A SYMPATHETIC GATHERING

Evening Star, Issue 14529, 3 December 1910, Page 13

A SYMPATHETIC GATHERING

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND SIR J. G. WARD. [Pr.it Umtkd Pkkss Association.] WELLINGTON, December 3. Members of the. Legislative Council assembled last evening for the purpose of tendering to Sir .1. G. Ward, an assurance of their sympathy with him on account of the attack ho had recently been subjected to. The Hon. W. Carncross, in the absence of the Speaker, informed the Prime Minister that he had been invited to meet members of the Council in order that they might have an opportuniy of assuring liirn, not as party or as politicians, but as men, of their sympathy, and to congratulate him on the warm regard felt for him right throughout the country. The Hons. \V. C. Smith and C. Luke endorsed the previous speaker’s remarks. Sir Joseph Ward was greeted with hearty cheering when ho rose to reply, lie expressed his sincere thanks for what ho regarded as a unique and graceful compliment. He appreciated very highly the kind words of the speakers. Men in public life had to receive hard knocks, which were looked upon as adjuncts of the position, and public men ought to take them in a proper spirit, but there were some people who adopted tactics that would be recognised even by savages as tactics of cowardly assassins. He therefore appreciated the kindly words of the speakers. Had he been as had as he was painted in tho scurrilous pamphlet he felt sure that the man and women of independent character would not have stood by him in the way they had done.—(Applause.) In his public career he had always tried to avoid injuring his fellow-men and to show leniency wherever possible. He had passed through a very trying time, but he recognised that the proper course was to maintain a silent, dignified attitude until at last the time came when ho could make a full statement. Ha believed that every right-thinking man and woman realised that it was a low-down method of attack that had been adopted towards him. That night’s ceremony would stand out in his memory' as a most pleasant one, prompted as it was by pure goodheartedness on the part of tho members of the Council. It was reassuring and encouraging, and made him feel that he had their sympathy for him in the circumstances under which he had been placed. Sir C. Cj Bowen, Speaker of tho Council, assured Sir Joseph Ward that he was glad to see him in the Council Chamber, and to assure him of his sympathy in tho very disgraceful business. Sir Joseph Ward said ho would convey tho Council’s graceful compliment to his wife and family, who would appreciate it even more than he did. Cheers for Sir Joseph and Lady A Yard concluded the meeting.