SIR J. G. WARD IN THE OLD COUNTRY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3765, 14 May 1907, Page 3

SIR J. G. WARD IN THE OLD COUNTRY.

Wellington, Friday. The following is supplied by the Government. London, May 9. Speaking at the Colonial Conference to-day on a motion of Mr Gladstone’s for uniformity of naturalisation, Sir J. G. Ward said that so long as the legislation proposed by the Imperial Government did not take away the right ot New Zealand to control naturalisation in its own country he would not oppose it, but he would not agree to any legislation that would admit ot aliens after five years| residence in England being admitted to New Zealand without the New Zealand Government having full control. He did not wish to reflect on any nationality or race, but New Zealand was a white man’s country and he was determined to do all in his power to keep it so. He foresaw that persons of coloured races obtaining naturalisation in England might be admitted in numbers to New Zealand, and that was a most objectionable feature. He would not consent under any circumstances to such a policy. He said that New Zealand contained a population of Europeans and Maoris living under the best conditions and, circumstances possible, and it was essential for the children of the European population that they should be kept free from intermarriage with alien races and that the country should be f ree from any danger of contamination of its future race. Speaking on the question of the British Government guarding its Pacific possessions, Sir J. G. Ward declared that New Zealand was under the shadow of a great country, the United States, that did not fly the British flag, though it was cosmopolition, and he had no objection to it as a country. On the contrary, he felt most friendly disposed towards it. But still the future development of the Pacific, the opening of the Panama Canal, and the increased traffic between Canada, Australia and New Zealand rendered it essential that the British Government should not relax its efforts to keep points of vantage in the Pacific Islands. He deprecated the loss of Samoa, which possessed asplended harbour controlled by another nation. New Zealand had the control of a number of Pacific Islands. Great Britain’s policy should be to ensure the acquisition of the remainder. He urged the advisablenoss of all matters and conventions being submitted to Australia and New Zealand before their settlement by the Imperial Government; He referred to the New Hebrides and said he was certain that if the colonies had been first consulted the position would be entirely different.

Sir J. G. Ward’s resolution in favour of the universal penny postage was carried, after discussion. He urged the British Post-master-General to progress on wider lines. It was ridiculous that letters should cost 2 j£d to go across the Channel to France, a distance of 21 miles, while they went between England and New Zealand, either way, for a id. Mr Buxton agreed with the resolution, conditionally that England should not be pressed for a time to bring it into operation. His sympathies were with the proposal. The recent concessions in England amounted to Universal penny postage would mean a further reduction of _£4s°000. He referred to the work of the Postal Congress at Rome in complimentary terms, and hoped that Australia would come into line with other portions of the Empire. Sir J. G. Ward replied that it was undesirable that the post-office should be regarded as a taxing machine. He was satisfied that a recovery of the loss would occur in a similar way to the experience of Canada and New Zealand when they both adopted penny postage. On Mr Deakin’s resolution for a surtax of 1 per cent, on all foreign imports into, the Empire, Sir J. G. Ward expressed doubts as to the wisdom of the policy. He would prefer that the necessary amount be voted by Parliament on the estimates. To commence with a surtax of 1 per cent, meant increasing it considerably within a limited period. One per cent, wonld produce only ,£20,000 a year in New Zealand, and if New Zealand were called upon to join with England and Canda for the purpose of mail service development; reduction in cable charges and concessions in caual charges would mean 2 or even 5 per cent. He disliked the system, which, in his opinion, had manv disadvantages. Sir J, G. Ward supported the proposal of Australia for a mint in Australia for silver coinage, and asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer to allow New Zealand to follow the same course, if it thought desirable. He did not think New Zealand would be likely to undertake it at present, but he wanted the same conditions as Australia had. The Chancellor of the Exchequer concurred. He was willing to concede Australia and NewZealand independant action if they so elected. The swearing in tas Privy Councillors of Sir J. G. 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, this Duke of Connaught, the Marqjuis of Ripon,

Lord Elgin, and a number of Privy Councillors. . Sir J. G. Ward was entertained at dinner by Mr A. F. Walter, chief proprietor of the London Times, to-night. Sir J. G. Ward proceeded to Scotland at midnight, and receives the freedom of the City of Kdiu* burgh to-morrow. The launch by Lady W ard of the Union Steam Ship Company s steamer Maori takes place at Dumbarton on Saturday.