OUR MINISTERS ARRIVE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 16505, 5 August 1919, Page 2

OUR MINISTERS ARRIVE.

AFTER A PLEASANT TRIP. ACROSS CANADA AND THE PACIFIC. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, August S. The Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward returned by the Niagara, arriving early this morning. With the exception of the train smash experienced by the Prime Minister and party in Canada both Ministers had a continuously pleasant trip across the 'Atlantic, through Canada and down the "Pacific.

They left the English Channel early on Juno 29 and arrived at Halifax the following Friday night. During the voyage each Minister addressed the passengers and also the troops, of whom there were about 4000 on board. Their first-hand information about the Peace Conference and their robust references to Imperial unity and war service were keenly appreciated. Mr. .Massey’s party left the Mauretania at Halifax and proceeded the followiXt day on their journey to Montreal, where they spent the week-end, and saw the progressive city at its best. vSir Joseph Ward, Lady Ward and Miss Saunders went on by the Mauretania to Now York for a few days.

Mr. .Massey and,his party broke their journey also at Ottawa and Toronto. At each place the Prime Minister was cordially welcomed by representatives of the State and municipalities. At Ottawa he attended the prorogation of the Dominion Parliament, which had just concluded an exceptionally long and arduous session. Mr., Mrs. and Miss Massey were guests of Sir Robert Borden one evening and the two Prime Ministers renewed their friendship at the Peace Conference.

At Toronto Mr. Church, Mayor of the city, proved an excellent host and guide. The long trip across the prairies was very pleasant, but nneventlul. At Vancouver Air. Massey was invited to relate his experiences at the Peace Conference. He first addressed , the Canadian Women’s Club, his subject being the war and after. Thcfollowing day the Prime Minister and Su- Joseph Ward, who bad arrived from New York, were the guests of the Canadian Club at luncheon. About 1000 business men attended and both Alinisters were given a great reception. Air. Massey gave his reminiscences of the Peace Conference and Sir Joseph, W ,rd discussed Imperialism. Their speeches were, warmly appreciated. They also visited Victoria and addressed the local Canadian Club, again receiving true hospitality and appreciation. On the rnfl down from Victoria to Auckland both Ministers addressed the passengers. WELCOME AT THE WHARF. Favoured by beautiful weather the. political leaders landed from the Niagara this morning. Both Air. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward are in the best of health and spirits. The ladies of the party also looked extremely well after their most interesting trip. When the steamer came alongside the wharf a large party of personal friends of the two loaders were waiting to welcome them and both were kept busily occupied for some time exchanging handgrips and greetings. The DeputyAlayor, Air. Entricau, gave a hearty ve come home to vie cm oys and their parties on behalf of the citizens of; Auckland. SIR J. WARD INTERVIEWED. Sir Joseph Ward, interviewed, said the fact that Germany had expressed a wish to become a member of the League of Nations indicated that she recognised the power-centred in it. He believed that when the tide of Bolshevism had subsided and Russia divided into a number of States, a republic was more than probable. The. military spirit, lie believed, had received a death blow by the reduction of Germany’s armed force which meant the complete abolition of conscription in Germany, and was the forerunner of the abolition of conscription in all countries and the disappearance of the other elements that for 40 years or more had enabled Germany tt> build up scientifically her great war machines. Sir Joseph declined to discuss polities in any form until his severance with the National Government, though he fully recognised the situation in New Zealand and realised that there were difficult problems ahead. ATTITUDE OF THE CROWD. When the Alinistors left the ship for their hotel shortly after 8 o’clock there was a fair crowd of onlookers outside the barrier and a certain amount of badinage passed among the people as the Alini.stenal car wont by, A section of the assemblage went so far a5,,40 show a certain amount of hostility, boohooing and laughter greeting the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward as- they left the wharf. The cordial part of the crowd promptly returned an answer to the demonstrators by heartily cheering the envoys, while such remarks as ‘‘Angels wouldn’t please some New Zealanders,” and ‘‘These are not New Zealanders, but imports,” proved that there were plenty of friends to welcome the voyagers, besides the noisy elements. AIR. AIASSEY SAYS LITTLE. Air. Alasscy, questioned on New Zealand politics said, smiling, ‘‘l have nothing to say. beyond reiterating that I shall Ire meeting members of my party at the earliest opportunity of a long talk. In any case it is impossible for me to say anything before I get together with my fellow Reformers and am seized with* the exact position. The same remark applies to the Coalition. Thai is also a matter that cannot he told until wc meet our colleagues in Wellington. At present everything is in the air so far as that is concerned. Aleanwhile preparations will go on for the session which personally I should think would begin within the next fortnight”