SIR JOSEPH WARD

Waikato Times, Volume 91, Issue 14242, 17 December 1919, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD

♦ ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTIONS. POSITION IN TARANAKI. VICTORY FOR LIBERALS EXPECTED(by Telegraph—Special to Times.) HAW ERA Tuesday. The tour of the leader of the Liberal Party, Sir Joseph Ward, was brought to a fitting conclusion to-night, when a great Liberal rally was held at the Opera House. The meeting was "great” in every sense of the word, settlors and townspeople assembling from all parts of Hie province in such great force that Hie commodious building was crowded long before startingtime. Every foot of space was occupied, and yet hundreds were turned away, and as Sir Joseph Ward entered the hall he was greeted by rounds of applause in a manner that left no doubt as to his extraordinary popularity. In a vigorous address lie expounded the policy of the parly in a convincing manner, and Hie finest political meeting ever held in Hie Taranaki district was brought to a conclusion with the passing of a vole of thanks to Sir Joseph Ward for his able address, and a motion of confidence in the Liberal Party and its leader. Tho Position In Taranaki.

There is a Liberal wave, and the defeat of the Reformers is probable. Interest in the election contests in the Taranaki district has been very keen for some weeks past, the representative of the Liberal Party putting up such a strenuous fight as to cause consternation in the ranks of the Reformers, and in their realisation that the scats would likely be wrested from their grasp they have been, struggling desperately,, but,, even so, it appears eytremely likely that the Egmont, Patea and Stratford' seats will pass into the hands of the Liberal Party. This has' been clearly indicated in the strong, support that has been given the nominees of the Democratic Party, and by the great receptions accorded Sir J. G. Ward;

The- latter, in referring to the generat local situation, stated last night that he had little doubt that IVJr Masters would defeat Hbn. J. B. Mine, that Mr Ashbury would worst Mr Havvkin, and that Mr Morrison, would be victorious in his- contest with Mr Powdrell. In the latter electorate the Reformers had' secured the withdrawal of Mr Pearce, the sitting;-member, but from information 1 he ' had ; received the eleventh hour move by his opponents might act as a boomerang. Really speaking the situation, was remarkably bright, and was indicative of that which was at present pervading the Dominion. The result would be the return of the Liberal Party as the next Government. Addresses En Route'. While en route to Hawera, Sir J. G. Ward -received requests to address gatherings at East Town (Wanganui) and at Patea. He acquiesced and spoke to largo meetings at. each place. At Patea the Liberal leader was welcomed by the Mayor, and after addressing some 500 people in the Square, he was entertained at tea. Motions of thanks and confidence were carried by acclamation at both meetings.