SIR J.G. WARD'S RETURN.

Evening Star, Issue 12870, 20 July 1906, Page 7

SIR J.G. WARD'S RETURN.

The Sub-committee appointed at Auckland to prepare an address of welcome to Sir Joseph Ward have adopted the following address:—"On'behalf of tho citizens of Auckland, it affords us very great pleasure to welcome you after your -visit to Europe and tbe United States. We recognise in your able advocacy of universal penny postage at the Postal Union Congress, Borne, a far-sighted effort to promote reform of international importance. The successful introduction of thds" "measure by you in New Zealand has proved of inestimable advantage to all clases of the community Your representation of New Zealand's com meroiad iutereets in the United Kingdom and America will, we feel sure, be productive of advantages to the colony. We thin! the present an appropriate time for re ferring to the many valuable services yov have rendered to New Zealand ae legislate and Minister of the Crown. In yoar a, ministration of the Railway Department ai lDtimo e knowledge of the commercial, agri cultural, and pastoral conditions of tli. colony has been reflected in administratis and tariff changes which have greatly a.> | sisted the development of our chief rural industries, your versatility as administrator has been displayed in the important office of Colonial Treasurer, and in other departments of the colonial service, and your temporary tenure of the Premiership during Mr Sed<k>n's absence in Europe was distinguished by taot, discretion, and promptitude in the despiich of public business. The energetic administration of tbe Tourist Department, through the medium of which New Zealand's attractions have become so wlidely known, also owes much to your personal direction. In welcoming you baek, our minds revert with the deepest sorrow to the great loss which New 7jot\ land and the Empire have sustained through the death of the late Eight Hon R. _J. Seddon, P.C. A graver respond bility has thus been cast upon you and other memoers of the Cibinet, which wil' call for the most earnest thought and devotion to public.duty. We trust that thr of the colony will have the benefit of your riw experience for monv years to come. With cordial good wisheV for yourself, Lady Ward, and family."