THE POPULAR SIR JOSEPH.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 248, 19 October 1928, Page 9

THE POPULAR SIR JOSEPH.

ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORTERS.

CHEERS AND SINGING.

Frequent cheers and the strains of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" showed the enthusiasm and the loyalty of the followers of the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward when he officially met the Auckland executive of the United Party yesterday afternoon. It was quite a small gathering, yet for sheer enthusiasm and devotion, they would have been hard to surpass.

"There is no greater pleasure in the world than meeting old campaigners and old political friends." said Mr. Jonathan Trevethick. He said it gave him great pleasure to welcome the United party's general to their headquarters. As loyal members of the party, he assured Sir Joseph that the United party's followers would be loyal to his commands. "We can predict a glorious victory for the United party on election day," said Mr. Trevethick. "After the battle our banner will be flying triumphantly and our forces will be intact. Our general will lead us on to even greater victories, and the other forces will be scattered."

After thanking the company for their welcome, Sir Joseph said that he would always cherish with pleasurable memories the reception which was given to him at the Town Hall the other evening. It had been one that any man in the world wonld have been proud of. He was exceedingly proud to find the deep interest that was being taken in the United party's movements. "We must not relax," he said. "What I said at the meeting at the Town Hall I will substantiate, if the opportunity comes my way, with the co-operation of members. I have not made one proposal that I cannot carry out. My loan proposals will be of great value to the people in the future. "I am quite satisfied i:i my own mind that what I have stated can be done. I have persuaded myself of the immense importance of shaping new course on the road which leads to our goal. Our success will be prosperous and not fictitious," said Sir Joseph. He next touched on the unemployment question, saying that the only corollary was system.

"The United party wants the confidence of its own courage," continued Sir Joseph. "We want determination to achieve things in a few years and to show that we have not lost courage. In the conflict about to take place there are bound to be changes, and if the United party gets in, I can put into practice what I have outlined to you. As far as I can remember election campaigns, there has never been more interest taken in a party than is at present being taken in ours. I hope that on election day we will be able to unfold the flag of courage and freedom," said Sir Joseph. Sir Joseph Leaves for Wellington. Accompanied by the Dominion organiser of the United party, Mr. A. E. Davy, Sir Joseph Ward left for Wellington by the Limited last evening. Quite a big crowd of friend- and supporters gathered at the station and gave their leader a rousing send-off.

After spending a few days in Wellington, Sir Joseph will go to the South Island to address meetings in Christchurch, Invercargill and elsewhere.