THE HON J. G. WARD.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 2846, 15 June 1896, Page 2

THE HON J. G. WARD.

The Hon J. G. Ward arrived from the South yesterday. He is not, as some of his opponents and enemies would like it believed, “ dead yet/’ politically or otherwise. The Premier and the rest of the Ministry turned out to a man to meet their colleague ; a very largo number of Government supporters were there to greet their Treasurer, some few members of the Opposition also were there to appreciate no doubt a foeman worthy of their steel, whilst quite a host of personal friends of Mr Ward risked their Sunday dinners being cold in order that they might pay their respects to him and show him by their presence and sympathy that his many great kindnesses to all and sundry were not forgotten. Sir Eobert Stout evidently could not spare time from his ordinary duties to attend, though probably it was he who arranged for his partner Dr Findlay to go down on his behalf. This at least shows a kindly feeling on the part of Sir Eobert. Whilst the crowd were waiting for the steamer to come up to the wharf, many and many were the kind expressions of sympathy uttered on behalf of Mr Ward, and of regret that, in order to attend to his political duties, ho had unfortunately sacrificed his former profitable business and also his private income. Some hard knocks were also delivered to the contemptible creatures who, at the first appearance of a man’s downfall, were ready to assist it with a kick, some of these being the very ones who, during the Treasurer’s reign, were ever ready to cringe and crawl for his patronage. Ward accompanied her husband to be near him with comfort and assistance whether coming events were to be for weal or woo. A caucus of Government supporters is to be held at 3 o’clock this afternoon to consider the position in regard to the affairs of the Colonial Treasurer. It is rumoured that Mr Ward’s resignation will not bo handed in until the decision of Mr Justice Williams is made known, but that at the caucus; an assurance will be given that the resignation will be handed in eventually.