SIR JOSEPH WARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 11876, 30 January 1902, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

£BY TELEGRAPH. ASSOCIATION.] Ross, Wednesday. The Ministerial party had a long day yesterday. The luncheon at Kokatahi was a brilliant success. There was a large attendance and much enthusiasm. Sir Joseph Ward was taken to various points on the river, and shown the ravages of the flood, and the' necessity of bridging the Kokatahi River. Later on, at Eimu, Sir Joseph , Ward was presented with v complimentary i address from the Miners' Association. Ross was reached shortly before eight p.m., when Sir Joseph gave a political address, speak-, ing ioi an hour and a-half. Totar? Hall ■■was crowded. Much enthusiasm was displayed at both Rimu and Ross, and votes of thanks to the Minister and confidence in the Seddon Ministry were carried with acclamation. Sir Joseph Ward and Lady Ward dined with the Mayor of Ross Borough ; and the councillors, and subsequently attended a social and dance, which wound up the day's engagements. The reception of the visitors everywhere was most hearty. Sir Joseph Ward was engaged with deputations this morning. He left at noon for . Hokitika, .via Lake Mahinapua. : • Hokitika, Wednesday. ~_ Sir Joseph Ward returned from Ross late this afternoon. After taking de- ; ■ putations dealing .- with local matters, he addressed a packed audience in the Town Hall, the Mayor presiding. Sir Joseph Ward spoke at length to the ; same effect as the speeches he has already '. delivered on the West Coast. He received ' ,an ovation at the. close. A vote of thanks } for his address and confidence in the Seddpa Government was carried by acclamation.