WARD'S WELCOME.

NZ Truth, Issue 59, 4 August 1906, Page 5

WARD'S WELCOME.

The event of the week has, of course been the arrival m Auckland from his six months' tour abroad, of Sir Joseph Ward; the Premier designate. Although the weather was not upon its best behavior on Monday afternoon, Aucklanders turned out m force to welcome the distinguished home-comer. The mail steamer Si*rra rounded North Head at 3.30, md soon afterwards the Harbor Board launch Kuaka started away to meet her, bearing a representative deputation to greet Sir Joseph and formally welcome him back to New Zealand. It was five o'clock before the Si- ■'-" erra was finally berthed at Quay-

street jetty, and as the steamer ranged alongside hearty cheers were given for Sir Joseph and for Lady Ward and family. The Minister, standing on the main deck bowed his acknowledgments and m response to repeated cries for a speech moved along to the stern of the vessel and there delivered a spirited, but guarded, address. He acknowledged the warmth of the reception and then referred feelingly to the death of his old chief and personal friend, Mr Seddon. Sir Joseph reviewed the political situation and appealed for, time to allow him to get matters m order before being judged. He referred particularly to the statement that he I was out of touch "with the workers lof New Zealand, and referred to his past career as sufficient refutation of that suggestion. His desire was to do what was right and just m the interests of the country and all concerned. Sir Joseph Ward concluded by sayin ' 'good-night ; good luck ; -may dear old New Zealand go on and prosper as you wish it. I wish it, and if it does it will be one of the most happy, prosuerous and attractive countries m the world."' Dong cheering followed the future Premier and his .party-en route to the Star Hotel.