THE PREMIER.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 289, 10 June 1909, Page 4

THE PREMIER.

A PRESENTATION. WELLINGTON, last night. The Premier was presented with an illuminated address by the citizens of Wellington to-night at the House of Representatives. The gathering was well attended by both J sexes. Mr D. Nathan, on behalf of the committee, stated the address was given in recognition of the Premier's .attitude in connection with the offer of the Dreadnought. Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, expressed warm thanks for the compliment to himself, and his colleagues. The offer of the Government was unanimously approved by the people of the do^ minion and was proof to the rivals of Britain .that every part of the Empire had to be reckoned within making their calculations. He referred to France's. new naval programme as proof of the seriousness of the international situation. Britain, must havo a fleet that would be recognised as unconquerable. (Cheers.) We must have a local navy to keep the highways of the sea open for commerce. ft. was. the veriest rubbish to say that submarines at Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin could do that. They were ■determined that the flag should continue /to wave over Britain as well as these islands to which they were proud to belong.; (Cheers.) Tho meeting concluded with cheers for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward. The address was in a handsome \'olume containing besides the illuminated address the signatures of." 5000 citizens. '