WELCOME BY CITIZENS.

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

WELCOME BY CITIZENS.

Preservation of an Address.

An Unusual Incident.

It had teen arranged that the•official welcome by Auckland citizens should take place at 12.30 on Tuesday at the Council Chambers, and at that hour they were crowded with citizens. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward and party were met by the Mayor and Sir John Campbell and other distinguished townspeople. In asking the Minister's acceptance of an illuminated address, the Mayor made an eulogistic speech anent Sir Joseph's mission m Rome, Eneland and America to further the interests of the colony. The Li-beral and Labor Federation also presented a framed. address, and here an unusual incident occurred. Mr P. J. Verheny, president of the Federation, made a long, rambling speech m praise of Sir Joseph Ward, and was twice asked by the Mayor to be. as brief as possible owing to Sir Joseph's time bains: limited. Verheny, however, evidently had a set .speech to deliver and intended to set it off his chest at all hazards ; and, despite being obliged to speak amid a hubbub of loud talking from the impatient crowd, ironical cheers and a running accompaniment of umbrella sticks knocking on the floor, he stuck to his guns and insisted on finishing his long, drawling speech, which was only remarkable for very bad taste under the circumstances. Sir Joseph, m replying, said he had great hopes of universal penny postage being an accomplished fact within the next six years, and went on to 1 ideal with somebody's allegation that he would lend himself to a wild financial policy. No one knowing him would think him insane enough to dream of doing such a thing.He assured his hearers that the new Government would be modest, moderate and at the same time progressive. (Cheers.) The present position was a grave • one for Parliament to face and required calmness on the part of people outside. (Applause.) From the Municipal Buildings the party drove, to St. Helen's Maternity Home, where an ornamental lamp, subscribed for by, men of the Newmarket Railway Workshops, as a memorial of Mr Seddon, was unveiled. Afterwards the Mayor of; •Onehunga presented an address on behalf of that town and another address from the Liberal Labor Federation was presented by Mr R.. Sutherland, J.P. Sir Joseph Ward and party finally proceeded south by. the Rarawa.