M.L.C.'S AND THE PREMIER.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 12975, 14 December 1910, Page 4 (Supplement)

M.L.C.'S AND THE PREMIER.

Wellington, Dec. 2

The members of the Legislative Council assembled this evening for the purpose of tendering to Sir J. G. Ward an assurance of their sympathy with him on account of the attacks he has recently been subjected to. Mr Carncross, in the absence of tho Speaker, informed the Premier that he had invited him to meet the members of the Council in order that they might have ,an opportunity of assuring him, not as a party, or as politicians, but as men, of their sympathy, and to congratulate him on the warm regard felt for him right throughout the country. Messrs Smith and Luke endorsed the previous speaker's remarks. Sir J. G. Ward was greeted with hearty cheering when he rose to reply. He expressed his sincere thanks for what he regarded as a unique and graceful compliment. He appreciated very highly the kind words of the speakers. Men in public life had to receive hard knocks, which were looked upon as adjuncts of. the position, and public men ought to take them in a proper spirit, but there were some people who adopted tactics that would be recognised even by. savages as the tactics of cowardly assassins. Ho therefore appreciated the kindly words of the speakers. Had he been as bad as he was painted in the scurrilous pamphlet, he felt s-ure men and women of independent . character would not have stood by him in the way they had- done. (Applause.) In his public career he had always tried to avoid injuring his fellowmen, and to show leniency wberever possible. He had passed through a very trying time, but lie recognised that the proper course was to maintain a silent and dignified attitude until at last the time came when he could make a full statement. He believed every right-thinking man and woman realised it was a low-down method of attack adopted towards him. That night's pleasant ceremony would stand out in his memory as a most pleasant one, prompted a& it was by pure good heartedness on the part of the members of the. Council. It was reassuring and encouraging, and made him feel that he had their sympathy in the circumstances under which he had been placed. Sir C. C. Bowen, the Speaker of the Council, assured Sir J ; G. Ward that he was glad to see him in the Council Chamber, and to assure him of sympathy in the very disgraceful I business.".

Sir Joseph said he would convey the Council's graceful compliment to his wife and family, who would.appreciate it, even more than he did.

Cheers for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward concluded the meeting.