SIR JOSEPH WARS IN SOUTHLAND.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11400, 20 November 1917, Page 4

SIR JOSEPH WARS IN SOUTHLAND.

CORDIAL GREETINGS FROM CONSTITUENTS. SEVERAL PROBLEMS REFERRED TO (Per Press Association.) WINTON, Last Night. Sir Joseph Ward, who is ou a visit to Southland, arrived at Invercargill on Saturday afternoon and was accorded a very hearty welcome home. He was met at the railway station by tho Mayor and Councillors and congratulatory speeches wore given and reference made by the Mayor to the valuable services Sir Josouh Ward had rendered, not only to New Zealand, but to the Empire as a whole. On Sunday Sir Joseph Ward paid an unofficial visit to tho Bluff, and this evening lie visited Winton, where ho received a hearty welcome, tho town band turning out and playing him to tho hall.

In proposing Sir Joseph Ward’s health at a dinner, given by the Mayor and councillors, the Slay or (Sir T. Walker) said they welcomed him, not only as the member for Awarua, a constituency he had represented faithfully and well for 30 years, but they welcomed him also as a Minister of the Crown and joint head of the National Government, and as one ‘ of the first to represent the Dominions on the Imperial War Cabinet. Ho had made a reputation throughout the Empire, not only as a great Imperialist but as a groat and far-seeing statesman. In the course of his reply, Sir Joseph Ward referred to the supremo sacrifices that had been made throughout the Empire. Whatever the future had in store, they were not prepared to relax their efforts to win the war, in the interests not only of these of the present generation, but for- all those who were' to follow. This was not the time when statesmen could give up actual work, to lay the foundation stone for the building up of the future structure of the Empire, but there was no reason why they should not think about the important and farreaching subjects concerning the future relationship between the oversea countries and the Motherland. Our duty was to think Imperially, but at the same time not to forget the ordinary requirements and interests of our own people. Problems of a most difficult nature had to be settled, and New Zealand would have to apply itself with great determination and fixity of purpose when the war was over, to ensure tho future prosperity of the country. There would have to bo co-operation, on a sensible basis, between Capital and Labour to produce the best results. He paid a tribute to tho statesmen of Great Britain. They had had a gigantic task and enormous problems to unravel.

A public meeting was Held in Moore ? s Hall later. It was a wet night, but the building was crowded. The Mayor presided. Sir Joseph Ward said the present was not a time suitable for political action, from tire standpoint of party polticiaus, whether they wore in the ranks or in the position of leadership. All they were concerned in was wanning the war,, so that the freedom of the world and civilisation might be jn'cscrvcd. (Applause). That was why the National Government had been formed.

Referring to the shipping problem, Sir Joseph said it was well known at Horae that Xcw Zealand could not live unless siio could get her products away. He could net give away any figures, hut he had in sight a good number of steamers, and ho did not think those in control of the shipping at Home would allow Hew Zealand to become endangered by not having a proportion of steamers to cany away the products of the soil. (Applause). By the end of March next. How Zealand would have raised internally over £50,000,000 sterling. In regard to the cost of living, Hew Zealand was the best off of the whole Empire. There had been criticism, but when men and women had been, invited to show how things could be improved, they had not a single practical proposition to bring forward. Hew Zealand had only a- white population of 1,100,000, and yet were the war to finish within twelve months, wc would be financially the strongest part of the British Eihpire, and we would then be able to relax the high taxation tho war had mado necessary. Ho and the other members of the Ministry recognised it as their duty to keep the farms occupied and at work. They would do everything in their power to carry this out. (Applause), Sir Joseph Ward' was accorded a hearty vote of thanks by acclamation, followed by cheers for himself and Lady Ward.