HIS DEPARTURE FOR ENGLAND

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8833, 21 January 1907, Page 4

HIS DEPARTURE FOR ENGLAND

A "SEND-OFF" IN CHRISTCHURCH. SATURDAY NIGHT'S BANQUET. On Saturday evening, the citizens of Chriatchurch entertained the Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, at a banquet at Freeman's. A limited, number of tickets had been issued, and so many applications were made for them that the accommodation available was met some days before the function was held. In the absence of the Mayor of Christchurch (Sir John Hall), the DeputyMayor (Mr G - Payling), presided. On Tbw right were Sir Joseph Ward, Captain Percy Atkin (British Commissioner to the International Exhibition), the Hon H. F. Wigram, M.L.C., the Hon Dr Findlay, M.L.C. (Attorney-General), Mr G. Laurenson, M.H.R 1 ., the Hon A. A. Kirkpatrick (Chief Secretary of South Australia), and Mr W. Recce (chairman of the Christchurch , Tramway Board, and an Executive Commissioner of the Exhibition) ; and on his left the Hon C. C. Bowen (Speaker of the Legislative Council), Mr T. H. Race (one of the Canadian Commissioners to the Exhibition), the Hon G. Fowlds Minister of Education), Mr G. T. Booth (an Executive Commissioner of the Exhibition), the Hon J. A. Millar (Minister of Labour), and the Hon C. Louisson, M.L.C. 'Amongst others present were Mr W. A. Burns (Canadian Commissioner), Mr Broadbent (of the Canadian Court), Mr G. Witty, M.H.R., Mr Hi R. Smith (town clerk), Mr E. G. Staveley (president of -the Chamber of Commerce), Mr F. de C. Malet (presidentof the Bank of New Zealand), Mr W. W. Charters (president of the Canterbury Industrial Association), Mr F. Waymouth (president of the Enaployers' Association), Mr H. R.Rusbridge (president of the Trades and Labour Council)j Mr J. Ban* (president of the Workers' ' Political Association), Colortel Hawkins (the officer commanding the district) and Colonel Slater. The chairman, read an apology for the absence of Sir John Hall through illhealth. '.- The Premier will leave New Zealand in a few days to attend the Premiers' (Conference in London, and the banquet was given to him in recognition of his jservices to the country, and as a plealant "eendoffi" on the eve of his de--narture. As Sir Joseph had to go to WellingIfft that night, the toast-list was a short one.

"The King" was proposed by the chairman.