COLONIALS AT HOME.

Feilding Star, Volume I, Issue 270, 20 May 1907, Page 4

COLONIALS AT HOME.

[BT SLBOIAIO TELEORAPH — COPYRIGHT.] (PXB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] London, May 18. Sir Joseph Ward was entertained at dinner by 250 students of Dublin University. The Provost of Trinity College presided and proposed the health of Sir Joseph Ward, who in response mentioned that a number of graduates of Dublin University, including Lord Plunket, held high positions in New Zealand. The students made a great demonstration ' as Sir Joseph Ward left the hall. Sir Joseph Ward gave evidence before the Vice-Regal Commission on Irish railways. He explained the general position of New Zealand railways and strongly urged State ownership, which fie said provided for unifoimity of system, prevented rebates, assisted settlement development, and supplied a great engine for advancing the best interests of the people. . Sir Joseph Ward issued the following farewell address before leaving England : "I wish to express thanks for the very great kindness i of all classes of the community. I have everywhere been treated with i the greatest possible cordiality, and attentions have been shown me _ in such profusion that it is impossible to acknowledge them individually. I filly recognised that in honouring me the people of Britain have shown their goodwill for New Zealand, and their desire to draw closer the ties binding them to their oversea kinsmen. New Zealand will understand this and heartily reciprocate the sentiment. Spe iking as one of the representatives of oversea dominions, I am satisfied that though we have not accomplished all we aimed at our labours have not been in vain, for the noble ideal of Empire unity is distinctly nearer and cleaier than before we came." Sir Joseph Ward inscribed his name in the visitors' book at Buckingham P» lace. After ha/ing taken farewell of Lord Elgin and the other visiting Piemiers and Colonial officials the Wards and Messrs Fitchett and Belcher started from Charing Cross for Brindisi. The party received a hearty send-off, bouquets of roses and lilies being presented to Lady and Miss Ward. A large gathering was present to bid them farewell, including Mr and Mrs Reeves, Earl Haddington, Sir Westby Percival and Mr Beitram Cox of the Colonial Office. An infli9Qtixl deputation representing the Australasian section of the Chamber of Commerce waited on Mr Deakin and stated that it was practically settled that a hundred members will visit Australia in 1909, or including Canada and South Africa, possibly 200. A deputation representing Kinloch Cookes' Central Emigration Board and other emigratiou agencies and several Agents-General and Lord Ranfurly waited or. Mr Deakin and discussed the advisability of co-opera-tive action. Mr Deakin explained that if the States will supply land and undertake to look after the immigrants on their arrival, the Commonwealth Government would do the advertising and assist in every way. Other Colonial speakeis indicated that Australians in London interested in emigration wished to take advantage of the present favourable juncture and advance the cause. After discussion the opinion appeared to prevail that it would be better to try to arange for co-opera-tion between the various scattered agencies through a central emigration board. It is intended to invite the Agente-Gennral to assist the Board with advice and information.