THE PRIME MINISTER

Southland Times, Issue 16888, 13 November 1911, Page 5

THE PRIME MINISTER

A STRENUOUS WEEK. i At Bluff on Saturday night Sir Joseph "Ward completed a remarkably strenuous week. Things arc never at any time easy for the Prime Mihister of the Dominion, but at election time the pace becomes doubly “hot.” On Monday last Sir Joseph Ward travelled from Christchurch to Invercargill. To many the train journey is in itself sufficiently' fatiguing, but Sir Joseph was not permitted to rest in his carriage. At Balclutlia, Gore, Mataura and Invercargill he was called upon to acknowledge tVelcomes extended to him by the people, and his speeches, though short, dealt with such weighty subjects as the Imperial Conference and the forthcoming elections. Late or. Monday night Sir Joseph began upon the- preparation of Ills speech for Wlnton the following evening. Although he worked into the small hours lie was at his desk again early on Tuesday morning, long before most people wore astir. Throughout Tuesday the work continued, with such interruptions as the Prime Minister can never escape. The speech was actually finished in the train, and when the Prime Minister took the platform at Winton there was no sign of weariness. On Wednesday morning Sir Joseph was immersed in Departmental business, from which in these clays of electric telegraphs and rapid posts there Is no release for a conscientious Minister of the Crown. In the afternoon the member for Awarua mingled with his constituents at the Winton races anti the evening he spoke for over two* hours at Woodend. On Thursday Sir Joseph was early abroad, taking the platform at West Plains at 11 a.m. Then followed Taramoa, Wright’s Bush, and Spring Bank, with Walaniwa in the evening to finish the day. I Friday’s programme was equally arduous. Sir Joseph addressed gatherings of his constituents at Ryal Bush. Lochie), North Forest Hill, Springhills, and Hokonul, and the day’s work entailed not only a great deal of speaking but also a good deal of exposure to weather anything but summery. It was more than an hour after midnight before Sir Joseph returned to Invercargill. Saturday was devoted to official business, and in the evening the Prime Minister spoke at Bluff, fresh, vigorous, and effective despite a full week of exceptionally severe mental and physical effort. Saturday evening and Sunday were spent at Bluff, and to-day Sir Joseph enters upon the last stage of his campaign, speaking at Otatara, Tlsbury, Myross. Rosiyn Bu«li and Grove Bush. Throughout tiicse' strenuous days the Prime Minister has been supported by the presence of Lady Ward, who is almost equally blessed with health and strength. The last of the meetings on Sir Joseph Ward’s schedule Is that to be held at Walklwi on Wednesday evening As to the Prime Minister’s movements thereafter, ho is not yet in a position to make a statement. So many Invitations have been extended to him to deliver political addresses in different parts of both islands that it has been a matter of some difficulty to arrange an itinerary that will enable him to complv witli the greatest possible number of requests in the limited time at his disposal.