MORE SYMPATHY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10131, 3 December 1910, Page 5

MORE SYMPATHY.

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL'S TURN. SIR JOSEPH WARD BECOMES A MARTYR. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Last Night. The members of the Legislative Council assembled this evening for the purpose of tendering to Sir Joseph Ward an assurance of their sympathy with him on account of' the attack he has recently been subjected to. The Hon. Mr Carncross, in the absence of the Speaker, informed the Premier that he liacl- invited him to meet the members of the Council in order that they might have an opportunity of assuring him, not as a party or as politicians, but as men, of their syfnpathy, and to congratulate him on the warm regard 1 felt for him right throughout the country. The Hons. Smith and Luke endorsed the previous speaker's <t remarks. Sir Joseph Ward was greeted wit u hearty, cheering when he rose to reply. -He expressed his sincere thanks for what he regarded> as an unique and graceful compliment, ile appreciated very highly the kind words of the speakers. Men in public life had, he said, to receive hard knocks, which were looked upon as adjuncts of the position, and public men ought to take them in-a proper spirit. But there were some people who adopted tactics that would be recognised, even by savages, as tactics of cowardly assassins. "He therefore appreciated the kindly words of the speakers, Had he been as bad as lie was painted in the scurrilous pamphlet, he felt sure men and women of independent character would not have stood by him in the way they had done. (Applause.) . In his public career he had always tried to avoid injuring his fellow men, and to show leniency wherever possible. He had passed through a very trying time, but he recognised that the proper course was to maintain a silent and dignified attitude, until, at last, the time came when he could make a full statement. He believed every right-thinking ''man and woman realised it was a low-down method of at-, ..tack adopted towards him. That night's pleasant ceremony woulcl stand out in his memory as a most pleasant one, prompted as it was by pure good heartedness oh the part of members of the Council. It was reassuring and encouraging, and made him feel that they had keen sympathy for him in the circumstances under which he had been placed. The C. Bowen, Speaker of the Counc'l, assured Sir Joseph Ward that he was glad to see him in the Council Chamber, and to assure him of his sympathy in this very disgraceful business. Sir Joseph said he would convey the Council's graceful compliment to his wife and family, who would appreciate it evemnore than he did. Cheers for Sir' Joseph and Lady Ward concluded'the meeting. ,