PARLIAMENTARY LUNCHEON.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8410, 26 April 1907, Page 5

PARLIAMENTARY LUNCHEON.

A BRILLIANT FUNCTION,

Received April 25, 9.33 a.m. LONDON, April 24. The Parliamentary luncheon to the Premiers at Westminster Hall was a brilliant function. The guests numbered 650, including the members of the two House?, Ministers, ex-Ministers, notable ladies, High Commissioners, and Agents-General. There was a picturesque procession of the Imperial Conference representatives and their ladies, Sir Wilfrid Laurier leading. Mrs Deakin, who sat on Sir Henry Campbell-Banner-man's left, and Madame Laurier, who sat on the Prime Minister's right, received an ovation. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman proposed "The Guests," coupled with the name of Sir Wilfrid Laurier. He emphasised the historic character and significance of the occasion. He greeted the Premiers with goodwill and affection, and recognised their patriotic sacrifices. The British Government and Opposition and Parliament were anxious to pay all honour to the viators. Mr Balfour, Leader of the Opposition, felicitously supported the toast. Their guests had as much right to the historic memories suggested by Westminster Hall as they themselves had. Sir Wilfrid Laurier responded that he once dreamed that he would like a seat in the Imperial Parliament, which had done so much for the liberties of mankind. He recognised later that such* a step might prove a source of embarrassment to both the Motherland and the daughter nations. The best way to maintain the Empire was to allow every community to administer its affairs in its own Parliament. General Botha, who had a great reception, proposed "The Mother of Parliaments," from whom sprang the Constitution for which the Transvaal was grateful. Lord Loreburn (Lord High Chancellor) and the Hon. James Lowther, Speaker of the House, responded.