SIR JOSEPH WARD

New Zealand Tablet, 18 April 1912, Page 31

SIR JOSEPH WARD

FREE FROM THE CARES OF OFFICE Free from the cares of office and quite his usual urbane self, Sir Joseph Ward arrived in Christchurch on Tuesday, accompanied by Lady Ward and Miss Eileen Ward. Sir Joseph Ward spent the morning in the city, and during his stay was called upon at Warner's Hotel, by many personal friends. and political supporters. ... He found time to give a brief interview to a reporter as to his future movements. Sir Joseph Ward said that he would be leaving Bluff on Monday next for Melbourne, and it was his intention to visit Ballarat, Adelaide, Sydney, and Brisbane. He expected be away six weeks altogether. 'I am moving along for the first time for many years with a complete relief from all kinds of official responsibility,' said Sir Joseph Ward. 'We are going on what is entirely a pleasure trip, and though I am in good health and good form after a rather strenuous life, the prospect is quite acceptable to me. It is "my first holiday since I have been in politics, and it is the first time that I have gone out of the country without having some heavy work before me. As I have large circles of personal friends in Australia, as well as others whom I have met in the ordinary course of events, I look forward to this visit with a great deal of pleasure.' An informal gathering of citizens was held in the lounge of Warner'sVHotel during the morning as a sort of valedictory to Sir Joseph Ward. The gathering was a very large one—very much in excess of the space accommodation of the lounge. . Even the stairway which leads from the hall to the first floor was occupied by the crowd of admirers. The function was not intended as a party tribute, and all political parties were represented at it. When Sir Joseph entered the lounge he was received with an ovation. The whole company spontaneously rose and sang ' For. he's a jolly good fellow,' and this rousing chorus was followed by enthusiastic cheering. Sir Joseph Ward and party arrived in Dunedin on Tuesday evening by the second express. He was welcomed at the railway station by a large gathering of prominent citizens and members of the general public. The reception was marked with a considerable amount of cordiality, and many persons took the opportunity of shaking hands with Sir Joseph Ward and wishing him a pleasant holiday in Australia. Subsequently, at the Grand Hotel, there was a representative gathering of citizens to meet Sir Joseph Ward.

Mr. Ritchie, who presided, said the meeting was a representative meeting of citizens to welcome Sir Joseph Ward on his first appearance in Dunedin after assuming the important position of a representative on the Royal Commission for Trade. There were present gentlemen of all shades of politics, but the gathering was not a political one.' The Chamber of Commerce, at short notice, had sent round to get as many representative gentlemen as possible to meet Sir Joseph Ward, After referring in eulogistic terms to Sir Joseph Ward's business ability and fitness for his new position, Mr. Ritchie extended on behalf of the commercial community a hearty welcome to him, and said the community had every confidence that he would .worthily uphold the position to "which he had been called. Eulogistic and complimentary speeches were also delivered by Messrs. Kempthorne and Belcher, to which Sir Joseph Ward made an eloquent reply, in the course of which he expressed his pleasure at being free from the cares of office and at liberty to enjoy a real holiday.