SIR JOSEPH WARD

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 45

SIR JOSEPH WARD

INVERCARGILL'S WARM WELCOME. JNVERCARGILE, February 23. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward arrived by the through express to-night, and were met at the station by a large gathering Responding to the Mayor's welcome. Sir Joseph remarked that it was the first time for 33 years he had come to Inyercargill in a private capacity, but he came just as happily in that capacity, and on the following night he would speak at Winton, where he intended to_ deal with some incidents that led to his defeat at the last election. It was due to 'himself not to let anyone believe that the machinations put on foot were other than ths work of those who considered that the cud justified the means. He was never a revengeful man. His feeling at that moment was that of a young man breasting the running tape, who did his best to finish first, but was prepared to wish the other fellow the best of kick. He did not mind fighting or reverses, " bait he did object to hitting below the belt. He would probably have to leave the conn try for a short time, and later wmtld have to absent himself for a longer period, but he was not going to leave New Zealand. He was pleased to be a free man. He could asentre them that he was going to be much more influential out of Parliament than in it,, even as Prime Minister.