THE PREMIER'S RETURN.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 151, 26 June 1907, Page 5

THE PREMIER'S RETURN.

ARRIVAL IN WEtiINGTON.

IN: "ETNE KETTLE.

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.")

WE_U__NGTON, this day. The Premier, -ircta Lady Ward and Miss Eileen Ward, returned to New Zealand this morning by the a* Maheno, which made a quick trip across the Tasman sea, landing the Premier amid familiar scenes and faces at noon. Before Wellington was fairly astir members of the Ministry wended their way towards the wharf to board the Government steamer, Tutanekai, which slipped away into the misty distance about seven o'clock, carrying a small party of politicians. Those aboard included the Hons. R. McNab, Millar, Fowlds, McGowan, Carroll, and Dr Findlay.

There was no sign of the Maheno as the Tutanekai slowly steamed down the Harbour and left its placid waters for tbe rolling bosom of Cooks Straits. A calm misty morning developed into drizzling wet day, and though the conditions were not cheerful for the Premier's arrival, about ten o'clock a big cloud, of smoke and a small speck of foaming sea denoted the approach of the fast steamer in the distance. An hour later the Maheno steamed up, only fifty yao-ds separating the vessels. The Tutanekai's shrill whistle, miscalled a syren, shrieked welcome, and a signal cannon also boomed its message. Sir Joseph Ward was made out standing on the bridge with Lady Ward. There was the inevitable delay to enable the Premier to pass the doctor, then the Tutanekai, havyig run alongside the Maheno as she lay at anchorage, Sir Joseph and Lady Ward were soon the centre of a group of friends, handshaking for dear life.

"No place like home," declared the Premier. "Glad to get back again, but I've had a wonderful "time.

"Are you in good fettle for work?" asked the "Star" man.

"Yes, in fine fettle," replied the Premier, "the voyage gave mc a complete rest. After my busy experience in London I wanted a rest, for it was very interesting, and very swift, I can assure you, and I am glad to say I did not have half an hour's lay up during the whole time. In that respect lam the only one of the Prime Ministers who can say I fulfilled every engagement, attended every function for which I accepted an engagement, and got through scathless. It is wonderful, and if you "had been through it, you would say so, too. I started frequently between eight and eight-thirty a.m., and on three occasions I was delivering speeches on New Zealand's prosperity at that time in the morning." Sir Joseph, beyond expressing himself quite ready for his Parliamentary duties, would not speak regarding policy matters, explaining that it was too close to the session. The Premier and Lady Ward are in excellent health. A public welcome will be tendered Sir Joseph by Wellington citizens to-night. AUCKLAND'S WELCOME. The Mayor of Auckland (Mr A. M. Myers) sent the following telegram addressed to Sir Joseph Ward: —"On behalf of the citizens of Auckland I tender you and Lady Ward hearty welcome home after arduous labours in the Motherland at Imperial and Maritime Conferences and other public functions, in all of which you have most worthily represented the colony, and enhanced the high reputation you already enjoyed. The people of New Zealand have reason to feel proud of the statesmanlike manner in which you acted on their behalf in the councils of the Empire. In giving to you and Lady Ward a very sincere and warm welcome home I only regret that the exigencies of travel and the calls of public duty have deprived Auckland of the pleasure and privilege of welcoming you in person."