POLITICAL BANQUET.

New Zealand Mail, 8 February 1900, Page 55

POLITICAL BANQUET.

CONGRATULATING MR WARD. A SUCCESSFUL ‘G ENTERC ARGiLL- January 3s; err The banquet tendered " to “ the Ston" v y ard by his constituents on his _ instatement mtbe rijunistTyr-was; » conspicuous 600 comprised many gentlemen WarO 3ft* i a V . iile chairman- 'was;’- Sfr ; Du-ii-' Counpii airmJ A n Southland County Messrs ’ c- Ar ij mong ® t the guests were-.-v. Waller on ’ *7* -McKenzie,V '~W.~ Slt Af Jj h k m^ on > Twom ey,' Feldwickr Monism Hanan,—Gilfedder, -Millar r . aitf e G an ’ Barclay, ; Cairn cross Speeches wero delivered by all the

Ministers and {several members expressive of their confidence in Mr Ward rtah3ierpeiibdl.of his. troubles, and satisfaction at liis return to the Cabinet. «, The Premier in a lengthy speech referred to ..the refusal to desert his friend ,when in adversity. Without dragging up the miserable past, he could that. th& whole of the persecution of his arose from attempts to dowu tlie .Colonial Treasurer, and through' him the Liberal party and Governpient. The late general election had proved that the members of the wMihistiy wfere the pride of the men and the darlings of the women of the constituencies.' He enumerated recent > progressive, -legislation, and said be . hoped next session to pass legislation reducing the hours of labour for women !,to forty-five per week. It was cabled ;.that the Secretary of State for the Colonies had invited the representatives

of the Australian Federation to meet in London to advise in passing federal legislation in the Imperial Parliament. We ought also to have a representative to watch the course of that legislation and see that openings were left for reciprocal treaties between New Zealand and Australia. The Hon John McKenzie referred to his long acquaintance with ixLr Ward, who had' always fought with hiru shoulder to shoulder for the good of the colony. He feelingly referred to Mr Ward’s attention to him'during his illness in London, and said he had been present when he (Mr Ward) made certain payments to creditors, who said they had not expected to have their claims settled. They had presented Mr Ward with the service of plate which was exhibited in the room. Mr McKenzie spoke of the gallant battle fought last- session by the Premier without his colleagues, and said the work next session would be : easier.

The toast of the guest- was proposed by Mr Jenkins,, a, local farmer. On rising to reply, Mr Ward received an ovation. After thanking the speakers and his constituents, he referred briefly to his political history.' tie had he said, lought 23 local elections, winning every one. On leaving the House in 1896 lie, had told them they had not seen the last of him. He .was conscious of knowing that lie had never intentiton-

ally wronged man or woman. He had ' up his mind that no power would stop him, and lie wished to put- on rei-' .tpg warm-hearted reception he had h -L. had. in season and out of season in good or evil repute, from his constituents. Ho - had never directly or indirectly written about his opponents, and he -would"- like to_ state that one n.u./mkn- who had x been employed to wriW 7 lo agamstrthe Administration and himself -™“ written him on liis deathbed asking . him to forgive and forget what he had done to earn a living for his familv. it was a matter of extreme regret that - in. this country the idea prevailed that it was right to asperse men’s characters and) attack the private affairs of nolitical opponents. But so far as he was concerned, the miserable system of trymg to vilify public men had missed its object. He was, however, prepared to forget and forgive, but still was not going to waive one jot of what was due to his wife and children. P roceediu g* did not terminate till 1.45 a.m