THE PRIME MINISTER.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 63, 13 March 1912, Page 9

THE PRIME MINISTER.

DEMONSTRATION IS WEBTLAXV APHEEdATION AND CONGSATOLA. TION. (By Telegraph.—Picas Association.) HOKITIKA, Tuesday. A public meeting of the supporters o! the Liberal party was held in the Town Hall to-night. The weather was not favourable, but there were about 100 people present. The Mayor of Hokdtika presided. Among the speakers were the Mayors of (Ross and Kunura. Very appreciative references were made to the services renderd to the Dominion by Sir J. Ward and the liberal party. The following resolutions were carried unanimously:—(l) "That thi» large and representative meeting of the Liberals of tne Westland electorate begs to tender to the Bight Hon. Sir J. Ward its appreciation of the right hon. gentleman ac the distinguished leader of the party, and congratulates ham on the marry valuable services to the Dominion standing to his credit, and specially on the Liberal and progressive nieaures eaacted -by his Government; but more particularly it is desired at 'this moment to specially congratulate Sir J. Ward on tlw success and tact with which he carried through the recent brief session of Parliament to the advantage of the Liberal party, which he has throughout led wish such marked ability." (2) "That this meeting of the Wefttland League learns with great regret that the Right Hon. Sir J. Ward has decided to voluntarily retire from the leadership of the Liberal party on Parliatfsent, and jvhile expressing satisfaction at his intention tc continue to assist the party, feels compelled to give voice to the general wish prevailing in this district that the right hon. gentleman should be asked to reconsider hie decision of retiring from the leadership, and expresses the hope that in the readjustments of portfolios about to be undertaken weight will bo given to this wish." (3) "That an invitation be extended to Sir Joseph and Lady Ward to visit Westland at some convenient date after thie month, an'l he the joint guests at a social, to be h-eld about that time, in honour of the re-election of Mr. T. E. Y. Seddon to Parliament as the Liberal member for Westland." (4) "That the residents of H'Jkitika present be a general committee to further the supcpsr of the social proposed, and that a meeting be held at the County Chambers this night week, ti> appoint a sub-committee and make all arrangements necessary for the function."