VISIT OF The Hon. SIR JOSEPH WARD, K.C.M.G.

Opunake Times, Volume XV, Issue 769, 28 February 1902, Page 2

VISIT OF The Hon. SIR JOSEPH WARD, K.C.M.G.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION

Wednesday last, being the occasion of the first visit- of Sir Joseph Ward to Opunake, was quite a gala day in the town. His visit was made at the request of the people, who were desirous of hearing him, and they consequently tendered him an invitation and request that he would perform the ceremony of opening the new Post Office and Courthouse recently erected. The town was gaily decorated with bunting by Mr Des Forges, assisted by Messrs Swaysland and Wallace, and generally the place bore a ■holiday look. Many country settlers came into town for the occasion, and the school children were given a holiday and were in evidence at the open‘iug ceremonies. The reception committee had decided on a much more effective display, but the notice of the exact time of his visit was so short that all the proposed arrangements could not be carried out. At one o’clock the Ministerial party, consisting of Sir Joseph Ward, his private secretary, Messrs E. M. Smith and, F. McGuire, M.H.E.’s, Ronayne, Gore, and G. W. Taylor, arrived,' and we re received by the reception committee and a large assemblage of the public. Mr M. J. Brennan, chairman of the reception committee, welcomed Sir Joseph Ward to the town, and called for three cheers for him, which were given with a will. The party then proceeded to the Post Office, which was gaily decorated with bunting, and the chairman introduced the business of the day. On coming, forward Sir Joseph Ward was greeted with applause, and said it afforded him very great pleasure to be present that day, the occasion being an important one in the history of the town and district. Ministers as far as was possible endeavored to make themselves personally acquainted with all parts of the colony, the affairs of which they were called on to administer. He was highly gratified and pleased with the appearance of the magnificent country ho had passed throngh that day, and was delighted to observe the general air of comfort and prosperity which he had noticed on all sides. The district was noted for its rainfall, bat this could only be looked on as a great blessing, when they considered the great droughts which afflicted parts of the neighboring Australian colonies. The whole of New Zealand was in a highly prosperous state, and he was pleased to see every evidence that this district was participating in it. In regard to the postal and telegraph department with which that day’s proceedings were intimately conn'ected, it would be admitted that it was one of the most important branches of the public service. Its officers needed to be men of the utmost integrity, as the most private affairs of the community had to be entrusted to them, and he had no hesitation in saying that it enjoyed the fullest confidence of the public. The first post-office was opened in Opunake in 1870, and the first postmaster was Mr Black, who received the munificent salary of £5 a year. Now the staff, had increased to three. He then gave a comparitive statement showing the growth of business. The Government, he said, where possible wlien erecting public buildings, looked to the future and consequently had erected the present office in brick and had so planned it that when necessary it could be enlarged, which he hoped the rapid progress which the district was evidently making would soon become a necessity. The member for the district, Mr E. M. Smith, had never lost an opportunity of bringing the needs of the district under the notice of the authorities, and he had just returned from England where he had been engaged in endeavoring to bring the irousand industry to a succesaful issue. If he succeeded it would mean great prosperity, not only to Taranaki, but the whole colony, and he was sure every one present, as well as himself, hoped that Mr Smith would be successful in bis endeavors as he had spent the best years of his life and his indomitable energy in the undertaking. (Applause.) He said he was pleased to learn that the school-children had been granted a holiday as, on such occasions he requested that favor on their behalf. Again wishing every prosperity to the district and that it might continue making rapid strides he now had much pleasure in declaring the Post office duly opened. (Applause.)

Mr E. M. Smith then came forward and was warmly received. He said he would not detain them then as he intended taking the earliest opportunity of addressing and he woqld reserve his remarks till then. He briefly referred to his mission home and took the opportunity of thanking Mr McGurie for having given him a pair during his absence, so that the Government should not lose the benefit of his side (Applause.) Mr F. McGuire, on stepping forward was received with enthusiasm, and said it afforded him much pleasure to be present on such an auspicious occasion, and he hoped that it would not be long until the rapid development of the town and country ueoesitated larger public buildings still and that it would be connected by rail with the main line near Eltham. (Applause.) Cheers were then given for Sir Joseph Ward, Messrs Smith and McGuire, and the chairman. The party then proceeded to the new Court-house where, in a brief speech, Sir Joseph Ward declared it duly opened.