HOMEWARD BOUND.

Auckland Star, Volume XLII, Issue 55, 6 March 1911, Page 5

HOMEWARD BOUND.

FABBWEXX TO MHXSTEM. THIS AFTERNOON'S AfiBANGEMENTS. The Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) and his colleague, the Attorney-General (Hon. Dr. Mndlay), will this afternoon, at 5.15, be fareweUed at Albert P*k, prior to their departure «s New Zealand's delegates to the Coronation and the Imperial Conference. Provision has been made for big attendance at this afternoon's send-off. The proceedings will naturally be brief, in view of the departure of the Victoria, by which the Ministers leave for Sydney, Ihere to connect with the Makura, en route for London, via Canada. The Victoria is advertised to leave at 5.30 pjn., but her departure will be delayed, if necessary, for half an hour. At the Albert Park reception the Mayor (Mr. L. J. Bagnall) will present the Prime Minister with a handsome illuminated address, the work of the Brett Printing and Publishing Company. The letterpress (the effect of which has already beenj-mblisMyj is beautifully done in gold and colours, and is set off by a handsome floral border. It bears the signa tares of Mr. L. J. Bagnall, as Mayor, and Mr. H. W. Wilson, as Town Clerk, and carries the city seal. The address is enclosed in a handsome leather portfolio.

Brief speeches, in reply, will be made by the Prime Minister and the AttorneyGeneral.

(Amongst those present at the reception will be the Hods. Jas. Carroll (Acting Prime Minister), J. A. Millar (Minister for Kailways), Geo. Fowlds (Minister for Education), R. MoKenzie (Minister for Public Works), T. Mackenzie (Minister for Agriculture), and D. Buddo (Minister for Internal Affairs). The only member of the Cabinet not present will be the Hon. A. T. Ngata. The local Parliamentary representatives will be present, and the visitors will include Mr. J. Vigor Brown, M.P. for Napier, Mr. W. D. S. McDonald, M.P. for B»y of Plenty, Mr. Vernon Reed, MJ». for Bay of Islands, and Mr. C. Hall, M.P. for Waipaina.

After the reception the Ministers will drive to the steamer, and embark at the ou-er tee, Queen-street wharf. It is the intention of many citizens to accompany the Victoria down the' harbour, and for this purpose the Albatross will be lying at the tee on the other side of the wharf from the Victoria. Ticketholders are asked to go aboard early, so as to avoid any confusion.

Sir Joseph Ward will be accompanied Home by Lady Ward, Miss Eileen Ward, Mr. Gladstone Ward, and his private secretary (Mr. J. , -Hislop). Dr. Findlay will be accompanied by Mrs. findlay and Mr. Wilfrid FSndlay, and hia private secretary (Mt. E. >N. G. Poulton).

It is expected that the party will reach London about April 23. The Imperial Conference opens on Hay 22. Although the Hon. Dr. Findlay does not go Home as a delegate he will attend the Imperial Conference with the Prime Minister. After attending the Cor<jnation on June 22 the party leaves for New Zealand, and will arrive at Wellington early in August, shortly after the opening of the session. En route to Auckland on Saturday the Prime Minister received hearty receptions at many places. At Levin, Palmerston North, Mangaweka, and Taihape particularly large crowds assembled to wish the Ministers farewell, and Sir Joseph received many written, expressions of good will from deputations at stations along the line.