SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 846, 21 March 1903, Page 2

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

IMPORTANT SPEECHES,

By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright,,

Received 3.25 p.m., March 20. SYDNEY, March 20. Sir Joseph Ward entertained a large number of representatives of business and commercial interests at the Hotel Australia, to take farewell of them.

Sir J. See, Mr O’Sullivan, and Mr Kidd were present, but Sir E. Barton was unavoidably, absent.

Sir Joseph Ward, proposing, the toast of New South Wales,j acknowledged the extreme kindness extended

t.o him during his visit. He assured them of the sincere interest of New /.ealand in the welfare and prosperity of New South Wales-

Sir John See, in responding, expressed appreciation of Sir Joseph Ward’s visit, and desired him to convey to his colony the warmest expressions of friendship of New South Wales for New Zealand. He referred to the steps taken in London to ac-

quire food supplies during war time, and said that Australia would do her part in time oi need to help the Motherland, both with men and food supplies..

Mr O’Sullivan proposed Sir Joseph Ward’s health.

Sir Joseph Ward, in replying, said hat Sir John See’s remarks'" about

food supplies emphasised the necessity of those in authority throughout the British dominions putting their their heads together to consolidate British commerce. Some measures were needed to conserve trade within the Empire. Foreign nations, with Government assistance, were doing their utmost to extend their commercial relations. New Zealand had asserted her desire to foster her Imperial trade by pronouncing in favor of preferential treatment. The whole question of commercial relations would soon demand the best attention of statesmen.

Sir Joseph Ward leaves for Melbourne by the Japanese mail steamer to-morrow.