WESTMINSTER HALL BANQUET

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8797, 26 April 1907, Page 2

WESTMINSTER HALL BANQUET

The Speeches

Press Association—Copyright London, April 25,

Speaking at tho Parliamentary banquet to the Premiers in Westminster Hall, Sir H. Campbell-Ban-nerman emphasized the fact that the relationship between the Motherland and tho great over-sea States was not an alliance or partnership, but a family relationship, based on community of purpose and union of ideas, becauso all dorived their life from independent representative Governments.

Mr Balfour said he was glad to welcome representatives of the great sister nations who derived their representative Governments from - the highly prized institution whose members met within a few yards from where they were now assembled. Surely .if anywhere,' their guests should feel at home within the venerable precincts . where thoir liberties were cradled. They inherited all that thoir forefathers had conquered for themselves in the wayof freedom and self-government. (Cheers.) Sir Wilfrid Laurier was glad that; some members of tho British Parliament had come from the daughter nations, because if differences arose, their influence would always bo used' to promote peace, harmony, and conciliation. Ho would return- home: more impressd than over with the desirability of Imperial unity, based upon local autonomy. Mr James Lowther (Speaker of. the House of Commons) said that even if the Motherland took a grandmotherly interest in her progeny it was duo to excess of zeal, not to indifference After tho luncheon Mrs Lowther held a reception for the colonia guests.