MR WARD IN THE WAIKATO.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 9939, 10 December 1900, Page 2

MR WARD IN THE WAIKATO.

_—♦ . Entertained at a Smoke Concert.

Cordial Reception.

[per press association.] Hamilton, Last night. The Hon. J. G. Ward paid a flying visit to the Waikato on Saturday. He received deputations on local matters at Hamilton and Cambridge, and was entertained at a smoke concert at the latter place, the Mayor being in the chair. He received a cordial reception. In reply to the toast of " Ministers," he said it afforded him great pleasure to be present, and the cordial reception he had received was most gratifying, and thanked Mr Buckland for the kind remarks about himself. The country was in a prosperous condition, as evidenced by men and women having twenty millions in the Savings Banks of the colony. They had never before been able to point to such impregnable facts. It was difficult to estimate how fast the country was progressing. Not long ago, when in Australia or any other country, it was not a wise thing to say you came from New Zealand. Now to say you hailed from New Zealand was of the nature of a passport. The sons of the sons of the pioneer settlers had brought this about. There were not many people who could have predicted what course the young men would follow when dangers arose. Mr Kruger had service to the colony and the Empire. Their support of the Empire had made New Zealand more safe. They had now taken upon themselves responsibilities, and they must be represented in the Lords, and have representation on a Council of advice. All now recognised the advantage of having the large estates divided. All now had an opportunity of acquiring land. Increased settlement would soon make the railways give the revenue back to the State. At present there were 7000 people employed on the railways. He hoped in 20 years time there would be 40,000. The railways were a splendid asset. They had cost 16 millions. That the indebtedness of the colony was 40 millions was spoken despairingly of by some people, but he contended that it was a mere flea-bite compared with the assets. The exports from the colony this year would total thirteen millions, and this was a true value, as the Customs officers saw that no fictitious values are put on. Other toasts followed, and songs were given by Mr Ward and several others. The p*rtv broke up about 11 o'clock, when Mr Ward and his party left by train for Auckland.