RETURN OF THE PREMIER.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 9, 26 August 1911, Page 5

RETURN OF THE PREMIER.

A WARM WELCOME

(Per Press Association.)

Wellington, August 25. Ministers of the Crown, many members of Parliament, and others, went out by the Government steamer Hinomoa to-night to meet Sir Joseph Ward and Sir John Findlay. The Ruapehu anchored in tho harbour to await tho usual inspection by tho doctor. The Hinomoa had not returned to the wharf up to half-past eleven o’clock. Tho Ruapehu’s saloon was crowded with visitors by the Hinomoa and the Janie Seddou, who had gone out into tho harbour to give Sir Joseph Ward and Sir J . G. Findlay a welcome home. Both made speeches'to the assemblage thanking them for the hearty reception.

Sir Joseph Ward took occasion to deny the humours that ho had pmchased an estate in Essex, and that he intended to go Home as High Commissioner. Neither was Sir Robert Stout nor Sir J. G. Findlay going to bd High Commissioner. Sir John Findlay stated that he would bo a candidate for a seat in the House of Representatives at the coming elections. If not elected ho would cheerfully go back to the profession that he left five years ago.

"Wellington, August 25. The Premier, in his reply at the reception last night, spoke in rather strong terms ot the statements and criticisms that had been made Avhile he was away. Everything he had done had been in the interests of the people of New Zealand. What troubled him was the manufacturing of false statements. These extraordinary, malicious, and vicious stories reflected violently on the people who circulated them. Besides the denials already reported, the Premier said there avas no truth in tiie statement that he had to sot aside £30,000 for his eldest son on taking the title. This title Avas conferred on him Avithout asking, and Avithout any recommendation through the ordinary channels. It ought to be regarded as an honour conferred on the country. As a fact the title had cost him less than £IOO. As for the High Commissionership, ho would not accept it either before or after the general election. If lie had Avantcd it ho could have had it long ago. Not' only did lie not want it, but lie Avould not take it, and later on it would be decided Avho should fill the post. Ho also defended Sir John Findlay from the attacks Avhich had been made on him and his knighthood. Sir John Findlay also spoke briefly. Ho said the position lie hoav held lie obtained Avithout solicitation, but for such merit as lie had possessed. He had been Mid that ho did not possess the confidence of the country, and so lie Avas going to contest a seat in the Loavci - House or go back to private life Perhaps now they Avero back tTioy would have less offensive criticism, it was easy to be offensive to people avlio Avcre not present.