THE PREMIER'S RETURN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13450, 29 May 1907, Page 6

THE PREMIER'S RETURN.

The determination of the citizens of Wellington to accord a public reception to Sir Joseph Ward upon his return to the colony will be heartily approved by the rest of the colony. For our Premier has not only taken his place.at the Imperial Conference, but has acquitted himself in that place creditably and well. He is not a great orator, as were two of the Premiers, but he has not posed as an orator. He has. assumed to be only what he is, a - practical man with practical views; and this has been recognised both by his colleagues within the Conference and by. public without. Doubtless Sir Joseph Ward occupied a peculiarly advantageous position as representing a colony which has no divided opinion upon Imperial matters, and as being thus assured beforehand of hearty support or friendly criticism in whatever he said or did. -But this might very easily have induced him to be bombastic and fanciful, whereas we can gratefully say'that its only effect was to make him more conscious of responsibility and more ready to arrange difficulties than to thrust himself unduly to the front. Without in any way belittling the good work done by Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Mr. Deakin, or any other delegate, we have no hesitation in saying that no man did better or less showy! work at the Conference than Sir Joseph Ward, or will be more favourably remembered by the able statesmen who took part in it. The colony naturally gains credit and , reputation by the merits of those who represent it at great gatherings ; and if only as fair repayment for this good service at the Imperial Conference, the whole colony will join in tendering Sir Joseph Ward a very hearty and cordial welcome home.