DEPARTURE OF THE PRIME MINISTER BY THE S.S. MANUKA FOR THE IMPERIAL DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 25, 23 June 1909, Page 19

DEPARTURE OF THE PRIME MINISTER BY THE S.S. MANUKA FOR THE IMPERIAL DEFENCE CONFERENCE.

\ huge crowd of people gathered on t he Queen's Wharf. Wellington, on Friday to witness the departure of Sir Joseph Ward by Hie Manuka for Sydney, en route for the Imperial Defence ( Difference. He was accoinpaiiied by 1.,:<1\ Ward. Mies Ward, and Mr. .1. Ili-lop (private secretary). Tim steamer was advertised to sail at live o'clock, but long before four p.m. the public lagan to assemble, and soon the gathering as-nmed extraordinary dimensions. I he idea had got abroad that there wa- to be a hostile dmmuistration of n nature which would render the I’rime Minister's last few minutes in New Zealand unpleasant. The police were present m considerable number-, both in rnifoim and plain clothes. Lying in wait at the second class gangway, past which Sir Joseph would have to go, if he did what was expected, was a small, but compact, crowd of “gentlemen of the red fie," who gave evidence Io singing, and mote than audible anti Ward remarks, that they meant to give the departing head of the Government a pretty lively reception. It “didn’t come oil'," Sir Joseph Ward and part X went round the other wav, reaching the hist class gangway from the north ern end of the wharf. At the Premier's end of the ship there was a large crowd of his supporters, and while those oppo-cd howled at him from the south, the friendlv section nearer to him made the welkin ring , so to speak, with cheer after cheer, Onee or twice th< Premier tried to speak, but the imine of the contending factions was too great. Just tin the lines were east oil', Sir Joseph was understood to sav. ■ God Illes, you!" while he waved his mil to the throng, and then the big -hip carried away the I’rime Minister on a mission, the possibilities and end of winch have yet to be thoroughly appreciated and underst I.