MR WARD’S RETURN.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVII, Issue 2548, 28 June 1895, Page 3

MR WARD’S RETURN.

DEMONSTRATION OK WELCOME AT AUCKLAND, fiy Ttlvgraph' — Pre«tt Association. Auckland, .funo 27. Some citteons arc moving- to present an address to tho Hon J. O-, Ward on his arrival hero. The address has boon drafted hy Mr W. J. Napier. It is being beautifully engrossed in illuminated characters on vellum, and -will bo Toady for signature on Monday next. It is proposed to present Mr Ward with the address on board the Warrimoo, iminediatoly after the vessel’s arrival at the wharf. The address is as follows :—" Sni,—-TVo, the undersigned citizens of Auckland, bog to accord you a hearty welcome on your arrival in this city from Groat liritain. Your visit to tho Old Country is .recognised hy both political friends and adversaries to have been productive uJ considerable benefit not only to this Colony, but to the whole of Australasia. Tho calumnies against tho Colony which were ao persistently disseminated in Great Britain by disloyal New Zealand writers and speakers have boon triumphantly refuted by you, and you have tho proud consciousness of having placed New Zo;iZand in a higher and sounder position in tho financial world than tho country has over occupied before. Tho successful raising of XI .500,000 at an unproeo* dently low rate of interest, mainly through your exertions, for tho relief of the farmers of this country has merited for you tho special gratitude of tho agricultural classes of this Colony. Wo warmly congratulate you on tho success of your mission, and thank you for tho loyalty and devotion to Now Zealand which you havo manifested while in England. Again welcoming you on your home-corning, we are, Ac.” [Hero follow signatures.]

Tho Chamber of Coramorctt has decided to interview Iho Hon Mr Ward on hig arrival in Auckland, and to ask information from him on important commorcial matters affecting tho Colony. A Bub-comrnittoo has boon appointed to draw up a series of questions to bo put to tho Colonial Trcaemror and so save time.

A mooting of tho Ward Reception Coramittoo is to bo held to-night in Thomas’ Buildings, at 8 o’clock. All sub-commit-toos aro specially requested to bo present.