THE PREMIER FAREWELLED

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 249, 27 February 1911, Page 5

THE PREMIER FAREWELLED

BIG GATHERING AT CHRISTCHURCH. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, Last Night. The Right Hon. the Prime Minister was entertained at a farewell social last night in the Art Gallery, where there was a large gathering, despite the heavy rain. The Mayor presided, arid the Hons. Millar and Fowlds and Messrs Ell, Davey, Witty, Russell, and Seddon, M.s P., were present. The following motion, moved by Mr. McGregor Wright, Mayor of Woolston, and seconded by Mr. Albert Kaye, and supported by Mr. H. R. Rushbridge, was unanimously agreed to by acclamation: "Sir Joseph Ward, on the eve of the departure of yourself and Lady Ward for the Old Land, this meeting of representatives of the people of the city of Christchurch and surrounding districts, desires to extend to you a most sincere welcome, and we further trust as Prime Minister ol this Dominion your mission to Britain will result in materially advancing the best and truest interests not only or the people you so ably represent, but of the whale Empire." Sir Joseph Ward received an ovation oh rising to reply, the audience cheering and singing "he's a jolly good fellow." In the course of a lengthy speech, the I Prime Minister dealt with matters to be discussed at the Imperial Conference, emphasising principally defence matters. He stated that that day, through His Excellency the Governor, he had at last received the invitation to the coronaion that had been so much talked about. The invitation was to eight members of the New Zealand Parliament, who were to be the guests of the members of the British Houses of Lords and Commons. Sir Joseph indicated that some members on both sides of thej House would receive invitations. (Applause).

At the conclusion, the audience sang "Auld Lang Syne," and "He's a jolly, good fellow," and gave cheers for Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, who' afterwards left for Wellington.