SIR JOSEPH WARD’S APPOINTMENT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1028, 9 April 1912, Page 3

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S APPOINTMENT.

Wellington, April 5

Interviewed by a Post reporter, the Prime Minister (the Hon. T. Mackenzie) said that his Cabinet asked Sir Joseph Ward to allow himself to be nominated, and Sir Joseph consented, with the result that New Zealand would have for that special work its most highly qualified and experienced man on the most important commission that had ever been held in the interests of the Empire. The position carried no salary lor any of the representatives, expenses only being paid. Mr Mackenzie said he felt confident the trade of the Empire must be enormously benefited by its work, and New Zealand would, he was sure, be proud to have so distinguished and capable a representative on it.

“When I decided to accept the position,’’ said Sir Joseph Ward to a Post representative, “I felt that there was very important work which could be done by the Commission in the general interests of the Empire. It will not interfere with my position as a member of the House of Representatives. It is not my intention as a result of the appointment, to retire from public life in New Zealand. I understand it is very probable that the Commission will sit in New Zealand and Australia first.’’

In reply to a question, Sir Joseph said he thought the work would take about two years.