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New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13234, 20 July 1906, Page 6

On behalf of the citizens of Auckland it affords us very great pleasure to welcome you after your visit to Europe and the United States.

We recognise in your able advocacy of universal penny postage at the Postal Union Congress, Rome, a far-sighted effort to promote at reform, of international importance. The successful introduction of this measure by you in New Zealand has proved of inestimable advantage to all classes of the community. Your representation of New Zealand's commercial interests in the United Kingdom and America will, we feel sure, be productive of advantages to the colony. We think the present an appropriate time for referring to the many valuable services you have rendered to New Zealand as a legislator and Minister of the Crown.

In your administration of the Railway Department an intimate knowledge of the commercial, agricultural, and pastoral conditions of the colony has been reflected in administrative and tariff changes which have greatly assisted the development of our chief rural industries. Your versatility as am 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. Seddon's absence in Europe was distinguished by tact, discretion, and" promptitude in the despatch of public business. The energetic administration of the Tourist Department, through the medium of which New Zealand's attractions have become so widely known, also owes much to your personal direction. In welcoming you back our minds revert with the deepest sorrow to the great loss which New Zealand and the Empire have sustained through the death of the late Right. Hon. J. Seddon, P.C. A graver responsibility has thus been cast upon you and other members of the Cabinet, which will call for the most earnest thought and devotion to public duty. , ; We trust that the Legislature of the colony will have the benefit of your ripe experience for many years to come. With cordial good wishes for yourself, Lady Ward, and family.

Sir Joseph will be met on arrival by the sub-committee, and the address will be presented at the Council Chaimber at noon on the* day of his arrival should the mailboat reach port in the morning.