THE PRIME MINISTER.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1062, 27 February 1911, Page 8

THE PRIME MINISTER.

FAREWELL GATHERINGS. SOME LESSONS OF. HISTORY, (By Telegraph-Press Awoclatioa.i C'hristchurch, February 25. A deputation consisting of Messrs. F. E. Jones (president of the. Canterbury Chamber of Commerce), . A. Kaye, W. D. Mcares, H. J. Morrinor, W. Wood, J.'G. Moore, and Koyds waited on Sir Joseph Word to-day. Mr. Jones said that the denization, as representing the business' community, wished to say "Good-bye" to Sir Joseph Ward on tho eve of his denarturo for the Imperial Conference. 'JLlio members of tho deputation hoped that tho conference would havo a successful issue, and that Sir Joseph Ward would havo a s?fo return. Tnoro might be differences of opinion ns to how the Dominion, and Empire could best bo pushed along, but all poopie wero of ono opinion that it was good for the world that-the great.British Empire diould be brought closer and closer together, lho history of the Empire taught tho lesson that mistakes had been made, and thcro was no.- doubt that if Imperial Conferences had been held, in tho past-it would havo been much better for tho Lmoiro. ,- ,

Sir Joseph Ward said that lie thoroughly appreciated the kindness shown to him,, and ho realised .the high value of the conference,. ~and l also the difficulty of 0110 generation teeing far ahead into- tho lifo of another generation. It was easv to look back at history, and-to judge 'how easy it might have been to avoid mistakes, but it was linrd to anticipate things. As. Mr., Jones had suggested, it was an excellent thing- to bring the representatives of,tho outlying narts of the Lnipiro together to protect.tho interests of nil. He thanked them again for their good wishes to himself.

The Prime- Minister was entertained n't a farewell social..to-night ..in- tho Ait

Gallery. Thero was a largo gathering, despite tlio heavy rain. The Mayor presided, and the lions. Millar and Fowlds, and Messis. Ell, Davey, Wilty, liussell, and Seddon, M.lYs, -were present. Tho following motion, moved by Mr. M'Grcgor'Wright (Mayor of Woolston), seconded by Mr. Albert Kaye, and supported byMr. 11. It. Rusbridge, was unanimously agreed lo by acclamation:—

"Sir Joseph Wnrd,—On the eve of the departure ot 'yourself and Lady Ward for the Old Land, this meeting of representatives, of the people of tho city of Christchurch ami surrounding districts desire to extend to you;a most sincere welcome, and wo further trust that as Prime' Minister of this Dominion your mission to Britain will result in materially advancing the best and truest'interestsv not only of tho pconlo you so ably represent, but of (lie whole Empire." Sir Jossph Word received an ovation on rising to renlj-, the audience cheering and singing "l r br He's a Jolly Good Fellow." In the course of a lengthy speech tho Prime Minister dealt with matters to bo discussed at tho Imperial Conference, emphasising principally defenco matters. At the conclusion of the speech the audience sang "Auld .Lang Syne" and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and gave cheers for Sir Josenh Ward and Lady Ward, who afterwards left for Wellington.

Tho farewell to be accorded to the Prime Minister and the Hon. Dr. Findlay at Auckland will tako the form of a gathering of citizens in Albert Park at 5 p.m. oh Monday next, when nd-' dresses will be presented to both gentlemen by the Mayor (Mr. Bagnaliy.