THE HON J. 6. WARD.

New Zealand Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 2851, 20 June 1896, Page 2

THE HON J. 6. WARD.

The Hon J. G. Ward accompanied by Mrs Ward took their departure for the South by the Tasmania yesterday afternoon. Although the House was sitting, the Hon the Premier and various members of the Ministry drove down to say good-bye to their late colleague. The part of the wharf where the steamer was lying was regularly blocked with people down to say farewell to Mr and Mrs Ward. Ladies risked the weather, which was threatening, to eco the last, for a time at least, of Mrs Ward, for she by her kind and many pleasing qualities is quite as much a favourite amongst those of her own sex as Mr Ward is amongst his. Bankers, commercial men, many of whom are opposed to Mr Ward in politics, together with members of both Houses of Parliament wore there, anxious to prove to Mr Ward that they esteemed him as their friend, and sympathised with him in his misfortune. One pleasing incident was that thebeadsof all the departments over which Mr Ward has recently presided were present, whilst many of the clerks engaged under him asked and obtained leave to go down to the steamer to see their late chief away. This conclusively proves the high esteem in which Mr Ward was held by those working under him, and that they revered him for his many kind and sterling qualities. Wo wish Mr and Mrs Ward every success, and hope to soon sea them back again amongst all their Wellington triends.