SIR J. WARD

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10223, 26 April 1911, Page 5

SIR J. WARD

CABLE NEWS

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

ARRIVAL IN ENGLAND.

THE INEVITABLE INTERVIEW.

(Received Last Night, 10 o'c.'ook.)

LONDON, April 25. Sir Jos'.ph Ward has arrived in London.

1 .Interviewed on tlio question of ImI perial defence, lie emphasised the desire of all portions of the Empire to do their part. There was, he said, an impression in some quarters that this suggestiion might in some way weaken local autonomy in the various parts of the Empire. He waS strongly opposed to lessening the local powers of any portion. Indeed, he favoured increasing rather than diminishing these powers. He was not oblivious to the extraordinary protection all the Overseas Dominions had received through the British taxpayer in the maintenance of a powerful navy. At the same time, he could not shut his eves to the fact that the marvellous growth and yearly-increasing national, value of the varioiis portions of the Empire necessitated a; review of the whole system of control and organisation, with a view to improving and strengthening it beyond the present position. Continuing, Sir Joseph emphasised the fact that the future would prove that, the vast British interests developing in the Pacific, would require far more attention from a naval standpoint than appeared necessary .at present. New Zealanders were level-headed and practical, and in nowise Jingoistic. They shared the desire of all within the Empire to insure the perpetuation of peace. ; To that end, the Motherland and the Overseas Dominions required to be made so powerful that should any militant spirit arise elsewhere the due recognition of the supreme power of the Navy would make for p:ace. This would be of incomparably greater financial value to the whole-,world than the result of trying cone, cr.ions against the Empire's navy.

DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY. To create such an admittedly rplfuidid position, they must encounter many difficulties. Equally with the advantages, these may be fully and freely discussed. H? was convinced that the advantages would largely predominate. What was wanted was some ultimate system by which the Navy would be increased tv-Kl strengthened up to a point which would ensure." that the growing interests of the scattered Empire would be peacefully conserved, and, in the event of war, the outcome would be placed beyond all doubt. Sir Joseph paid a tribute to the keenness of New. 'Zealanders' Imperial and their love of the Motherland. He expressed the hope that the difficulties in the way cf Sir Wilfrid Laurier 'attending the Conference would be t overcoitie. His absence would be a calamity. NEW ZEALAND'S TRADE. ; ' I Sir Joseph, dwelt upon the gratifying, increase in New, Zealand's trade. Zealand sta'nd.s for the old; flag, a white country, im invincible Imperial navy, with an ade» quate share of responsibility, the extension of trade within the Empire, and representation on an Imperial Council." •