PRESENTATION TO THE PREMIER.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 139, 11 December 1908, Page 4

PRESENTATION TO THE PREMIER.

TRIBUTE FROM HIS CONSTITUENTS. [BY TELEGRAPH — riIES3 ASSOCIATION.] WINSON, 10th December. On the 21st October this year Sir Joseph Ward completed his majority as member of the House of Representatives. Tho circumstance was fittingly recognised at tho timo by his legislative brethren, and to-night the electors of the northern end of the Awarua electorate paid their tribute to- the political achievement of their member, who- has represented them continuously for twenty-ono years. _As a tangible evidence of his past services the electors presented to Sir Joseph Ward a handsome solid siher tea and coffee service, six piece's in all. The presentation was made by Mr. C. D. Moore, Mayor of Winton, at a crowded meeting. In doing bo, he referred to the very useful and important services rendered to the electorate by Sir Joseph Ward, and also to the very valuable work done by Sir Joseph for, the country. Mr. Moore Jianded tof'niitl the. presentation amid tumultuous applause. The Primer Minister was greeted with prolonged cheering when he rose to respond. He thanked those who had been instrumental in organising the function, and those who had contributed towards the presentation. He recognised that no man, no matter how desirous he might be of doing his duty, could go through such a long period of years without making mistakes, and he was especially grateful to the electors of his own constituency for having condoned such mistakes as he had made. He referred to the defeat of his late colleague, Mr. M'Nab, expressing regret that his electors had not seen fit to return, himi His retirement and that of Mr. Hall-Jones would necessitate a change iv the Administration. There were vacancies to be filled, and his task as "leader of the Government in selecting the beist men to fill them was one of unusual difficulty. So far as Mr. M'Nab was CQncerne.fl^ it was only a matter of time when 'would be given an opportunity; to/.return to political life, if not as member' for his late constituency' then as representative of some other part of tho country. Frequent representations had been made to him urging the claims of .particular members for* office, but his responsibility as head of the Government required him to consider carefully and examine the claims of all aspirants. When Cabinet Tiad come to a decision he would make representations to His Excellency, and he ask his own electors and the people, of the country to believe that in making his selection he had endeavoured to do his best for the country as a whole. Ho hoped before very long to be able to make these recommendations. He concluded hia brief address with graceful expressions of thanks to all concerned in tho promoting of the presentation, and also tho. electors who had returned him as their representative by such a large majority.