THE PREMIERS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8816, 18 May 1907, Page 2

THE PREMIERS.

Press Association. —Copyright. London, May 17. Mr Deakin received an immense ovation at the Queen’s Hall. He said Australians are doing their best to fit themselves for an extraordinary emergency, though he believed thatwhile the British navy remained, they could sit secure in their own domain. They had not dwelt on martial pictures or encouraged military display, but felt the time might come to the most peaceful citizens when concession and passivity would become unmanly, then force must be applied. They were doing their best to prepare themselves to discharge their full measure of responsibilities to the country and the King. He explained that Australia s system of cadet’s rifle clubs was doing its utmost to develop individual responsibility. Lord Milner, who was loudly cheered, moved a vote of thanks to Mr Deakin, whom he complimented in the warmest terms, dwelling on his amazing capacity for work and the immensity of his labours during the past weeks. I do not suppose we all agree with Mr Deakin’s opinions, though personally I do not find myself in disagreement with any of his views, but I am sure all will admit that his presence in Britain, his spirit and his personality, have given immense impulse to the idea of what is called “ Imperial,” but what I prefer to call National unity. Mr Deakin is commonly supposed to have been treated with a certain amount of official cold water. Probably he did not expect anything else, but ho will bo more than compensated in the warmth of welcome he is certain to receive in any assembly of unofficial Britons in whatever part of tho world he goes. He has won himself a permanent place in the minds and affections of the British people. (Cheers). Lord Roberts also thanked Mr Deakin.

Mr Beeves, on behalf of a number of Sir Joseph Ward’s private friends, presented him with a handsome dressing case in recognition of kindnesses received during his visit. In the House of Commons, Mr Harold Pearson, mentioning that Mr Smartt had addressed a Conservatives’ meeting at Leiston, inJSuffolk, inquired regarding the propriety of a delegate to the Colonial Conference speaking at a political meeting and asked Mr Churchill to inquire whether Lord Elgin can see his way to remonstrate with the Cape Government on a serious breach of etiquette? (Opposition laughter). The Speaker said; Had the honourable member submitted that question to me I would not have permitted it. No department of the Government of this country has any control over the Ministers of a selfgoverning colony. (Opposition cheers). The several Premiers were welcomed at Rochester and inspected its industries Sir Joseph Ward received the Doetorship of Laws at Dublin, Messrs Fitchott and James Mills accompanying him. After the ceremony the Viceroy congratulated the recipient and emphasised their indebtedness to Trinity College for its part in what he hoped was an ever-growing process of unity among the brethren constituting the nations of the Empire. The Wards and the Viceroy visited the Exhibition.

Reassuring Capitalists. Mr Deakin was entertained .at Innchconat DeKoyser’a Hotel to meet representative oi' capital invested in Australia, who explained some obstacles to the freer flow of capital thither. Mr Deakin remarked that the Labour Party had its growth and maturity, but was at present in very deep waters as a party. He predicted a great Ministerial majority in Hew South Wales over the Labourites, while the latter would not count in Queensland in the coming Parliament. Events indicated that the Labourites would shortly be in a minority in South Australia, These facts should dispel investors’ fears so far as Labourite legislation was concerned. Regarding other matters, he recommended investors thoroughly to understand the terms of all agreements before signing. Mr Deakin continued that he hoped cable communication would be so cheapened as to enable them to have the exact terms of contract sent by cablegram. He explained the progress that had been made in unifying the Company Law in Australia with its attendant advantages, and said they were also trying to harmonise the law in reference to insurance. Since his arrival he Jiad consulted the directors of the Bank of England regarding the possibility of passing a banking law which would have currency throughout the Commonwealth. Dwelling on the advantages accruing to the Commonwealth by the prospective assumption of the whole of the various States’ debts, bo remarked that gradually by a better adoption to circumstances the interior, with its great pastoral and agricultural interests, was coming to the fore, and was more independent of the variation of climate. He added, concerning emigration, that if only the States could be persuaded to break away from red-tape methods the Commonwealth Government would undertake to bring over all settlers they could find and place them on the laud. Ho hoped the agreement with South Australia for half a

million acres would be sanctioned in 1907. The Times Approves. The Times eulogises Mr Deakiu for his fresh, comprehensive, wellinformed and vigorous speeches addressed to popular audiences, aq justifying Lord Milner’s tribute, and adds, “Wo are indeed indebted to those speeches for most we know about the atctual aims and argument of tho Premiers at the Conference.