RECEPTIONS TO PRIME MINISTER

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 135, 4 March 1929, Page 12

RECEPTIONS TO PRIME MINISTER

ENTHUSIASM AT GISBORNE TRIBUTES TO SERVICES Dominion Special Service. Gisborne, March 3. The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) was accorded a series of highly enthusiastic receptions at Gisborne during yesterday and to-day. On his arrival last night he was met outside his hotel by cheering crowds who also joined in the singing of lor He b a Jolly Good Fellow.” In the even ng a civic reception was accorded the Prime Minister, an overflow gathering representative of every shade of political thought and business interests assembling. In welcoming Sir Joseph Ward, the Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, described the guest of honour as being one of the best known statesmen m the British Empire. (Hear, hear.) The hope was expressed by the.chanman of the Harbour Board, Mr. W. G. Sherratt, that Sir Joseph Ward would live long to lead the party he had so ably led in the past. , Mr. T. Corson, speaking on behalf of the Reform interests in the district, extended to the Prime Minister a hearty welcome. “We learnt recentij, he added, “that your health has been improving, and we hope you will remain in good health. (Applause.) We wish you every success.” (Hear, hear.) The ex-Minister of Public Works, Mr. K. S. Williams, joined in the welcome on behalf of the Poverty Bay district. The whole of the Native race would appreciate the action of the Prime Minister in finding time to unveil the memorial to Sir James Carroll. “I am glad to see you here and to see you looking so well,” added Mr. Williams. “I expect to live for another 40 or 50 years,” said the Prime Minister amidst laughter, when acknowledging the welcome. “How much longer than that would you have a man live?” (Renewed laughter.)

The Prime Minister was cheered on his arrival and departure.

England’s Recovery.

He was given a rousing welcome at the social gathering organised by the local branch of the United Party, niqny tributes being paid to his services to New Ze'aland. ‘Mr. T, Makitanara, M.P. for Southern Maori, described Sir Joseph Ward as the deliverer of New Zealand. There were many politicians in New Zealand, but there was “only one statesman —Sir Joseph Ward.” (Loud applause.) In the course of his reply Sir Joseph Ward referred ■to England's recovery from the war. Another country, he said, had tried to become the main financial centre of the world, but had got nowhere near London, and in his opinion never would. (Applause.) We in New Zealand were not nearly as bad off as we were sometimes inclined to think. A letter he had recently received from Home declared that prices for wool and frozen meat would not fall, and that those of butter and cheese would remain good. Nothing should be done which would harm the products of the land, and help should be given towards effecting improvements in the manufacturing industries. It was the duty of the Government to do nothing that would detrimentally affect’ either the country or the town, or the mass of the people. Co-operation of all sections was required to advance the country’s best interests. (Applause.) Mutual Trust Wanted. “What we want,” he said, “is to pull together. We want Reform, United, and Labour working with each other. We want mutual trust and forbearance, and not each at the other’s throat all the time.” (Applause.) A vast gathering of Natives assem-. bled in connection with the Carroll memorial celebrations gave the Prime Minister a great welcome, with full Native honours. Representatives from all the tribes' in New Zealand Acted as spokesmen. In the afternoon- Sir Joseph unveiled a memorial to the late Sir James Carroll, at the conclusion of which, thousands responded to an impromptu call for cheers. Acknowledging the Native welcome, Sir Joseph Ward said the stage had been reached where both races could afford to trust each other arid rely on each other in the solution of common difficulties. The Maoris could rely on justice from their European brothers and sisters.