PREMIER AT ROTORUA.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 293, 10 December 1910, Page 5

PREMIER AT ROTORUA.

A FORTNIGHT'S HOLIDAY ..: WARM WELCOME ACCORDED. ■' (By. Telegraph—Press Association.;, KOTORUA, Friday. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Lady Ward, arrived in Rotorua by the express this evening. He was met at tho station by several representative residents of the town and the heads of all local bodies. After a very enthusiasts reception the visitors were driven to the Grand Hotel, where a surprise visit was paid them by leading residents after dinner. Mr. J. R. Raw (president of the Chamber of Commerce) welcomed the Prime Minister and Lady Ward and wished them a restful and pleasant holiday. He promised no deputations or local worries, and also made reference to the recent scandalous attack on Sir Joseph, and voiced the universal feeling of resentment against such malicioul procedure. Other speakers followed on behalf of their various institutions, including Mr Brent, one of Rotorua's pioneer settlers " Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, referred first of all to the pamphlet and the attack made against him. Out of 50 letters opened by him en route in the train to-day only one did not contain a message of sympathy with him and pleasure at his ample justification The course he had had to take was painful but a duty. His detractors had struck in the dark and in the back. He could take criticism with anyone, but to,allow ithat sort of thing in our political life i would be to help a cancer which would keep any self-respecting man out o£ | politics. He was deeply appreciative, |as was also Lady Ward, of the spirit of kindness and sympathy which had j prompted the coming of his -welcomers. | The Prime Minister then reviewed tlie past session, and in dealing with the debt | extinction, annuities, and defence measures, expressed the belief that the future ! would prove the past session to have i been one of the most beneficial to the Dominion in its history. With reference [to his mission to the Imperial Conference, Sir Joseph Ward predicted very ous issues. The coming of the Empire's new and younger minds, with new ideas, was of inestimable advantage to statesmen of the Old Land, and he hoped ta see the completion of the empirical machinery, wliich was yet to be fashioned and constructed, and which would ensure a permanent Advisory Board of. Empire. When that eventuated outside Powers would recognise that they could not touch a hair of the head of father or motherin the Old Land, or son or daughter in an oversea dominion without having tc reckon summarily with every thoroughly equipped and loyal member of the family. A thorough understanding between near: and distant members of the Empire would exist, and would be our greatest factor for peace. Sir Joseph Ward said he was convinced, from information pouring in upon him from all sides, that New Zealand was' doing very well.

The visitors will spend a fortnight here, and the Prime Minister intends to do as little work as possible.

At Hamilton the Mayor (Mr. J. A. Young, presented an address from 'the Council, and drove Sir Joseph and Lady, Ward round the borough.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)' OHAKUNE, this day. ' Tlie Prime Minister received an enthusiastic ovation at Ohakune railway station en route to Rotorua. and was presented with an address, read by Mr; P. J. Dunne, on behalf of friends aud supporters, in'the presence of a large gathering. The proceedings were most enthusiastic, Sir Joseph, Lady Ward and family, being heartily cheered. Addresses were read by Mr. J. K. Lowe (Ruapehu Alpine Club) and R. L. Price (Chamber of Commerce. The Premier, replying, said he cordially appreciated the sympathy expressed in the unfair and unßritish methods adopted to injure him, and it was a consolation to know such conduct was resented by every right-thinking person in the community. He realised that in his mission to the Old Country he had high responsibility, and it was important that they should not ignore the great changes taking place in other countries. Under such circumstances, the Imperial Conference would serve to bring the Mother Country nnd the oversea dominions into consultation for the advancement of the welfare of the Empire. The gathering present and sentiments expressed served to encourage him in the path of duty, nnd would be another incentive to his Government to carry forward _ its work for the advancement of the country and the benefit of the people. Cheers were again given as the train departed.