THE CROWNING OF THE KING.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1014, 2 January 1911, Page 4

THE CROWNING OF THE KING.

WILL.M.P.'S BE INVITED? (By Telegraph—Press Association.) Christchurch, January 1. The Prime Minister, interviewed in passing through here yesterday, stated that so far no invitation has been received from the Home' Government for members .of Parliament to attend the Coronation ceremony, and consequently lie was not in a position to say what the prospects are for any member of the New Zealand llouso of .Representatives visiting England. From private information which ho had -received, it appeaerd possible, but by no means certain, that an invitation will come.

Personally he thought that it would bo a good thing for somo of the poople's representatives to be present on an occasion of such historic importance, and to interchange viows with representative men at Home on matters equally affecting England and the dominions Dcyond the seas. Ho instanced .the troublesome and difficult matter affecting the mannim? of ships, tlie intricacies of company law, judicial representation in appeal cases now settled by the Privy Council, and such like questions, as ones that could bo profitably discussed. "I havo held tho opinion for years," Sir Joseph Ward proceeded, "that it would bo a good thing 'for_ the various portions of the Empire if responsible Ministers in tho Old Land, and somo leading members of the British Government of the day visited the distent portions of the Empire, which wrn destined in days to come to tako the position of young* nations. Tho bond of union with . the 01<1 Country would be cemented moro rapidly if Iho.peoplo of tho oversews dominions could see and hear his Majesty's advisers." ne referred to tho excellent' effects of tho Press Conference, and said that as a result thereof throughout the Empire there was moro active and concentrated press work being done in tho interests, cf the Empire than had formorly been tho case. Ho had noticed this not only in tho New Zealand papers, but also in tho press of tho other overseas domin:ions which had eent representatives to thq congress.