SIR JOSEPH WARD

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 1036, 17 August 1911, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD

INTERVIEWED IN GEYLON. LOYALTY OF THE DOMINIONS. (Received Last Niglit, 9.55 o'clock.) PERTH, August 16. The Ceylon Observer publishes an interview with Sir Joseph Ward, in respect of the Stead interview. Sir Joseph said the Oversea Dominions were absolutely loyal to the Crown.. The outstanding factor of puiblio sentiment is a determination to make the .scattered portions of the Empire stronger, while preserving local autonomy to the. fullest extent. He did not believe any leading statesman in the Dominion would long maintain his position if he advocated independence, which would signify severance during time of peril. Referring to the Conference, Sir Joseph said that each . conference brought aibout a better understanding ibetween, the Old Country and the Dominions, and a better conception of the .difficulties in the wa,y of closer co-ordination or co-operation of the respective parts. "The supreme question," said Sir Joseph, "for individuals, as well as Parliaments and Governments, is to ensure the strength of the British in such a way as to render undesirable any Empire competitor to try toNwrest the position the British Empire possesses. As far as new Zealand is concerned, the .people believe that it is in the ibest interests of the Empire that we should regard ourselves a» one. .We recognise that if in war any combination of powers got the better of England, fcliey would get- the better of New Zealand concurrently. So the policy we adopt is to support the British Navy as far a® we are able. We do not think New Zealand should start a local navy."