THE MAN OF THE HOUR.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue II, 13 July 1895, Page 49

THE MAN OF THE HOUR.

UNQUESTIONABLY the man of the hour in New Zealand, our Colonial Treasurer, who has just

returned to us, may also be justly described as one of the world’s ‘men of the hour.’ Great London financiers have spoken in the highest terms of his abilities, and indeed those abilities could scarcely have failed to attract the most favourable notice in view of the notable financial feat which they brought about. Mr Ward returns to us laden with honours, and promises to bear those honours gracefully, well, and quietly ; but he

has already said, and rightly, that to disparage the success of the floating of the three per cent, loan is not only smallminded, but foolish and unpatriotic. Without doubt Mr Ward’s visit to London has placed New Zealand’s credit in an unassailable and most enviable position. Men of all shades of political opinion should recognise this, and not for purposes of party warfare attempt to belittle the good services done by Mr Ward not merely to this colony, but to the Australian coloniesin general. Mr Ward’ssocial experiences must have been extremely pleasant, for he

seems to have made himself exceedingly popular, and when a colonial magnate is popular at Home he is given a particularly good time. Ou another page there is a picture of Mrs Ward in her presentation gown. Mrs Ward had also her successes, besides sharing in those of her husband. The Treasurer made an excellent and modest speech in Auckland, and will by the time this appears in print have been received in Wellington, where the banquet and other festivities in his honour will take place.