SIR JOSEPH WARD

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8189, 2 August 1912, Page 7

SIR JOSEPH WARD

■PRESENTATION FROM PUBLIC TRUST OFFICE STAFF.

When Sir Joseph Ward resigned his position os Prime Minister in March lost, it was decided by tho staff of the Public Trust Office to present him with an illuminated address as a reminder of his long connection with tho office us its .political head. Tho address (the text of which has already been published) was presented to him last night at the annual dance of the head office staff, after haying been sent right round the Dominion for signature. Tho presentation was made by Dr. Fitohett, the Public Trustee, who remarked that the office had been under Sir Joseph's charge as Minister for about twenty years, right from, tho days of its infancy to those of sturdy manhood. The staff of the head office thought when Sir Joseph came to retire it was only fitting that they should give soma expression of appreciation of the kindness ho had uniformly shown them. The reason for the delay in making the presentation was that tho address hod to be sent round to tho branch offices, and it only came back, after being signed by nearly every officer in the service, a week ago. This was the first appropriate occasion which had come since for making the presentation. On behalf of the staff -he wished Sir Joseph Ward, Lady Ward and their family every happiness in the future. Sir Joseph Ward was received “with very hearty applause. He said that he accented with much gratification the testimonial which tho service had been good enough to present to him. and assured them that he would always highly value the appreciative expreosions made use of in tho address. Tho Public Trust Office was recognised as a groat public institution, and had the confidence of everyone in the country. It was destined to bo one of the largest departments In the public service. No man could bo other than proud of such a connection with a great department of State as he had bad. The entire freedom from political Influence which characterised the department was tho only way in which It could retain its hold upon the confidence of the people. He thanked all who had had any part in the presentation, and said that the address would bo always approelated by him and his. (Applause).