"GOOD-BYE."

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 48, 27 February 1911, Page 2

"GOOD-BYE."

MORE FAREWELLS TO THE PRIME MINISTER. fßy TELEGRAPH — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, 25th February. A deputation, consisting of Messrs F. E. Jones (president of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce), A. Kaye, W. D. Meares, H. J. Marriner, W. Wood, J. G. Moore, and lloyds, waited on Sir Joseph Ward to-day. Mr. Jones said that the deputation, as representing the business community, wishod to say "Good-bye" to Sir Joseph Ward on the eve of his departure for the Imperial Conference. The members of the deputation hoped that the conference would have a successful issue/, and that Sir Joseph Ward would have a safe return. There might be differences of opinion as to how the Dominion and Empire could best bo pushed along, but all people were of one opinion that it was good for th'e world that the great British Empire should be brought closer and closer together. The history of tho Empire taught the lesson that mistakes had been made, and there was no doubt that if Imperial Conferences had been held in the past it would have been much better for the Empire. Sir Joseph Ward said that he thoroughly appreciated the kindness shown to him, and ho realised the high value of the conference, and also the difficulty of one generation seeing far ahead into the life of another generation. It was easy to look back at history, and to judge how easy it might have been to avoid mistakes, but it was hard to anticipate things. As Mr Jones had suggested, it wa6 an excellent thing to bring the representatives of the outlying parts of the Empire together to protect the interests of all. He thanked them again for their good wishes to himself. The Prime Minister was entertained at a farewell social to-night in the Art Gallery. There was a large gathering, despite the heavy rain. The Mayor presided, and the Hons. Millar and Fowlde, and Messrs. Ell, Davey, Witty, Russell, and Seddon, M.P.'s, were present. The following motion, moved by Mr. M'Gregor Wright (Mayor of Woolston), seconded by Mr. Albert Kaye, and supported by Mr. H. R. Rusbridge, was unanimously agreed to by acclamation : — "Sir Joseph Ward— On th© eve of the departure of yourself and Lady Ward for the Old Land, this meeting of representatives of the people of the city of Christchurch and surrounding districts desire to extend to you a most sincere welcome, and we further trust that as Prime Minister of this Dominion, your mission to Britain will result in materially advancing the beat and truest interests, not only of the people you so ably represent, but of the whole Empire." Sir Joseph Ward received an ovation on rising to reply, the audience cheering and singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." In the course of a lengthy speech the Prime Minister dealt with matters to be discussed at the Imperial Conference, emphasising principally defence matters. At the conclusion of the speech the audience sang "Auld Lang Syne" and "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and gave cheers for Sir Joseph Ward and Lady Ward, who afterwards loft for Wellington.