he had received. He quoted the message of His Majesty King Edward to New Zealand, expressing deep interest in the welfare of the colony and pleasure at the rapid strides New Zealand was making in industrial and social progress, and wishing New Zealand and her people all prosperity and happiness. Sir Joseph referred to the Hon. W. Hall-Jones' indisposition, andjsaid it had been decided that he should take six months' holiday. He hoped that the Hon. Hall-Jones would return restored to health. The Premier also referred to the deaths of Messrs E. M. Smith, W. M. Bolt. Lancelot Walker and Sir John Hall. He desired to adjourn the House after transacting small business until Tuesday to enable members to attend Sir John Hall's funeral. > Sir Joseph only briefly touched upon Conference matters, much upon the same lines 'of what has already been published. He explained that it was not generally understood that no resolution was of avail unless it was unanimous, and that was why when there was any opposition resolutions were not pressed to a divison. Great Britain being opposed to preference it would have been useless to attempt to carry any resolution in its favour. All they could do was t.> discuss it from the colonial point of view. In conclusion Sir Joseph Ward mentioned that Parliament opened tomorrow. He could not touch on political matters at that gathering, but would say that one item in the Governor's speech they would find would be a matter of great pleasure to every political class in New Zealand.

CABLE NEWS

United Press Association—Bv'Electric Telegraph Copyright