THE HON. J. CL WARD AT QUEENSTOWN.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 2169, 13 August 1897, Page 2

THE HON. J. CL WARD AT QUEENSTOWN.

The Hon. J. G. Ward arrived in Queen*. town by last Tuesday's steamer at 4 o'clock, and was greeted by numerous of friends at the wharf. He was escorted to the private house of Mr M. O'Meara, of whom he was the guest while in Queenstown. In the evening, at about 8 o'clock, the brass band played selec* tions in front of Mr O'Meara s residence, wherepon Mr Ward came out and thanked them for their kindness in turning out on the occasion. He complimented Queenstown on having such a combination—for a band in any town was always highly appreciated. He heard that they were going in for a contest shortly, and he hoped they would come off with first-class honors. (Hear, hear.) The following address was shortly after* wards presented to Mr Ward in the presence of a large number of friends.

TO J. 0. WARD EBQ. Queenstown, 10th August, 18J7. Dbar S«,-In bidding you welcome to the Vasal tipu we beg to congratulate you on your return to political life. The overwhelming majority to your favour at the recent election for the Awarau conitttn* ency Is as pleasing to us as it must be gratifying to youneif. While our confidence to you as an able and honourable politician has never ceased, we (eel that no better evidence could be adduced of yonr worth than the expression of opinion recently given by the electors of Awarua with whom you have been intimately associated since your boyhood.

We do not affect ignorance of the fact that you have had troubles to contend with—troubles that have in a great measure been engendered by your political opponents through envy and nursed by malice, but we are thoroughly confident that your private affairs will be speedily and honourably adjusted, and that your future career will be highly creditable to your* self, and your political services valuable to the State. We offer you a cordial welcome to Wakatipu, and believe us that the presence of yourself and family will ever be welcome to your obedient servants

John Edgar, 8. 0. Daniel, M. O'Meara, E. Ifonwn, J. W. Robertson, A. St Omor, James George, F. Finch, R. M'Dougall, W. Edgar. Mr Ward, in reply, said to had to thank all present aa well as those gentlemen who signed the address for the kindness and sympathy extended in this reception to their town. In referring to circumstances that had led up to his again entering public life, he might say that they occasioned probably more trouble than people could think or ima» gine for they had been brought about by a combination of adverse circumstances that not many men would or could go through. Although he had these serious troubles—including those connected with his private business career—he could say that he bad never wronged anybody. (Hear, hear.) Hi* private affairs had received a good deal of publicity, and been turned and twisted to every conceivable manner, to do him as much harm as possible. His opponents bad gont) beyond everyday decency in their exposition of himself. However, the "curtain was lifted for the public to gaze upon," and be could show the public how well he had come out of it so far Sympathy and esteem bad everywhere been shown throughout almost unsnrmountable difficulties. But if there was • difficulty to be got over there never was a time but what he had made up his mind to go through it. As an illustration he might compare his position to a coach which is' travelling along a road when, unknown to the occupants some person suddenly spraga the back wheels, thereby causing considerable trouble to the occupant of such vehicle in getting through, but in his (the speaker's) case, as it were both the back and front wheels were sprigged, and the trap was overturned, the horses injured, and this meant stoppage altogether. As a conse quence the horses bad to be taken out, th* wheels to be got clear to start the vehid 0 on its proper course again. The hon gentle* iran then made some remarks about Queens* town, and its beautiful surroundings, and thought the place was admirably adapted for recreative and health-giving purposes, which things it was a pity were not taken more advantage of. He thought it was also a pity that a faster train service was not established at cheaper rates to enable people from the cities to come up on a Saturday and return on the Monday. Scores of business people would take advantage of the quiet rest It would push things on very materially in the district if such a thing could be done. He would be only too happy, however, in assisting Mr Frtser, the member for this district, in trying to effect such a change. In returning to his own troubles again, he mentioned that many people—and powerful people too—nude mis. takes as well as himself. However, notwithstanding the attacks made at his political career and his private business, he was glad to say that he was able to hit out and defend himself. Many powerful and able men among his political opponents had fought against him. but be had his answer ready for them. If they "smote him on the cheek they could expect to be smitten back by '' Ward." An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth was bis motto. There are exceptions to all rules, however, and he would admit there bad been exceptions in his case. After further remarks on his own immediate business transactions, the speaker referred politically to one or two measures that he had been instrumental in getting through the House, and which had benefited the people of the colony generally. Reference waa made by the speaker to the recent election for the Awarna seat, in which he was elected by the large majority of 1128 over hie opponent, Mr Gowan. This showed the confidence his constituents had in him, although having gone through all this aforesaid trouble, and being subjected to severe public criticism. It did not matter what happened eventually—or it he had to resign bis seat again—he was confident that the electors of Awarna would again return him by e larger majority. It would not be possible to put him out of public life. (Hear, hear.) Before concluding he again thanked band* master Eraser and his men for turning out to kindly on the occasion, and for the reception given bim by bis friends. (Hear, hear.) Mr Edgar asked that three cheers be given for Mr Ward outside. The band bavins retired, those in the room drunk the health of Mr Ward, and the majority present shortly afterwards left.