SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8801, 1 May 1907, Page 2

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Further SpeechesPer Press Astoc'.ation. Wklltnoton, April 30. The following further cable message has bien supplied to the Press Association by Government: —

London, April 29. " Sir Joseph Ward, speaking at the Premiers' Confereneo, on "Friday, said New Zealand was in favor of an ultimate Court of Appeal in the United Kingdom, whether the Privy Council as at present constituted or an Imperial Court of Appeal. Various suggestions were made by different colonies and perhaps the simpler course would be for the Homo authorities to prepare a draft order-in-ccuncil consolidating the existiug one with such alterations and simplification as were deemed reaso-able, and forward the draft to tho respective Governments to confer thereon and make common report as alterations were desired or amended this way of rules common to all

appeals and special rules dealing with appeals from specified colonies. When special rules were necessary they could be provided. Ho supported an Appeal Court being established in South Africa, and also favoured shortening tho delay of the present system. Ho also urged the necessity of providing for a Colonial Judge to sit on the Privy Council. One groat defect of tho Privy Council as at present constituted is that though in a

caso of Now Zealand appeal they decidod according to New Zealand law yet before thorn was only such portion of that law as was presented by counsel. Hence when argument was over their Lordships may apply some rule of English law redressed in New Zealand or omit to apply somo rule of New Zealand law. This had actually occurred and tho result was very unsatisfactory. To prevent recurronco bo suggested that in case of every appeal from a Colony a Judgo of the Supremo Court of that Colony should sit with their Lordships, but without taking part in the argument or decision, his function being to supply full information of Colonial law and points of difference between it and English law, In most if not all tho Colonies the number

of Judges was sufficient to enable onu to bo ou leave and arrangements could bo made for him to be m touch with England so as to be available. If a Colonial Judge could liavo a permanent position in such cases to sit with equality on tho bench all tho more desirable, but for a commenccmont his first suggestion could bo given effect to. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in the course of his speech said the Privy Council will place tho best services possible for dealing with Colonial appeals, and- they were anxious to do all in their power to promoto the satisfactory working of the Privy Council. Ho pointed out that whether settled by the Lords or the Privy Council was not of material consequence as the same men constituted both. He favored an Appeal Court for South Africa, and said he would carefully consider the whole question of consolidating existing rules. Ho was in favor of a colonial Judge sitting with tho Lords and taking part in what colonial appeals wero dealt with. He said anything that could assist tho Privy Council in improving the working of tho Court would bo hailed with satisfaction. No efforts were spared by tho Judges no-TV and he assured the Conference that every effort was made to prevent delay, and said the work at present was in a most forward condition.

Sir Joseph Ward has represented to the Dean and Chapter of St. Paul's the desirability of perpetuating tho memory of Mr Seddon by tho erection of a monument and a plate inscription, and this has been agreed to.

Sir Joseph AVard visited tho crypt of St.. Faul's on Saturday with Archdeacon Sinclair with tho object of selecting a suitable site. One considered by the St. Paul's authorities as most satisfactory is close to Sir George Grey's. Sir Jospph Ward meets New Zealandors to forward the movoment. While in the crypt an unusual incident occurred. A number of school children accompanied by thoir tutors were inspecting St. Paul's, and wero introduced to Sir Joseph Ward. They asked him for a speech, and he responded, and at the conclusion was heartily thanked.