The Hon. J. G. Ward. TO THE EDITOR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2206, 11 June 1896, Page 39

The Hon. J. G. Ward. TO THE EDITOR.

■ / TO THE BDITOJB. '.Sir,— It is to be hoped that a large meainro of charity will be extended to Mr Ward personally in what must be to him a very trying •• position over the recent proceedings in connection with the association bearing his name. The legal gentlemen engaged in the case have ventilnted the subject fully, and it is not my purpose to discuss a matter that is srib judiee, but it is obvious th«t while Mr Ward has suffered the severest penonal los*, the cemmunity with whom he was trading gained correspondingly by the enhanced prices of its produce through the sauguine speculations. How few of as under similttr circumstances would have declined a bank's assistance in the endeavour to retrieve first lozses, which were doubtless caused by the abnormal fall in value of products, especially when so many struggling families were interejted. I think that the public will agree that Mr Ward is not a man likely to discard this leispn, and it will doubtless giva him that measure of caution which a man of his large heart and sympathetic temperament requires in public as well as in private business. I may cay that this letter is not • influenced bj the slightest political ot interested feeling, bat is merely an expression of sympathy with one who has been ever ready to extend a helping hand or word of encouragement to others — qualities that have made him hosts of friendi,— while his marked abilities hava singled him out a» a typical representative of young New Zealand.— l am, &?., June 8. Sympathises. From Greymrmth last weak 2822 tons of coal and 26,941 ft of iimber were exnoxted