AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3464, 2 March 1912, Page 7

AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING.

MEETING OF WARD PARTY’S SUPPORTERS. STRONG TESTIMONY TO THE PREMIER. fpKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, Mar. 1. At a meeting of the members of the Liberal, Lubor, and Independent parties the following motion was carried: “That this meeting desires to tender Sir Joseph Ward its assurance of its hearty appreciation of his distinguished and valuable services as Leader of the Liberal party, and to congratulate him on the many liberal and progressive measures introduced by him and passed by tlie Government, which have proved of great benefit to the people of this Dominion. Those assembled also desire to congratulate Sir Joseph Ward on tlie fact that the No-confidence motion recently moved by the Opposition was defeated and, now that the right lion, gentleman is voluntarily retiring from the leadership we wish to express our great satisfaction at his intention to continue to assist the Liberal and progressive forces of the Dominion in the common fight against the Opposition or Conservative party. We are persuaded that tlie name of Sir Joseph Ward will be recorded in history as one of the foremost statesmen and ablest administrators in the Australasian colonies.” The motion was spoken to by Messrs Robertson, Veitch, T. W. Rhodes, Forbes, Coates, Hindmarsh, Payne, McCallum, G. W. Russell, Parata, and Atm ore, by whom it was cordially endorsed. The gathering broke up with cheers for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. It is reported that every one of the 40 members who voted against the amendment of the Opposition in the House last night was either present or accounted for, and that the gathering was most enthusiastic.