THE PREMIERS AT MANCHESTER

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10965, 7 May 1907, Page 4

THE PREMIERS AT MANCHESTER

m SPEECH BY SIR JOSEPH WARD. (Press Assn. — By Telegraph. — Copyright.) LONDON, May 6. Tlio Manchester reception was wonderfully enthusiastic. The Mayor, in presenting the Premiers with the freedom of the city, stated that two millions of people in a radius of ten miles watched the proceedings of the Conference with the deepest sympathy and interest. Tlie ceremony was not only a personal tribute, but also a proof of the affectionate brotherly feeling towards the oversea communities. Sir Josepii Ward, on behalf of the Premiers, acknowledged the extraordinarily demonstrative welcome, which the colonists warmly reciprocated. There was scarcely a family in the United Kingdom without relations in the great colonies. The recipients did not regard the presentation of the freedom as an empty form, but as an emblem of the affectionate regard that a world-famed city felt fur the oversea .communities. Such events increased the colonists' pride that they were living uiider a glorious flag, representing strength, power, and freedom. The Mayor proposed the toast of "Our Guests" at the luncheon. . Sir Joseph Ward, in responding, regretted that time did not permit' a visit to the Canal, which brought Manchester in direct contact with the shipping and commerce of the world. New Zealand was able to testify to th_ advantages of direct trade with' the famous centre .of commerce. Mr Seddon, his distinguished predecessor, worked incessantly to ensure direct communication, and nobody had done more to strengthen the ties' of Empire It was vitally necessary that both the Motherland and the colonies should ! "develop trade. Nothing ought to- be left undone to secure closer trade union. '. While it was possible to admire Germany's energetic efforts to acquire trade abroad, ;yet if the British Aug was to remain in t)ie ascendant for them •as carrier,?, it { would be unwise to ignore the 'endeavors of Continental rivals to usurp British traded British merchants ought to sup- ! port British shipping everywhere, thereby placing trade on a sounder basis. He emphasised the universal kindness shown to the Premiers by sill 'parties^. Thgaglj. -jp£[£i§pji»J*i^ J^"^if^^ Con- * ference. the Premiers fully recognised Britain's light to control her own fiscal policy, ••■ just fls"Hrie" colonies exercised a •similar right in their territories! He denied that the Premiers had experienced any rudeness. , ..■■-.. .