OFF TO ENGLAND.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 54, 6 March 1911, Page 8

OFF TO ENGLAND.

; » THE PRIME MINISTER AND DR. FINDLAY. FAREWELLED~iN ROUTE TO AUCKLAND. AH along the line on Saturday, the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) aaid the Hon. Dr. Findlay, who were proceeding to Auckland, en route for London, had most enthusiastic " farewells." A pleasant function in connection wiih their departure took place at Levin oft Saturday afternoon. The train was met by the Mayor (Mr. B. R. Gardiner) and councillors, and Sir Joseph and Lady Ward and Dr. and Mrs. Findlay were asked to com© on the platform and receive the farewell and good wishes of the Levin people. A large concourse had gathered, flanked by the Cadets and other boys from the Boys' Training Farm. The Ministers were introduced by the member tor the district (Mr. W. H. Field), who, with Mrs. Field, had accompanied the Ministerial party from Wellington. Mr. Field, in the course of his- address, said the people of Levin had a«ssembled at the station to say good-bye and wish God-speed to the representatives of the Dominion on their setting out on their very important mission to the Motherland. The, present, he said, was a vital period in th'e history of the Emp-re, and it behoved all British dominions to send their wisest and besu to represent them at tlie great Council of the Empire in London. The people 'of i this country generally felt that no j better choice could have bean made to represent New Zealanu than that of the Prime Minister and Attorney-General, both of whom were specially qualified to undertake the duties which would devolve upon them. Their sayings and doings would be watched with intense interest by the people of the- Dominion ; their welcoming back, too, would be as cordial as their present farewell. The Mayor also conveyed to the two Ministers and their wives the good wishes of the Levin people. , Sir Joseph Ward and Dr. Findlay both made brief, replies thanking the people for their kindly and thoughtful action, and said they would be much encouraged in the performance of the task before them by the generous expressions of goodwill which they were receiving from the people generally. HeaTty cheers were given before the train moved away. A Pisess Association /telegram from Taihape reports that the Premier and Dr. Findlay were accorded a great reception there on Saturday evening. They were presented with an address by the Mayor. Sir Joseph Ward and Dr. Findlay both replied. Both received a -most enthusiastic send-off.