THE COUNCIL AND THE PRIME MINISTER.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10628, 3 December 1910, Page 1

THE COUNCIL AND THE PRIME MINISTER.

(Per Press Association.)

Wellington, December 2. Members of the Legislative Council assembled this evening for the purpose of tendering to Sir Joseph Ward assurances of their sympathy with him on account of the attacks to which he has .recently been subjected. Sir Carncross, in the absence of the informed the Premier that he had invited liim to meet the members of the Council in order that-th.ey might have an. opportunity of assuring him, not as a party, or as politicians, but as men, of their sympathy, and to congratulate him on the warm regard felt for him right throughout the country. Messrs Smith and Luke endorsed the previous speaker's remarks. Sir Joseph Ward was greeted with hearty cheering when lie rose to reply. He expressed his sincere thanks for what he regarded as a unique and grateful compliment. He appreciated very highly indeed the words of the •speakers. Men in public life had to receive hard knocks, which were looked upon as adjuncts of tlfcir positions, and public men ought to take them in a proper spirit, but there were some people who adopted tactics that would be recognised even by savages as the tactics of cowardly assassins. He, therefore. appreciated the kindly words addressed to liim. Had he been as bad as he was painted in the scurrilous pamphlet, he felt sure men and women of independent character would not have stood by him in the way they had done.—(Applause.) In his public career he had always tried to avoid injuring his fellow men and to show leniency wherever possible. He had passed through a very trying time, but he recognised that the proper course was to maintain a silent and dignified attitude until at last a time came when he could make a full statement. He believed every right-thinking man and woman realised that the method of attack adopted towards him was low down. That night's pleasant ceremony would stand out in his memory as a roost plni'sxit one, prompted, as it was, by pure gold-heartedness 011 the part of members of the Council. It was re■assuring and encouraging, and made him feel that he had their sympathy in the. ..circumstances under which he had been -.placed. Sir Charles Bowen, the Speaker of ■the Council, assured Sir Joseph Ward that .he .was glad to see him in the Council Chamber and to assure him of their "sympathy in a very disgraceful business.

Sir Joseph said he would convey the Council's graceful compliment to his wife and family, who would appreciate it even more than he did. Glieers were then given for-Sir Joseph » arid Lady Ward.