POLITICAL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8201, 3 August 1906, Page 5

POLITICAL.

THE HON. HALL-JONES RESIGNS. SIR JOSEPH WARD ASKED TO FORM A MINISTRY. PERSONNEL TO BE ANNOUNCED IN DAY OR TWO. SIR JOSEPH WARD'S VIEWS. By Telegraph—Press Association.

WELLINGTON, August 2. The Hon. Hall-Jones forwarded bis resignation as Premier to the Governor to day. His Excellenoy sent for Sir Joseph Ward, and asked him if he would form a Ministry. Sir Joseph replied that he would do so. He expeots to announce the personnel of his Ministry in a day or two. Speaking at the receptionjtendered to him at the Town *Hall, to-night, Sir Joseph Ward said there was a heavy responsibility upon a man who had to undertake the formation of a Ministry. He would endeavour to submit a Cabinet which he hoped would be acceptable to the people of the oountry. Generous consideration in the fulfilment of a [difficult task would, he thought, be extended to him. He would discuss the matter next day with his old colleagues, and they in turn would,fhe felt sure, recognise that the task was not a light one, and that it called for their assistance and co-operation. Indeed it might call for some selfabnegation 'on the part of the Min- I istry, as a whole —himself included. I He hoped Shis task might be completed without any pain or heartburning being caused. He recognised the difficulty for any man following such a strong Premier, as the late Mr Seddon, to undertake the formation of an administration that would effectively oond-ict the multifarious affairs requiring attention, and to promote a sound progressive policy. That was the goal before him, and it was the goal which, with the assistance of those associated with him, he hoped to attain during the next few days. RECEPTION AT WELLINGTON. WELLINGTON, August 2. Sir Joseph Ward attended a reception given by the citizens in his honour, at the Town Hall, to night. There was an Immense attendance, the great ball being crowded in all parts. There was considerably over three people present, and they gave Sir • Joseph and Lady Ward a warm welcome. Sir Joseph received quite an ovation on enter ing the hall, and later on when rising to apeak. The Mayor of Wellington (Hon. T. W. Hislnp) welcomed Sir Joseph back to the city, saying that on behalf of all parties he wished him success in his triumphs. He had shown no undue elation, and in his adversities he had never shown any unnerving fear. Sir Joseph's speech, with the exception of that part whioh referred to the task before him, was practically non-political, and broke no new ground. He paid a tribute to the late Mr Seddon's great labours, and commended Mr Hall Jones for his conduct during the last few weeks. The speeches made by the Mayor and by Sir Joseph were frequently applauded, and the proceedings were of a very cordial character throughout.