THE PRIME MINISTER

Otago Witness, Issue 2805, 18 December 1907, Page 41

THE PRIME MINISTER

WELCOMED AT INVERCARGJLL. (Eeom Ova Own Corkespohdbht.) INVERCARGD^L, December 10. The Hon. the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph G. Werd, arrived here by the express this afternoon, and was welcomed to Invercargill on hk first visit since his return from the Colonial Conference in Lotdon by the Mayor (Mr Scandrett) and councillors, the chairman of the Southland County Council (Mr I. W, Raymond), the chairman of the BfaJf Harbour Board (Mr J. E. Wateon}, the chairman of the Southland Hospitals Wd Charitable Aid Board (Mr A. Bain), Meeara H. Feldwick and T. Kennedy MacDcmsld, M:L.C's, and ether representative *non. In response to the Mayor 'e invitation a large crowd of citizens had assembled to irafbome Sir Joseph, and as he mounted a platform erected at the entrance to the Railway Station he was greeted with hearty chwa*. Uj© Major welcomed the Prime Minister

with a few words of eulogy on his work, at the Imperial Conference, and during the session of Parliament, and called on Messrs Rayniond, Wateon, Feldwick, and MafcDonald to add their words of welcome. In responding Sir Joseph expressed his appreciation of the warm welcome accorded ! him, and went on to say that he thought the raising of New Zealand from the status .of a colony to that of a Dominion was a distinct advance in the ranks of nation's which couid not fail to result ia material benefit to the present race, while it in no way discounted the achievements of the passing generation, who had placed it in the front rank of colonies. Referring to the re3ult of- the Imperial Conference, he said that it had ?»t least laid the foundations of mutually beneficial trade relationships, and the superstructure would rise in due course. Speaking of the past session, he said that it was the longest on record by five days-, and a" session of strenuous work, -but to, talk of legislation by exhaustion was absurd, as they could judge by the state in which he had emerged from the ordeal. The session was a notable ono for the amount of useful legislation passed, and though there n.ight be disagreement as to detail, he thought that the policy of the Government had'on the whole been" acceptable to the House and to the country. His present visit to Invejrcargill muet be a short oW, but he hoped to return south in about 10 days", and spend a recuoerative holiday at Stewart Island. Later in the day the Prime Minister put in appearance at the A. and P. show where he was welcomed by the officials.