THE PRIME MINISTER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20272, 4 June 1929, Page 10

THE PRIME MINISTER.

SIR JOSEPH WARD IN CITY.

WARM WELCOME EXTENDED.

FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY.

POLICY SPEECH THIS EVENINC. No political loader could have been more enthusiastically received than the Primo Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, upon his arrival at Auckland by tlio limited express yesterday morning. " I feel as if I havo corrio home," said Sir Joseph, in responding to the warm expressions of welcome extended to him, and that typified the feeling of those who thronged tho station precincts to catch a glimpse of the veteran leader, paying his first visit to the city since his assumption of office as Primo Minister in December. It was essentially a friendly gathering, and the Prime Minister said he would discuss matters of Government policy elsowhere.

Waiting to greet Sir Joseph as the train drew in, an hour behind scheduled time, wero four Ministers of tho Crown and members of Parliament. They were the Hon. W. B. Tavomer, Minister of Railways, tho Hon. 11. Almore, Minister of Education, the Hon. A. J. Stalhvorthy, Minister of Health, the Hon. J. B. Donald, Postmaster-General, Mr. G. C. Munns, M.P. for Roskill, Mr. 11. R. Jenkins, M.P. for Parnell, Mr. J. S. Fletcher, M.P. for Grey Lynn, and Mr. A. J. Murdoch, M.P. for Marsden.

Making his way through a cheering throng, and pausing hero and there to exchange a handshake with a remembered friend, Sir Joseph took up his stand on an improvised rostrum, in company with Mr. Jonathan Trevithick, chairman of the Auckland executive of tho United Party. " Grand Young Man." " This great gathering of your friends, met to extend to you their heartiest welcome and warmest congratulations,"is evidence of the continued faith and confidence in you as the director and guide of tho destinies of New Zealand," said Mr. Trevithick, in publicly welcoming the Prime Minister to Auckland. When Sir Joseph had previously visited Auckland, recalled the speaker, the Leader of tho United Party had confidently predicted his next visit to (he city would bo as Prime Minister. To-day the prophecy was being fulfilled. That tho faith reposed in Sir Joseph Wan I had not been misplaced was shown by the spirit of optimism evident in all classes of tho community, Tho weleomo was endorsed by Mr. E. Aldridgo, who declared that New Zealand could show no record equal to the rebirth of Liberalism at the last election. Tho success then achieved was chiefly due to tho faith of tho people of New Zealand in " New Zealand's grand young man of politics, Sir Joseph George Ward." Enthusiasm v.-as given full rein when I lie Prime Minister began to address the gathering. Sir Joseph conveyed his thanks to those who had come, out in such numbers to greet him. He felt as if he had come home. It had been difficult for him to como north because of the amount of work that had developed upon the Administration, but ho felt that ho-could not begin the next session of Parliament without first paying his respects to Auckland. Great Responsibilities.

"I came Ik;fore as ihe leader of a parly, advocating a policy calculated to promote the, best interests of the Dominion," said Sir Joseph. "Since then my position as a party leader has been transformed into that of Prime Minister. This has brought great responsibilities at a time when those responsibilities have to be recognised by the Government, the Parliament and the people of the Dominion. We have not got an easy task—l readily admit that. In some respects our task is very difficult, but I have sufficient confidence in the capability of those associated with me and in Parliament itself to believe that wo shall rise above those difficulties. The present circumstances do not deter us from laying clown a policy for the good of the people, a policy best calculated to promote the best interests of all classes in the country." It was not a time to skirmish on minor matters, continued Sir Joseph. The Government intended to ask Parliament to adjudicate on matters of major moment, and particularly to put move people on the land than had been the case during the past 10 or 15 years. The land was the sheet anchor of the Dominion's progress. "I do not intend to deliver a policy speech this morning," said Sir Joseph in closing. "I will reserve that for tomorrow evening. I thank you for coming out on a morning which is very attractive elsewhere. (Laughter.) I assure you your warm welcome is much appreciated." Unable to Attend Parade.

Owing to the lateness of the train's arrival, the Prime Minister was compelled to cancel his engagement to the military review in honour of tho King's Birthday at the Domain. Later in tho day he attended the races at Ellcrslie, and in the evening he was present at the King's Birthday dinner at Government llouso. . ,

The Prime Minister will receive a civic reception at tho Town llall at noon today. A visit will be made to tho Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen's Club at 12.45, and at 1 o'clock the Prime Minister is to attend the Auckland Advertising Club's luncheon. At 8 o'clock in the evening Sir Joseph will address u public meeting in tho Town Hall. Interviewed after his arrival, Sir Joseph indicated that ho preferred not to discuss matters of Government policy until this overling's meeting. As he whimsically expressed tho position: do not want to piny second fiddle to myself by speaking on those subjects now." ' The present tour, which will embrace a visit to Rotorua on Friday, will bo the last the Prime Minister will undertake before the opening of tho session of Parliament on Juno 27. Sir Joseph thinks that the session will bo of about normal length, and should not extend beyond foitr months, _ . Accompanying tho Prime Minister aro his daughter, Mrs. B. 13. Wood, and his private secretary, Mr. C. A. Jeff cry.