SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2623, 4 October 1909, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION AT WELLINGTON.

[Per Press .Association.! WELLINGTON, October 3

Several thousands of persons met th© Prime Minister at the railway station yesterday to welcome him back from London.’ Councillor J. P. Luke represented the Mayor (who is away from Wellington), and was supported by the borough councillors, many members of Parliament, heads of the civil service, and prominent representatives of the Maori race. As soon as Sir Joseph and Lady Ward stepped on the platform a dance of welcome was led by the chiefs Te Heuheu and Tukino, and others. Councillor Luke then welcomed Sir Joseph Ward on behalf of the city. H© paid tribute to the enterprise and patriotism shown by the Prime Minister in London, and said that he felt a tribute was also due to the late Mr. Seddon, who had struck the first note of Imperialism when he took up the attitude that New Zealand should not join the Australian federation, but should work out her own destiny. The people of New Zealand were proud of Sir Joseph Ward, because he had kept up the Dominion’s traditions, and the outcome of the Defence Conference would be a lasting Imperial spirit w r bich would result in benefit to the whole Empire. Sir Joseph Ward’s opening remarks were drowned in a wav© of cheering. Cheers were given for himself, Lady Ward, Miss Ward, Mrs. Seddon, and the Dreadnought. , , , Sir Joseph Ward thanked them for their welcome, and said that he fully recognised that the late Mr. Seddon had laid the foundation of New Zealand’s strong Imperial feeling. The unique and historic Defence Conference had to lay the base upon which the structure of the future was to. ho erected, of a kind to meet the varying conditions of different portions of the Empire. Considering the complexity or the work, the outcome had been a scheme of Imperial co-operation and adhesion which made for the protection and progress of the Empire. New Zealand was going to help the Motherland to keep up a navy superior to any other in the world. This Dominion was not going to he stupid enough to find fault on small matters of detail. Our duty was to attach ourselves to the most powerful navy the world had even known. It was realised that the Pacific would be the future theatre of conflict. New Zealanders, therefore, ought to be proud that they -would have here for the first time a safeguard in the shape of seven ships, two being cruisers of a class incomparably better than, we had ever had before. Some people, who professed to be on the side of the Empire, were not above doing something contemptible to try to stab one who happened to be the leader of the predominant party in New Zealand. Forty thousand citizens had enthusiastically welcomed him at Auckland, but a miserable contemptible effort was made by some creature to try to discount it. All he could say was ‘Have pity on him, for his intellect must be of an inferior type. Sir Joseph Ward was warmly applauded. He and Lady Ward passed through a dense crowd to their carriage. The Prime Minister had to respond to an appeal for another speech. While this was in progress a handful of individuals made some interruptions, and opposed weak “boohing” to the great cheer which went up as Sir Joseph and Lady Ward drove slowly -through the assemblage into the city.

WELCOMED ALONG THE LINE

OHAKUNE, October 1. About 500 people assembled at the railway station to meet the Premier. An address of welcome was presented by the acting-chairman of the Town J3oard. Sir Joseph Ward replied, expressing gratification at so many people assembling so early and welcoming himself and Lady Ward, the appreciation was a reward for his labors and great encouragement. The Hon. J. Carroll and Hon. J. A. Millar also spoke, and the train left amidst hearty cheers. FEILDING. October 2. The Premier was met at Feilding railway station at noon when the Main Trunk train arrived. He was welcomed home by the Mayor (Mr. J. B. Trewin), members of the Borough Council, the president (Mr. C. F. Bramwell) and members of the Chamber of Commerce, and a large crowd of townspeople, lhe Mayor spoke on behalf of the citizens, acknowledging the good work done at the Defence Conference. Sir Joseph Ward replied, heartily thanking the people for their welcome. He laid stress on the importance of the conference. Lady Ward was presented with a large bouquet. • Cheers were given for bir Joseph and Lady Ward. PALMERSTON N., October 2. The Premier was welcomed by a large crowd of people at the railway station to-dav. when passing through by the express. Addresses of welcome were delivered by the Mayor Mr. D. Buick, M P on behalf of the town, and by Mr W T. Woods on behalf of the Liberal party. Sir Joseph replied in terms outlining the business of the Impelial Defence Conference. The welcome \v£ts very oiitliusicis'bic one, loud, cnoeis being given for Sir Joseph.