The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25. 1911. SEND-OFF TO THE PRIME MINISTER.

Southland Times, Issue 14633, 25 January 1911, Page 4

The Southland Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. Luceo Non Uro. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25. 1911. SEND-OFF TO THE PRIME MINISTER.

The public meeting which has been convened by the Mayor to consider the advlsableness of tendering the Prime Minister a farewell prior to.his leaving New Zealand for London is decidedly a step In the right direction, and one which every member of the community, no matter of what political creed, should heartily support. Sir Joseph Ward is on the eve of proceeding to London on a mission which will probably prove of great importance in the history of the Empire. He will serve the Dominion in a dual capacity, viz., as its representative at the Coronation of the Sove-

reign and at the all-important Imperial Conference. In taking part in these two functions the Prime Minister will represent, not any particular party, but every man, woman and child in this Dominion. Therefore, the proposal that a farewell should be tendered to him is outside the bounds altogether of party politics, and it behoves every member of the community on an occasion of the kind to forget for the moment all political differences, and to join in recognising in a tangible way the importance of the mission which has been delegated to New Zealand's Prime Minister. The task confronting Sir Joseph Ward is one which demands exacting attention and ability of a high order, and it is safe to say that fortified by the sympathy and good wishes of the people whom he will represent, he will be able to undertake the onerous duties which will devolve on him with a wdiole-heartedness which in other circumstances might be lacking. It is not too much to say that the Prime Minister is entitled to the slight recognition which it is proposed to give him, and to have publicly indicated to him that in his efforts on behalf of New' Zealand in the Old Land, he will be keenly w'atched, and will receive the sympathy and moral backing of the people whose interests it is his duty to further to the best of bis ability. In connection with the proposed function, there is a personal aspect, also, w'hich has to be considered. Sir Joseph Ward in a manner of speaking belongs to Southland; certainly he is a political product of Southland, and has represented a Southland constituency during the w’hole of his political life. His business and private connections in. this province are also extensive, and, taking these things into consideration, it is fitting that something more than ordinary recognition should be given him by the people of Southland in view' qf the part he will take in events of w’orld-wdde import. It woulgl be a graceful tribute, therefore, if, before taking his departure for the Old Country, the Prime Minister were to receive an appropriate farewell from. Southland’s capital, and it may be anticipated that the people will set to work energetically and do honour to the Prime Minister in a manner befitting the occasion.,