HOME AGAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 August 1919, Page 6

HOME AGAIN.

DOMINION MINISTERS AT AUCKLAND. INTERESTING EXPERIENCES. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, August 5. The Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward returned by the Niagara, arriving early this morning. With the exception of the train smash experienced by the Prime Minister and party in Canada, both Ministers had a continuously pleasant trip across the Atlantic, through Canada, and down the Pacific. They left the English Channel early on June 29 and arrived at Halifax the following Friday night. During the voyage ei>ch Minister addressed the passengers, and also the troops, of whom there were about 4000 on board. Their first-hand information about the Peace Conference and their robust references to Imperial unity and war service were keenly appreciated. Mr. Massey's party left the Mauretania at Halifax and proceeded the following day on their journey to Mon- j treal, where they spent the week-end and saw the progressive city at its best. Sir' Joseph Ward, Lady Ward, and Miss Saunders went on' by the Mauretania to* New York for a few flays. Mr. Massey and his party broke their journey also at Ottawa and Toronto. At each place the Prime Minister waf cordially welcomed by jfepresentatives of the State and municipalities. At Ottawa he attended the. prorogation of tho Dominion Parliament, which had just concluded an exceptionally long and arduous session. Mr., Mrs., and Miss Massey were guests of Sir Robert Borden one Evening, and the two Prime Ministers renewed their friendship at the Peace Conference.

At Toronto Mr. Church, Mayor of the city, proved an excellent host and guide. The lctog trip across the prairies was very pleasant, but uneventful At Vancouver Mr. Massey was invited to relate his experiences at the Peace Conference; He first addressed the Canadian Women's Club, his subject being "The War and After." The following day the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward, who had arrived from New York, were the guests of the Canadian Club at luncheon. About 1000 business men attended, and both Ministers were given a great reception. Mr. Massey gave his reminiscences of the Peace Conference and Sir Joseph Ward discussed Imperialism. Their speeches were warmly appreciated. They also visited Victoria and addressed the local Canadian Club, again receiving true hospitality and appreciation.

On the run down from Victoria to Auckland both Ministers addressed the passengers.

Favored by beautiful weather, the political leaders landed from the Niagara this morning. Both ■ Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward are in the best of health and spirits. The ladies of the party also looked extremely well after their most interesting trip. When the qteamer came alongside the wharf a large party of personal friends of the two leaders were waiting to welcome theni, and both were kept busily occupied for some time exchanging handgrips and greetings. The Deputy-Mayor,. Mr. Entrican, gave a hearty welcome home to the envoys and their parties on behalf of the citizens of Auckland.

Sir Joseph Ward, interviewed, said the fact that Germany had expressed a wish to become a member of the League of Nations indicated that she recognised the power centred in it. He believed that when the tide of Bolshevism had subsided and Russia had been divided into a number of states, a republic was more than probable. The military spirit, he believed, had received a death blow by the reduction of Germany's armed force, which meant the complete abolition of conscription in. Germany, and was the forerunner of the abolition of conscription in all countries' and the disappearance of the other elements that for 40 years or more had enabled Germany to build up scientifically her great war machines.

Sir Joseph declined to discuss politics in any form until his severance with the NatiJtaai Government, though he fully recognised the situation in New Zealand and realised that there were difficult problems ahead.

When the Ministers left the ship for their hotel shortly after 8 o'clock there was a fair crowd of onlookers outside the barrier, and a certain amount of bandinage passed among the people as the Ministerial car went bv.

A section of the assemblage went so far as to show a certain amount of hostility, booliooing and laughter greeting the !Primc Minister and Sir Joseph Ward as they left the wharf.

The cordial part of the crowd promptly returned an answer to the demonstrators !>y heartily cheering the envoys, while such as "Angels wouldn't please some New Zealanders," and "These are not New Zealanders, ' but imports" proved that tharc were plenty of friends to welcome the voyagers, besides the noisy elements.

Mr. Massey, questioned on .New Zealand politics, said, smiling: "I have nothing to say, beyond reiterating that I shall be meeting members of my party at the earliest opportunity for a long talk. In any case, it is impossible for me to say anything before I get together my fellow Reformers and am apprised of the 'exact position. The same remark applies to the Coalition. That is also a matter than cannot be told until we meet our colleagues in Wellington. At present everything is in the air so far as that is concerned. Meanwhile preparations will go on for the session which, personally, ! should think would begin within the next fortnight"