EMPIRE PROBLEMS

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1111, 26 April 1911, Page 7

EMPIRE PROBLEMS

DEFENCE AND TRADE. SIR JOSEPH WARD INTERVIEWED. NEED FOB AN INVINCIBLE NAVY. By Telccraph—Press Association— Oopyricht (Rcc. April 25, 8.10 p.m.) London, April 25.' Sir Joseph Ward has arrived in London. In an interview on the question of Imperial defence, ho emphasised the- desiro of all portions of the Empire to do their part. There -'was., an iniprossion in some- quarters that his suggestion might in some way weaken the local autonomy of the various parts of the Empire. , He was, however, strongly opposed to lessening the • local powers of any portion. Indeed, ho favoured increasing, rather than diminishing, such powers. He was not oblivious to tho extraordinary protection all tho Overseas Dominions had received through tho British taxpayer in tho maintenance of a powerful navy. At the 6ame timo.he..could not shut his eyes to the'fact'that'tli6 marvellous growth and yearly increasing national value of tho various portions of tho Empire necessitated a review of tho whole system of control and organisation, with the view of improving and strengthening it beyond its present position. . • ■

Sir Joseph Ward went on to say that ho hoped the difficulties in the way of Sir Wilfrid Laurier attending the conference would be overcome. Hie. absence would bo a calamity.

Ho next dwelt upon the gratifying increase of New Zealand's trade, and remarked that New Zealand stood for tho old flag, a white country, an invincible Imperial Navy with an adequate share of the responsibility, tho extension of trade within tho Empire, and representation on an Imperial Council.

He emphasised the fact that the future would prove that the vast Britisli interests developing in the Pacific would require far more attention from tho naval standpoint than appeared necessary at present.

Now Zealandcrs. were lovel-headed and practical, and in nowise jingoistic. They shared the desire of all within the Empire to ensure the perpetuation of peace. To that end the • Motherland and the Oversea Dominions required to be made so powerful that should any militant spirit aiise elsewhere the recognition of the supremo power of the British Navy would make for peace.This would be of incomparably greater financial value to the whole world than the result of trying conclusions against the Empire's Navy. The full development of the Empire's Navy was necessary. To croato such an admittedly splendid position they must encounter many difficultiesj but at a conferencesuch as had been summoned the difficulties, equally with the . advantages, could be fully and freely discussed. He was convinced that the advantages wouT3 largoly predominate. What was wanted was some ultimate system which would increase -the Navy's strength up to a point which would ensure that the growing interests of the scattered Empire would be peacefully conserved, and in'the event of war tho outcome placed beyoud a'l doubt.

Sir Joseph Ward also paid a tribute to tlio keenness of. New Zealanders as regards Imperial sentiment and love of the Motherland. " ~.,1,' ".