THE PREMIER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 211, 11 October 1909, Page 2

THE PREMIER.

ENTERTAINED AT WELLINGTON. By Telegraph.—Proas Association. Wellington, Last Night. The Premier was entertained at a dinner on Saturday evening by leading citizens, a large and representative gathering giving Sir Joseph Ward a most ;n----tliusinstic reception. In the course of a brief speech, Sir Joseph said the ■wisdom of New Zealand's course regarding naval defence was strengthened by tho cabled news of the cost of the navy Canada is going to build. Now Zealand would have been mad to embark on an enterprise of this kind, as apart from the cost there was the greater issue: the desirableness of standing by one consolidated navy. The net result of the Defence Conference was that what had been dependencies were not longer such —they were co-partners in the Kmplro. Sir Joseph Ward also referred lo tli" signs fnal financial conditions were on the upward grade. There' hail been a trying lime for the past twelve months, but the clouds were now lifting, lie referred to overseas trade, and urged the establishment of a direct line lo Canada, where there was a great desire to do business with this country. This would prove a valuable oulli'l for frozen meat anil oilier produce which bad been glutting ill'' London market of lute.