A COLOSSAL FUNCTION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8792, 20 April 1907, Page 2

A COLOSSAL FUNCTION.

A London Dining Record

Press Association —Copyright. London, April 19.

The Unionist banquet to the Premiers in the Albert Hall was .a colossal function at which 4,000 w-ere present and 1,800 sat down to dinner, tho largest number on record for London. An especial floor was laid designed to represent the Union Jack, a floral canopy above formed an Imperial crown, and rod, white and blue garlands stretched from the crown to the coats of arms of tho Colonies.

Clara Butt sang tha National Anthem, and Arthur Royd “ God Bless the Prince of Wales.” The nation’s guests and all prominent Unionists, and the Marquis of Linlothgow and Agents-General were present. Mr Chamberlain wrote that he was convinced that the Imperial Conference would mark another step towards union of tho Empire. “This development we owe more to sister states than _to ourselves.” He predk' ad that Britain would not long shirk from the only method of giving effect tc tho movement. Mr Balfour, presiding, in proposing tho toast of “Our Guests” emphasised that Britain and her colonies were making an audacious yet hopeful experiment of binding in one empire communities unhampered and untrammelled in liberty and freedom, with their Government a true parallel to tho family, not an alliance, nor partnership. He dealt with reasons why the realisation of that ideal should be permanent. Sir W. Laurier emphatically denied the argument that in the absence of mutual preference Canada would desert her British policy and seek markets in the United States.

The speech of the evening was that of Mr Deakin, whose oration aroused intense enthusiasm. He traced tho history of tho conferences until Sir H. Oaiuphell-Bauucrrnau this week appreciating what the conferences were becoming boldly identified himself with their recognition as meetings of tho Government with Colonial Governments. By the common recognition of all its members, as presently to ho disclosed, the Conference would take a more definite shape and • permanent character. Only that nation which, created self-government was able to solve the problem of world empire, namely “Freedom in Unity,” then our fate would not ho too vast an orb, inasmuch as wo should shoulder it together.