Premiers’ Visit to Manchester.

Te Aroha News, Volume XXVI, Issue 43089, 7 May 1907, Page 2

Premiers’ Visit to Manchester.

CORD MAYOR PRESENTS FREE*. DOM OF CITY.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

LONDON, Yesterday. At Manchester the Premier;,' reesp tion was wonderfully enthusiastic, t'ie Lord Mayor presenting the Premiers with the freedom of the city, which stands amongst a population of two millions within a radius of ten miles. The crowds watciied the proceedings with the deepest sympathy and interest, as the ceremony was not only a personal tribute, but also a proof of affectionate and brotherly feeling towards the oversea communities.

Sir Joseph Ward, on behalf of the Premiers, acknowledged the extraordinarily demonstrative welcome which the colonists warmly reciprocated. There was scarcely a family in the United Kingdom wuhout relations in the great colonies. The l-eclpients did not regard the presentation of the freedom as an empty form, but as an emblem of the affectionate regard which the woild“famed city felt for the oversea communities. Such events increased the colonist’s pride of the fact that they were living under a glorious flag representing strength, power, and freedom. The Lord Mayor proposed a toast to the guests at luncheon, and Sir Joseph Ward responding, regretted that time did not permit them to visit the Ship Canal which brought Manchester into direct contact with the shipping and commerce of the woidd. New Zealand was able to testify to the advantages of direct trade with the famous centre of commerce. Mr Seddon, his distinguished predecessor, had worked incessantly to insure direct c mnnunicaticn, and nobody had done more to strengthen the ties of the Empire which were vitally necessary. Both the Motherland and colonies should develop trade, and nothing should be allowed to be left undone to secure a closer trade union. While it was possible to admire Germany’s energetic efforts to acquire trade abroad, yet if the British flag was to remain in the ascendant over carriers, it would be unwise to ignore the tndeavours of c ndnental 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 i reference had not succeeded at the Conference, the Premiers fully recognised Britain’s right to control her own fiscal policy just as the col mies exercised a similar right in their territories. He denied that the Premiers had experienced any rudene s.