IMPERIAL CONGRESS.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 June 1918, Page 5

IMPERIAL CONGRESS.

AUSTRALIAN DELEGATES' ARRIVAL. HUGHES AND COOK RECEIVE RECEPTION. AUSTRALIA'S ATTITUDE EXPLAINED. 1 ] Received 9.20 a.m. LONDON, June 15. ( Messrs. Hughes and Cook landed at Liverpool and left for London, where : they received an enthusiastic welcome from a'huge crowd at Euston station, including a contingent of the Women's Land Army, who cheered the visitors. Interviewed by the Australian Press Association, Mr. Hughes said though the voyage was devoid of adventure, it was full of interest, They received evidence of the supreme power the British navy exercised. They had travelled ten'thousand miles of sea and had not seen a vestige of the enemy flag or any trace of his existence. Despite the vaunted powers of the Üboats they had sailed the seas in perfect safety. Speaking of America he said their visit had been interesting and inspiring, everywhere they found evidence of tremendous preparations for war building ships, training men and the rigid regulation of the myriad activities of industrial and commercial America necessitated by her entry into the war. Tens of thousands of young American soldiers were thronging the streets —men of fine physique of supreme confidence and detcrminaand upstanding carriage, with an air of supreme confidence and determination. The tone of the people hardened with every passing day. All these things were inspiring, giving greater ccrtainity to the belief in our ultimate triumph over Germany. Keferring to the Conference, Mr. Hughes stated they wore realising all that the problems to be considered meant to Australia and the rest of the Empire. He said: "We shall endeavour to solve the problems and uphold any fight for Australia's particular rights.'' Mr. Cook, in an interview, said in this critical hour in the history of civilisation. Australia was absolutely and resolutely with the Mothe/rand. •William Pitt over a century ago, at the beginning of the war against Napoleon, summarised its object in the word "security," and security for Australia to-day meant that German control must be excluded in the Pacific. Our interests in this war.as well as our sympathies were common, and together we 'must tread the pathway of the future whatever sacrifice and .suffering were entailed. OUR DELEGATES ENTERTAINED. Eeccived 11.50 a.m. LONDON, June 16. Messrs. Hughes, Massey, Garranand Borden attended the dinner given by the Benchers in the Middle Temple to Mr. Lloyd George.