IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8806, 7 May 1907, Page 2

IMPERIAL CONFERENCE.

Press Association—Copyright. LotDONi May 6. The Manchester reception was wonder* fully enthusiastic. The Mayor, in pro* senting the Premiers with the freedom of the city, stated that two millions within a radius of tea miles watched the proceedings with the deepest sympathy and interest. The ceremony was not only a personal tribute but also proof of affectionate and broteerly feeling towards oversea communities. Sir Joseph Ward, on behalf of the Premiers, acknowledged the extraordinary demonstrative welcome, which the colonies warmly reciprocated. There was scarcely a family in the "United Kingdom without relations in the groat colonies. The recipients did not regard the presentation of the freedom as an empty form, but as an emblem of the affectionate regard a world-famed city felt for oversea communities. Such events increased the colonists’ pride that they were living under a glorious flag representing strength, power, and freedom. The Mayor proposed the toast of “ Our Guests ” at the luncheon. Sir Joseph Ward, in responding, said ho regretted time did not permit them to visit the canal which brought Manchester in direct contact with the shipping and commerce of the world. New Zealand was able to testify to the advantages of direct trade with a famous centre of commerce. Mr Seddon, his distinguished predecessor, worked incessantly to ensure direst communication and nobody had done more to strengthen the ties of Empire.- It was vitally necessary that both tho Motherland and the colonics should develop tradoand nothing ought to be left undone to secure closer trade union. While it was possible to admire Germany’s energetic efforts to acquire trade abroad, yet if tho British flag was to remain in the ascendant as carriers it would be unwise to ignore tho endeavours of Continental rivals to usurp British trade. British merchants ought to support British shipping everywhere, thereby placing trade on a sounder basis. He emphasized the universal kindness shown to the Premiers by all parties. Though preference had not succeeded at the Conference tho Premiers fully recognised Britain’s right to control her own fiscal policy just as the colonies exercised a similar right in their territories. He denied that the Premiers had experienced any rudeness.