INTERVIEW WITH LADY WARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13940, 27 June 1907, Page 7

INTERVIEW WITH LADY WARD.

WHAT SHE SAW AND DID IN ENGLAND.

THE KlXtt'S TEA PARTY.

IFiIOU Ofll Own fIOMF.SPOMDENT.) WELLINGTON, Juno 26. Lady Ward, who comcs back to Now Zealand in company with Sir Joseph and threo of |.|i»ir children, states that while in London she eecmed lo live in a. whirl. Sho admitted that sho had lwen in a perfect " whirl" during the whole of her stay in London. "The continuous programme of engagements and the wonderful hospitality showered upon us." slio said to a Post reporter. "were such as to try one'.- ohysical powers to the utmost, and, ca.ro was required to enable one to carry out tho engagement s made. I can only say that from all sides there was a kindliness and lavish hospitality extended .such es will leave rnnfr happy rrcollcolions of our kinsmen and friend* in the Old Country so far as I am concerned. No words I c.n express can diwrihe the kindness shown by the ladies in the Old Country to my daughter and myself during our visit to London." Speaking of I lie life at the Hotel Cecil, she said the *ceno was one of extraordinary activity. The callers, apart from the ordinary "visitors to the hotel, were very numerous. The fact of tho season being on, and the visiting Premiers attending tho conferences, and I heir wives residing at the hotel, accentuated the usual stir and bustle of a large London hotel. The callers and those who desired interviews were so numerous that it was beyond tho capacity of anyone to keep pace with tho demands made upon their, time. With the exception of Dr Jameson, all the Premiers and their wives resided at the Hotel Cecil, and from early morning until late at night, and frequently until the early hour? of the morning, llio place was a conliuuul scer.o of animation. On Sunday evenings thc-re \vaa a special musical programme, both instrumental ar.d vocal, given in the great dining hall. Tho King's tea party was most charming. Considering tho high pressure at which hia Majesty was going at tho time, it was ono of "tho thoughtful acts, that havo been ;i tlmnwtcristio o! hia. Majesty

during- tho timo ho has been on the throne. Ho eonvoreod with all the ladica present, and ovinced a deep interest in the countries from which th«v came. The Princess of tho Duke and Duchess of Connaught, I'rincoss Patricia., and Prince Arthur were present, and were all exceedingly gracious and helped to maio tho visit to Ijuckingham Palace one of tiio most pleasant memories to those, who woro pm-nit. Tho Princess of Wales also invited tho wives of tho Premiers to afternoon tea at Marlborough House. Thi3 was also a very pleasant funotion. Tho Princess «mt for her children, and tho young princea and princesses, excepting Princo Edward, who had started his new career at Osborne, wero introduced to tho ladies present, and were as happy, natural, and _ entertaining as It was possible to imagine. "The official receptions to tho Prime Ministers, quito apart from the business aspect of tho visit," said Lady "Ward, "wero gorgeon3 in_ tho extreme. The gold laeo and insignia, and tho wonderful effect of tho diamonds worn, when or.o remembers tliat tho wholo of the official .world was there, qiiit-o baffled description. Tho peers of tho rejlm and tho peeresses, as well as members of historio families, were so numerous tliait I could not profess b talk of them separately.'' The suffragettes camo under the notice of Lady Ward. Slio saw a body of thorn to Parliament House. "Yes," sho said, in answer lo another question, " I think they will got tho 'franchise in time, don't think they aro going about it in a very good way." Lady Ward Intel to answer many anxious and repeated questions about the working of women's suffrago in New Zealand. To til inquiries she answered that tho system worked satisfactorily, and tho fact that women woro entitled to vole in no way interfered with tho domestic peaco and tranquillity of tho nation.

A HEARTY WELCOME HOME. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, Juno 26. Tho Mayor telegraphed Sir Joseph Ward on behalf of tho citizens of Auckland "I tender you and Lady Ward a hearty wclcomo homo after your arduoro labours in tho Motlierland at tho Imperial and Maritime Conferoncw and other public functions, in all of which you have most , worthily represented tho colony and enhanced the high reputation you already enjoyed. Tho people of New Zealand liavo reason to feci proud of tho statesmanlike manner in which you acted on their behalf in tho councils of tho Empire."

"APPRECIATED BY ALL." • (Pre United I'nsss Association.) CHRISTOHURCH, Juno 26. Tho Mayor of G'hristohuroh has soot tj>9 following telegram to Sir Joseph Ward: — "Tho citizens of Christchurch exjend to you a hearty welcome hack to New Zealand, and congratulate you on your work at.the Imperial Conference, whichjs appreciated by all."

CONGRATULATIONS FROM DUNEDIN. Tho Mayor of Duncdin sent tho following telegram to Sir Joseph Ward yesterday:— " On behalf of the citizens of Dunedin I desiro to tender to Lady Ward and yourself their hearty congratulations on your safo return to tho colony, .and also to cxprcsn their warm appreciation of your able and practical representation of Now Zealand in tho councils of tho Empire.—J, Loudon, Mayor."