SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14369, 31 May 1912, Page 7

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

THE CITIZENS , WELCOME

(PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.)

WELLINGTON. May 30

Thoro was a very big gathering in the Town Hall to-night, when Sir Joseph and Lady Ward were the guests of tho citizens of "Wellington. The Mayor, Mr D. McLaren, prosided, and among thoso on tho platform were Sir John I'indlay, Sir James Carroll, tho Hone. J. A. Hanan and J. Colvin. and Dr. Te Rangihiroa. Tho Prime Minister, and all other Ministers wuo arc absent from Wellirmton. s-ont apologies and good wishes. Mr H. C. Tewsley. chairman of the committee which organised the gathering, presented Sir Joseph with an illuminated address, expressing appreciation of his public services and of his inerite as a citizen. Lady Ward was presented with a bijou grand piano. After Mr Tewslcv had spoken. Sir James Carroll and Mr Hanan spoke in high terms of praise regaiding the character of their lato political chief. Sir Joseph Ward had a magnificent reception. Ho said ho would not, at tho present stage, deal with tho political situation in New Zealand. He would, however, take an oaily opportunity of sotting his views and his plans for the future before the public. Referring to tho last elections, ho said :>.t that time ho was negotiating for loans amounting to four million pounds. When he saw tho results of tho first ballots, ho hung off tho money market, and after tho second ballot ho decided not to ro on with the loans. Had those transactions been carried nut, the present tightness in tho local money market would not have been experienced.