THE PREMIER'S RETURN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 200, 28 September 1909, Page 2

THE PREMIER'S RETURN.

IN'TERVIKW AT SUVA. iiy Telegraph.—Press Association. Suva, September 27. Sir Joseph Ward has arrived. On being interviewed he said the Defence Conference arranged a sound basis upon which the naval defence structure can from time to time be erected. The autonomy of the various self-governing colonies is necessarily protected. Each will have the right to give effect to its own policy for protective purposes'. In addition to the naval defence work done the reorganisation of the land defence system has been very great. The gnal aimed at was uniformity ill all the se'.fgovorning dominions. Subject to ratification by the different Governments a very important scheme of defence was evolved. Speaking generally, the work done at the conference was exceedingly valuable. " When," he said. " the different Parliaments are dealing with the matter 1 look forward to seeing a very inucQi stronger Imperial position than ever before attained and established. As an outcome of this conference comes a scheme of Imperial wireless telegraphy. I feel confident we are approaching wonderful developments in wireless. I am enthusiastic for State-owned cables. Wireless will never replace them unless some genius invents a system to operate by land or sea. The l'a-.'ilic cable has I done a great service, but what is wanted is a State-owned route fur communication with all parts of the Empire. I ■wish to arrive in Auckland at one o'clock on Thursday."

Lady Ward and Miss Seddon are well. ILM.S. Challenger leaves at noun. Tlkother passengers by the Makura are Mr. |T. C. Williamson and Messiv. George Fenwick (of the Ota'go Daily Times), J. W. Kerwin, M.L.C. (of the Kalgoorlie Miner), and Dr. Fitchctt. i Wellington, September 27.

Sir Joseph Ward cables from Suva: "All well; due in Auckland at 1 p.m. on Thursday."

TEXT OF AUCKLAND ADDHKSS. The following is the text of the address to be presented to Sir .Joseph Ward, on his arrival at Auckland next Thursday:— To the Right -Hon, Sir Joseph Ward, P. 0., K.C.M.G., Prime Minister of New Zealand: Dear Sir, —The citizens of Auckland deem it a fortunate circumstance that they arc afforded the honour and privilege of being the first to welcome you upon your return to New Zealand from the Imperial Defence Conference,

Several months ago, when anxiety was freely expressed in Great Britain with regard to the naval defence of the Empire, you interpreted aright the loyal findings of the people of this Dominion by promptly declaring our readiness to share in the growing burdon of Imperial responsibilities. Your action, conceived in a spiiit of patriotism, was welcomed, both here and in the Home Country, with an 'inthusiasm in which men of all ehades of political opinion shared. Its moral effect was worth far more to Great Britain than any imaginable contribution in ships or money or men. It gave a lead which was taken up by Canada. Australia, and the other great colonics, and the profound impression it created In the Home Country was eloquently expressed by Mr. Asquith (Prime Minister) and Mr. Balfour (Leader of the Opposition in the Imperial Parliament) when presenting you with the original signatures attached to the congratulatory cable sent to New Zealand bv 100 members of the House of Commons. '"The people of Great Britain and Ireland." Mr. Asquith stated, "w 11 never forget that splendid and voluntary manifestation of cordiality, loyalty and affection ou the part of New Zealand;" while Mr. Balfour was no , less emphatic in describing the offer as '"an epoch-making occurrence, an incident which will be looked' back to in future generations, at any mi ment in which our great Imperial interests may be in danger, showing now !bj spontaneous action the «r.'at self-governing dominions of the Kin" at once, without discussion, bv an mmediate inspiration, as it were as to what was required of them by tne publie necessity 0 f the Empire* and gare a gift, generous and almost bevojd computation in relation to their means to the common object of Imperial Defence."

-s.iqt)is tispufj o.w} HSMIIT men so admirably interpreted 't'no spirt that set in motion this great wave of Imperial sentiment, and so strongly emphasised the value of New Zealand S offer, that no words of ou--s could demonstrate „,ore imprcssivel/ Ihe great service which you rendered to the Empire as a wliole. We also desire to express our appreciation o the distinguished al'ilicv nitL • h " w represented the patriotic aspirations of Now Zealandeiv, at the recent great council of British statesmen. These eminent services we <lc, 111 worthy of the gratitude of every loval subject of the Crown. M ith cordial good wishes for yoursell ami Ladv Ward. * AiS. ° U I,rfla ' f ° f thG " CO P ,e