FESTIVITIES AT HOME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3249, 20 June 1911, Page 5

FESTIVITIES AT HOME.

BANQUET TO OVERSEAS VISITORS

MR. FJSHER AND OXFORD.

WHY HE REFUSED THE DEGREE

rUNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. LONDON, June 18. The British Empire League and Science Guild banqueted oversea visitors at the Savoy Hotel. The Duke of Devonshire presided. There were 300 persons present. Dr. Warrenfi master of Magdalen College, referred to Mr Fisher’s refusal to accept an Oxford degree. He thought the sentiment of Burns was right, yet the guinea, stamp was not to be despised. Mr. Fisher replied that it was not on false modesty, but because of his youth and other disabilities that lie asked to be excused the honor. The conference, he said, had already been fruitful of good results. The British Government had invited the delegates to their very fireside, and asked them to come right inside and learn wliat it was intended to do for the protection of all parts- of the Empire. The Australian Government would give the establishment of a solar observa cordial and favorable consideration.

OVERSEA JOURNALISTS ENTER-

TAINED

BY EMPIRE PRESS UNION.

The- Empire Press Union banqueted the oversea journalists. Lord Burnham presided. Lord Ourzon, proposing a toast to the guests said that lie believed the Imperial idea was progressing. The scattered units were drawing closer. He had seen fear expressed that the Conference had not reached expectations. Sir Joseph Ward, who had put forward with intrepid brevity proposals which had not been accepted, had informed him that the Conference marked a great advance. Mr. Geoffrey- Fairfax, of the Sydney "Morning Herald, ’’ responded. GUESTS OF BRITISH M.P.’S.

Fifty oversea, members of Parliament, with their wives and daughters, are staying at tlie Waldorf Hotel, being the guests of British members of Parliament.

TECHNICAL STUDENTS’

GATHERING.

ADDRESSED BY SIR JOSEPH

WARD

Sir Joseph Ward attended a meeting of British and Colonial technical students at the Festival of Empire. He congratulated the organisation on having 160,000 students throughout the world. He would follow the example of the Australian Postmaster-General and urge the officials of the Department to join the organisation. The Imperial Conference would be glad to receive assistance an any movement similar to this, in assisting the dissemination of Imperial ideas, while probably not agreeing with the details. He hoped the leaders of the organisation ivould impress on correspondents the all-im-portant consideration to view developments where countries like Britain have a world-wide navy for the protection of the various parts of the Empire.