PRIME MINISTER ON TOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14589, 27 January 1911, Page 5

PRIME MINISTER ON TOUR.

RECEPTION AT STRATFORD. [BT TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Stratford, Thursday. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) arrived at Stratford by train this evening, and was accorded a very hearty reception. The Mayor gave a civic welcome, and Mr. Joseoh McCluggage, on behalf of the local Liberal League, presented him with an address, expressing a cordial and hearty welcome and confidence in Sir Joseph as head of the party. Mr. McCluggage said . that attempts to undermine his influence and destroy - the Government, made by certain politicians, had only recoiled upon themselves, and that to-day the Prime Minister stood, higher in the esteem and regard, not onl- of the Liberal party, but of the people of New Zealand, than ever before. The Prime Minister suitably acknowledged, and was cheered by the large gathering present, the station platform, being crowded. A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE. [BY telegraph.—own correspondent.] Stratford, Thursday. ' The 'meeting addressed by' Sir Joseph Ward to-night in the Stratford Town Hall, was a marked, success. The building was crowded in every part with a, most cordial and friendly audience. At the conclusion of the speech the following motion, moved by Mr. N. King and seconded by Mr. Si Ward, was carried without dissent and amid applause: —That this meeting accords the Right Hon. Sir Joseph Ward its hearty thanks for his statesmanlike address, and expresses its continued confidence in the Liberal party, and in the Government'of which he is the distinguished head." Three hearty cheers were also given for the Prime Minister, who was subsequently entertained at supper privately by the members of the Liberal organisation. VISIT TO AUCKLAND. Sir Joseph Ward, after speaking at New Plymouth to-night, will leave. by steamer for Onehunga, arriving here tomorrow morning. In the evening he will deliver a political address at Devonport. On Monday 1 evening the Prime Minister will attend the banquet to be given to the visiting mining engineers at the Grand . Hotel.. The Minister for Public Works (the Hon. R. McKenzie) left • Wellington yesterday for Dannevirko on Departmental business. To-morrow he proceeds 4to Auckland and Thames to attend the conference of Australasian mining engineers.