COLONIAL PREMIERS IN LONDON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2078, 13 May 1907, Page 2

COLONIAL PREMIERS IN LONDON.

Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, May 10. To enable them to fulfil their engagements at Edinburgh to-day, the new Privy Councillors, including Sir Joseph Ward, were sworn-in yesterday.

The swearing-in ns members of the Privy Council of Sir Joseph Ward, Dr. Jameson, General Botha, and Mr Moor to-day was an interesting ceremony. In addition to the King,

there were also present the Prince of Wales, Duke of Connaught, Marquis of Ripon, Lord Elgin, and a number of Privy Councillors.

Sir Joseph Ward entertained at dinner Air. Walters, proprietor of the London Times, to-night. Ho proceeded to Scotland at midnight. The freedom of the City of Edinburgh will be conferred to-morrow. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward will also be present at tho launch of the Union Company’s new steamer Alaori at Dumbarton on Saturday, Lady Ward performing the christening ceremony.

The Premier’s ladies attended the King’s tea party to-day, and were shown over Buckingham Palace and grounds. The Princess of Wales and Duchess of Connaught assisted in entertaining the guests. Sir W. Lyno received a deputation chiefly representing the Australasian section of the London Chamber of

Commerce, asking for concessions and a clearer explanation of tlie Commerce Act. The Chairman of the Australasian section admitted that many initial difficulties were disappearing, though some were still to 1) • found. The declarations as to country of origin formed a grievance. Sir \Y. Lyno, without yielding anything material, allayed the griev .tires bj’ courteous explanations. He s-r.d the Government’s object was net to hut ass traders, but to pro:, vt consumers, and to benefit honest traders. He was willing to meet British exporters in every way consistent with the protection of the consumer and the revenue. He was desirous to simplify declarations as much as possible. Sic tY. J ,_vllo particularly emphasised his intention to impede importations of spurious jewellery, especially rolled gold. The King asked Sir Joseph Ward to convey a, message to New Zealand when he returned. Sir Gilbert Parker banquetted the Premiers.

A number of firms largely interested in electrical enterprises in Australia purpose to interview Mr. Bent and ask for a re-assurance, since they doubt the character of the security they possess owing to the varying nature of the laws. The Times pays- a high tribute to Mr. Deakiu’s immense services at the Imperial Coi d'e re 11 ce. The Daily Chronicle expresses a

hope that if Sir Wilfrid Lanrier submits a concrete scheme, and the other colonies approve, the Imperial Government will not hesitate to contribute its share, guaranteeing a fast line of steamers between Britain and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Messrs. Bent and Deakin are investigating with the object of the Commonwealth and States uniting and maintaining one good building in the Strand for agency purposes. TEA WITH THE KING. Received 4.37 p.in., May 12. LONDON, May 11. The lady members of the Colonial

Party were entertained at Buckingham Palace. They proceeded to the Palace by motor, arriving at halfpast 5. They were received personally by King Edward, who shook hands with each and extended a most cordial greeting to all in turn. Tea was served at small tables so that

members of the Royal Family might mingle with their guests with great ease. A visit to the terrace and grounds followed. King Edward joined the various groups, and chatted freely. King Edward withdrew at seven o’clock. All were charmed at the graciousness and cordiality of the King and Royal Family. The band of the King’s Colonials played in the garden. The party included the in nes. Lady and Miss Ward, and Mrs. Deakin.

Received 5 p.m., May 12. The Duke of Westminster banqueted the Premiers. Mr. Bent and Sir W. Lvne were also present.