SIR JOSEPH WARD AT AUCKLAND.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15137, 28 November 1914, Page 10

SIR JOSEPH WARD AT AUCKLAND.

(abkidged press association rkpoet.) AUCKLAND, November 27. A very flattering reception was accorded Sir Joseph Ward, Leader of the Opposition, to-night, when he delivered a political address in the Town Hall. The building was crowded to its full capacity—3oo0 —within a quarter of an liour of the opening of the doors at 7.15. aad the seats on the organ loft were all occupied. Many also stood, and hundreds were unable to obtain admission. Prominent on the platform were the local Opposition candidates. Mr J. Trevethiek, of the Liberal and Labour Federation, presided. A storm of prolonged applause greeted Sir Joseph as he stepped on to"the plat-

form, a scene of tremendous enthusiasm being witnessed, and repeated when he rose to speak. Sir Joseph Ward spoko on of his recent addresses in the South Island. He promised that when he had to advise the Governor after December 10th to approve a new Liberal Ministry, half that Ministry should represent the North Island. Sir Joseph Ward asserted that when his Government went out of office they left the Minister for Finance tho largest amount in the Consolidated Revenue that had over been so left, namely. £807.270. Yet, at tho end of the present Government's second year the Minister for Finance had gone back till there was only £376,000 to the credit of the country. In other words, tho present Government had allowed tho ordinary revenue to go back to tho extent of nearly £450,000. Look at the drift that was on in this country a-t present. This drift was appalling. Sir Joseph Ward asserted that, outside their legislation in connexion with the freehold, every other bit of legislation of tho present Government had been taken from the Liberals. (Applause). Ho reiterated his previous denial that there was an alliance between tho Red Feds and' "Liberals. It- was a bogey liLs opponents were holding \ip ix> tho public. Thero were more "Red Feds" standing against the .Liberals in the present contest in tho South than at last election. Ho enumerated the planks of his policy as in previous speeches. A now plank was "removal from th 3 Slatuto Books of legislation which enables the existence of a system of bogus irnions. Sir Joseph was warmly applauded on resuming his seat, and a vote of thanks and confidence, including a pledge to endeavour to oust the present Government, was moved by Mr T. Lang and seconded by Mr E. H. Potter. This was carried by a substantial majority, only a. few dissentient voices being raised. Prior to dispersing the audience gave Sir Joseph three cheers.