SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9224, 23 June 1909, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

ARRIVAL IN SYDNEY. Received June 22, 1 p.m. SYDNEY, June 22. Sir Joseph Ward arrived here today, en route to the Defenc Conference in London, and was welcomed by representatives of the Government, and by General Gordon, Commander of the Forces. A large gathering of New Zealanders on the wharf greeted the Premier with cries of "Kia Ora" and cheering. FROM GOVERNMENT POINT OF VIEW. FINANCIAL CONDITION OF COUNTRY GOOD. Received June 22, 11 p.m. SYDNEY, June 22. Sir J. G. Ward was entertained at lunch by the Government. In ar; interview he said that the position of New Zealand was good. Some reports were very much exaggerated. A graat deal of the slump was due to the fall in wool values a year ago, and ovr-specu-lation in land in some parts of the country, making a tight money market. The wool exports had now improved, while the Bank of New Zealand had had a remarkably good year. The tightness of money had caused a few Deople to employ as 'little labour as possible. The financial condition of the country from the Government point of view was good. The most pessimistic must realise that the resources of New Zealand were so f. reat and so widespread that the 'check must be of a temporary character only. Sir Joseph left for Melbourne tonight.