SIR JOSEPH WARD

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 289, 26 April 1911, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD

ARRIVAL IN U.'XW II . INTERVIEWED REGARDING IMPERIAL DEFENCE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 25, 8.10 p.m. London, April 2.5. Sir Joseph Ward has arrived in London.

Interviewed on the quorum of Imperial defence, he emphasised the desire of all portions of the Empire to do their part. There was an impression in some quarters that his suggestion might in some way weaken local autonomy in various parts ox tha E-mjiin, but he was strongly opposed to lessening local powers of any portion: ind» ..l, he favored increasing rather than diminishing thtm. He was not obl'vious to the extraordinary protection that all fverseaj dominions had received throw; l ths Britilh taxpayer in the mainl'tunce of a powerful navy. At the samo-time he couf.l not shut his ey■•* •. i the fact of ihe m:ij vellou9 growth an! yearling increas.ng national value of tin- various portions of the Empire, n°c*?sitating a review of the whobi system of control and organisation, with » view nf i:i:jroving and strengt tf.nmg it beyond its present position.

A PERPETUATION OF PEACE. EMPIRE'S NAVY SHOULD BE SUPREME. Received 25, 9.30 p.m. London, April 25. Sir Joseph Ward, continuing, emphasised that the future will prove that vast British interests developing in the Pacific require far more attention from a naval standpoint than appears necessary at present. New Zealanders, who were level-headed and practical, and in nowise jingoistic, shared a desire of all within the Empire to ensure a perpetuation of peace, and to that end the Motherland and overseas dominions required to be made so powerful that should any military spirit arise elsewhere the due recognition of the supreme power of the navy would make for peace. This would be of incomparably greater financial value to the whole world than the result of trying conclusions against the Empire's navy. The full development of the Empire navy to create such an admittedly splendid position must encounter many difficulties, but if at a conference such as has been summoned the difficulties equally with the advantages may be fully and freely discussed, he was convinrr 1 that the advantages would be largely • "dominant. What was wanted was some ultimate system of increasing the strength up to a point which would ensure that the growing interests of a scattered Empire would be peacefully conserved, and in the event of war the outcome placed beyond all doubt. He paid a tribute to the keenness of New Zealanders' Imperial sentiments and love of the Motherland.

Continuing, Sir Joseph said he hoped the difficulties in the way of Sir Wilfrid Laurier attending the Conference would be overcome. His absence would be a calamity.

He dwelt upon the gratifying increase of New Zealand's trade, and added: "New Zealand stands for the Old Flag; for a white country; an invincible Imperial navy, with an adequate share of responsibility; the extension of trade within the Empire, and a representative on an Imperial Council."