WESTMINSTER HALL BANQUET

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8796, 25 April 1907, Page 2

WESTMINSTER HALL BANQUET

Press Association. —Copyright. London, April 24,

The Parliamentary \ luncheon to the Premiers in Westminster Hall was a brilliant gathering, numbering 650, including members of the Lords, Commons, ministers, exministers, notable ladies, High Commissioners aud Agents-General. There was a picturesque procession of Conference representatives and their ladies, Sir Wilfred Laurier leading Mrs Deakin, who sat at Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman's left, while Lady Laurier sat on his right. The guests received an ovation. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman proposed '' The Guests,' 'coupled with the name of Sir Wilfred Laurier, emphasising the historic character and the significance of the occasion. He greeted the Premiers with goodwill and affection and recognised their patriotic sacrifices. The British Government, Opposition and Parliament were anxious to pay all honour to the visitors.

Mr Balfour felicitously supported the toast and said the guests had as much right to the historic memories suggested by the Hall as themselves. Sir Wilfred Laurier responded and said that once ho had dreamt he would like a seat in tho ilmperial Parliament which had done so much for the liberties of mankind. He _ recognised later that such a step might prove a source of embarrassment both to the Motherland and to hor daughter nations. The best way to maintain tho Empire -was to allow every community to administer its affairs in its own Parliament.

Mr Botha, wha had a groat reception, proposed the toast of the '' Mother of Parliaments'' from whom sprang tho constitution for which the Transvaal was grateful. Lord Lore burn and Mr James Lowther, responded for the Lords and Commons respectively.