NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8806, 7 May 1907, Page 2

NAVIGATION CONFERENCE.

Banquet to Delegates. Press Association—Copyright. London, May 6. Mr Lloyd Goorge gave a banquet to the delegates to the Navigation Conference at the Savoy Hotel. Sir Joseph Ward, in proposing the health of Mr Lloyd George, paid a high tribute to his work as president. He firmly believed that as the outcome of the Conference the various Governments concerned would find a basis whence all could work. He emphasised the importance of lowering the Suez Canal rates for vessels carrying perishable produce, and of cheapening cable rates to Australia and Now Zealand to 6cl, or at most Is per word. Mr Lloyd Goorge, replying, said he thought the result of the Conference would be admirable. Sir Joseph Ward’s suggestions had greatly impressed the Government, which was giving them the deepest consideration. Ho hoped he would be able to give a satisfactory answer before the Premiers left,' as tho suggestions could be carried out quite consistently with the Governments’ pledges and policy. He failed to see why the Imperial Government could not" join tho colonies in lessening the burden on British ships traversing the canal, and ho would be sur ; prised if something could not bo done to get Sir J. Ward’s proposal carried into effect.

Sir Joseph Ward argued there were immense possibilities of increasing trade if there was moro= rapid communication between the Motherland, Australasia and Canada. If the prohibitive tolls at the Suez were removed tramp steamers would carry back perishable frozen produce. While not desiring to reduce the cable companies’ dividends he thought it would be possible to greatly reduce the rates to the advantage of business, social and domestic ties in the Empire. Mr Lloyd George referred to Sir Joseph Ward’s extraordinarily able speech and his businesslike practical suggestions. Although political exigencies prevented the acceptance of preference other ways remained of assisting to. bring tho colonies closer to England, Sir Joseph Ward’s suggestions to shorten and improve the Appiau Ways of tho Empire were matters of the greatest importance. He concurred with Sir Joseph Ward and Sir Wilfred Lanrier that it was possible to bring New Zealand within 21 days of London.