THE BLENHEIM MEETING.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 25, Issue 41, 29 May 1914, Page 5

THE BLENHEIM MEETING.

AN ENTHUSIASriC RECEPTION. When Sir Josrph Ward rose to speak in the Town Hall on Tuesday night shortly after eight o’clock he faced a gathering that taxed the capacity of the building to the utmost, reports the “Express” Both the lower floor and the gallery were crowded to the exclusion of late comers ; and the attendance was certainly never exceeded, and is in all probability a record in the political annals of Marlborough. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. J Corry) presided. The leader of the Liberal party was accorded an enthusiastic reception. He was warmly cheered on his appearance ; was given an ovation when he rose to commence his address ; and, having held the interest of his large audience at a high pitch for more than two hours and n-half, wa« applauded with warmth and at considerable length when he resumed his seat There were but few interjections, and these only served to whet the edge of Sir Joseph Ward’s wit, enabling him to score heavily ip what he pleasantly termed the “ interludes” of. bis deliverance.

He deal: with the Land for Settlement Act and Advance to Settlers Act and other beneficial measures which the Liberal party had placed on the Statute book. Financial matters were dealt with at length, the broken promises of the present Government, the “ toy navy,” the strike, the second ballot stonewall, etc. , When the speaker resumed his seat Mr R. McArtney, in a brief speech, said the Liberal Party had the proud distinction of having at its bead a man who had been recognised by British statesmen as a statesman. It was a statesmanlike speech that they had just listened to. He moved ; “ That this meeting of Wairau electors assembled in the Town Hall at Blenheim tenders to Sir Joseph Ward a hearty vote of thanks for his able address and a vote of confidence in him as the leader of the Liberal party in this country, and wishes him and his party every success at the forthcoming elections.”

Mr A. McCallum seconded the motion, which was put in the usual form by the chairman and carried without a dissentient voice and with a storm of applause. Bir Joseph Ward briefly acknowledged the compliment.

Sir Joseph Ward, acoompTnied by Lady Ward, arrived at Pioton at five o’clock on Tuesday morning, and were met by Mr R. McCallum, M.P., and were afterwards welcomed by the Mayor G. J. Riddell), Borough Councillors, and other leading citizens. At the various stopping places on the train journey to Blenheim warm welcomes were extended to the party, the most numerous gatherings being at Tua Marina and Spring Creek. Arriving at the Blenheim station at about 10.45 a.m. Sir Joseph and Ward were very cordially received by a large crowd. ’ The visitors were then conducted to the Council Chamber, where a civic reception was accorded them. During their stay in the Blenheim district the visitors were taken for a motor trip through the Wairau Valley district, visiting the Hillersden Estate and other points of interest en route. Some eighty miles of country were covered during the day. At Hillersden Sir Joseph was beet by a number of settlers and shown the State School. He addressed the children and at, his request they were given a half-holiday to mark the occasion. At Wairau Valley the Leader of the Opposition was met by about fifty fettlers—a big gathering for such a scattered district —and after a short address the speaker was heartily cheered A visit was also made to the Wairau Bar Harbour Works now in progress.