PRESENTATION TO THE PREMIER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3211, 10 June 1909, Page 5

PRESENTATION TO THE PREMIER.

By Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 9. The Premier was presented with an illuminated address by the citizens of Wellington to-night, in the House of Representatives. Mr D. Nathan, on behalf of the Committee stated that the address was given in recognition of the Premier's attHude in connection with the offer of a Dreadnought. Sir J. G. Ward, in reply, expressed his warm thanks at tlie compliment paid to himself and his colleagues. The offer made by the Government had been unanimously approved by the'people of the Dominion. It was proof to the rivals«of Britain that every part of the Empire had to be reckoned with in making their calculations. He referred to France's new naval as proof of the seriousness of the international situation. Britain must have a fleet that would be recognised as unconquerable. (Cheers). "We must have a local navy to keep the highways of the seas open for commerce," said the Premier. "It was the veriest rubbish to say that submarines at Auckland, Wellington and Dundin could do that." The meeting concluded with cheers for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. The presentation was a handsome volume containing an illuminated address and the signatures of 5,000 citizens. / -