WELCOME HOME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14188, 11 October 1909, Page 5

WELCOME HOME.

SIR JOSEPH WARD ENTERTAINED. [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.] Wellington, Sunday. The Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, was entertained at a largely-attended "welcome home" banquet at the Grand Hotel by the citizens of Wellington last evening. Mr. J. G. Harkness, vice-chair-man of the Chamber of Commerce, presided, and most of the Cabinet Ministers were present. Sir Joseph received a very warm reception, and the toast of his health was drunk with great enthusiasm, while on rising ito respond he was received with cheers. His speech dealt principally with the late Imperial Defence Conference, and his remarks in that direction were similar to the statements already made by him in his speeches since his return to New Zealand. He strongly emphasised the arguments in favour of New Zealand remaining attached to the Old Country in regard to its naval policy, and said that the course he had taken on behalf of the Dominion had been approved of by men high up in the navy at Home. "It is a hundred thousand times better," he said, "for us in New Zealand, instead of going in for a local navy, to say that we are going to help to make the British navy so strong in its centre that no nation, and no combination of nations, will be able to break that centre."