THE COLONIAL PREMIERS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13279, 7 May 1907, Page 5

THE COLONIAL PREMIERS.

THE ROYAL ACADEMY BANQUET. AUSTRALIAN ART." United Press Association—Per Electric Telegraph —Copvright. LONDON, May 5. The Prince of.-Wales, the Duke"of Connaught, the foreign Ambassadors, the Agents-General and Mr Rudyard. Kipling Were present at the Royal Academy banquet in honour of the Colonial Premiers. The toast of "The Dominions Beyond the Seas" was substituted for the usual one of "Literature and Science." Sir E. Poynter, in proposing the toast, referred •to the artistic bodies of Australasia, and said it seemed certain that the colonies would soon haye a national art of their own, making perhaps unexpected developments. • • : ■ • ■ ■

Mr Deakin, in responding to the '.-boast, I said that already they had something native, not merely imitative, but initiative, arising in art. Australia laboured under unexpected artistic disabilities. Tlie original settlers were, strangers in a, strange landv weighed down with deep-seated memories of the Old Country, and blind to the fascination of the new; hence the unexpected ; note of melancholy. Aus : tralian art must look' forward, not backward. The vigour of the" people] combined with the stimulating arid exhilarating sunshine and atmosphere, boundless natural resources and beauties yielded deeper qualities under the inspiration of the' fiery faith in the destiny of their eoun•fty- ' - ■ THE FREEDOM OF. MANCHESTER, LONDON, May 5. Mr Churchill and Captain Guest, representing the Colonial Office, accompanied Sir Joseph Ward, Sir R. Bond (Newfoundr land),-Mr Moor (Natal), Mr.Botha (Transvaal), to Manchester, where they were presented with the Freedom of the 'City in the Town Hall. The ceremony was followed by a liineheon. The speeches emphasised the necessity for developing trade between Lancashire the Colonies. Sir Joseph Ward made an earnest appeal for reciprocity, warning liis hearers not to neglect German competition. A GREAT, RECEPTION. ADDRESSES BY .SIR J. G. WARD. • LONDON, May 6. The Manchester reception was wonderfully enthusiastic. The Mayor, in presenting the Premiers With, the Freedom of the City, stated that two millions of people ■within a radius of ten miles had watched the proceedings with ths deepest- sympathy and interest. The ceremony was hot only a personal tribute ; it was also a proof of the affectionate brotherly feeling towards the overseas communities, ■

•Sir J. G. Ward, on behalf of the Premiers, acknowledged the extraordinarily demonstrative welcome', which; he .said, the colonists warmly reciprocated. Scarcely a family in the United Kingdom'were without relations in the great colonies. The recipients did not regard the presentation of the Freedom,- as an empty form, but as an emblem o5 the affectionate regard a, world-famed city felt for the oversea communities. Such events increased the. colonists' pride. They were living under the glorious flag representing strength, power and freedom. At thei luncheon the Mayoi< proposed the tcaiit of " Our Guests," Sir J: G. Ward, in responding, regretted that time did not permit; of a visit to the' canal, which had brought Manchester into direct contact with the shipping and'commerce of the world. Sir J. G. Ward said that New Zealand was able to - testify to the advantages- of direct trade with the famous centre of commerce'. The late Mr Seddon, his distinguished predecessor, had worked incessantly to .ensure direct communication, and nobody had done more to strengthen the; ties of Empire. It, was vitally necessary both to the Motherland and tile colonies that they ' should develop trade. Nothing ought to be left undone to secure closer traded union. Whilg it was possible to admire Germany's energetic efforts to acquire trade abroad, yet, if the British flag was to remain in the ascendant-, ,as carriers they would be unwise to ignore the endeavours of their continental rivals to usurp British trade. British merchants ought to support British shipping everywhere, thereby placing trade on a sounder basis. Sir J. G. Ward emphasised the universal kindness shown to the Premiers by all parties. Though preference had not succeeded at- the Conference, the Premiers fully recognised Britain's right to control her on fiscal policy just; as the colonies exercised a similar, right in their territories. He denied-'that the Premiers had experienced - any rudeness. THE , BUSINESS SIDE. LONDON, May 6. Mr. Bent is closely inspecting the arrival, landing, and distribution of Victorian produce. He is also consulting bankers, financiers, and those connected with commercial circles relative to the question of the taking ove'r of the State debts. He believes that by an agency undertaking the inscription of loans, a saving of £SOOO or £6OOO would be effected yearly. ■., Mr Bent was present- at the opening of the Balkan States Exhibition at Earl's Court. \ Mr Bent, Sir W. J. Lyne, Mr Hughes, and the Agents-General were amongst f.hose present- at the naval review: Rain marred the manoeuvres as a spectacle.