HONOURED GUESTS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 18, 26 February 1914, Page 8

HONOURED GUESTS.

THE DEPORTED LEADERS. HUMOUR OP THE RECEPTION. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, February 25. The , newspapers comment on the Jiumour of seven hours' parleyings reSuiting in the Labour leaders persuad- • ing the deported men to obey the captain's orders, otherwise the elaborate reception arrangements would be disarranged. After compliments and introductory speeches had been exchanged between the Labourites on the launch and the Umgeni, Bain explained that they had been placed on the vessel against their wishes, and did not intend to leave until taken back to South Africa. Mr Henderson urged that the whole British Labour movement was expecting the party. Despite the recital of Labourite hospitality, Bain was adamant, and Mr Henderson and his ' colleagues returned to their hotel chagrSted. They later returned and threw a letter aboard the Umgeni embodying their arguments. This also proved resultless, and the Labourites returned - to, Gravesend in their launch. Meanwhile a number of journalists chartered boats and secured disjointed interviews over the ship's side. Finally M* Henderson and Mr Bowerman were- allowed on board in order - to persuade Bain to leave the ship. When the officers suggested that their efforts had been fruitless, Mr Henderson pleaded for a little more time, and finally was successful. 'i The deporteds left, carrying small handbags and parcels. The party is staying at the Grafton Hotel as guests of the Reception Committee. • WHAT POUTSMA SATS. ■0 /outsma states that he was deported because he would have won General Smuts's - seat, Pretoria East, at the general election. He denies that he attempted to form a Labour Republic. The passengers by the Umgeni state . .that the deported men were very cheerful on the voyage. The captain treated them with the utmost courteuy. They had the best of food, and entered into deck games. They frequently sang militant songs, marching the decks until late at, night. They appeared to. be well supplied with money. UNREHEARSED ABSURDITY. .• r The "Daily Chronicle" says that the landing of the deported men was badly stage-managed. Anything impressive was drowned in the farce of the rush of eminent Labour leaders to Oravesenc]. It was not dignified of the deported men to strike an heroic attitude and then climb down, in order to partake of the fatted calves. It was an unrehearsed absurdity,. b)#fc nevertheless the problem is serious. WATCHED BY DETECTIVES. f 'Times"—"Sydney Sun" . Special Cable. (Received February 26, 8.30 a.m.) ? .LONDON, February 25. ,The "Daily Mail" states that two African detectives 'journeyed by', the Umgeni with the deporteds, but never conversed with them.

SHALL THEY RETURN?

(Received February 26, 8.30 a.m.) CAPE TOWN, February 25. r Viscount Gladstone's sister, Mrs £>rew, and Mrs Botha remained through " the all-night sitting of Parliament. When the Indemnity Bill gets to the > Committee stage Mr Merriman will .. move an amendment seeking to permit the deportees to return to Africa. He will probably receive the support of 30 members, but the Ministry is assured of a big majority.