THE PREMIER AT SUVA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2618, 28 September 1909, Page 5

THE PREMIER AT SUVA.

AN INTERESTING INTERVIEW.

United Press Association —Copyright

SUVA, Sept. 27. Sir Joseph Ward arrived by the mail steamer Makura.

Interviewed regarding the Defence Conference, Sir Joseph said: “This is the first time any' definite scheme for the defence of the .Pacific has been arrived at, and quite aside from the -work Hone, the conference was important from the fact of representatives from Britain and oversea meeting for the first time.

“On purely defence matters we have arranged a sound basis upon which the naval defence structure can in time be erected! The. autonomy of the various self-governing colonies is necessarily protected, and each will Have the right to give effect to its own policy for protective purpose. “In addition to naval defence, the work dbno in the organising of the land defence system has been very .great. The goal aimed at was uniformity in all the self-governing dominions, subject to the ratification of the different governments. A very important scheme of defence was evolved.

“Speaking generally, the work done at the Conference was exceedingly valuable, and when the different Parliaments deal with the matter I look forward to seeing a very much stronger Imperial position than ever before attained, established as the ohtcome of this conference.

“Regarding the scheme for'an Imperial wireless service, I feel confident that we are approaching wonderful developments in matters of wireless communication; in fact, I know, but probably that is confidential. At any rate the London “Times’s” scheme of stations placed in such a position as would make world communication possible is quite practical, and could be established.

“Regarding postal communication, I moved a resolution for universal penny postage at Romo. The resolution was defeated, though not by a majority of people represented. However it was agreed that written agreements could be made between two countries in the Postal Union, and since then Germany, France, and America have availed themselves. This i s a beginning, and other countries will do the same. I expressed my "belief, and am pleased that my prophecy has already been fulfilled by two important countries, that no country can afford to stand out of the cheapest means of postal communication, which means an advantage commercially and socially. “ Regarding cables, I am enthusiastic for State-owned cables. Wireless will never replace cables unless a genius invents a system to operate by land or sea. The Pacific cable has -done a great srvice, but what is wanted is a complete State-owned route for commuucation with all parts of the Empire.

ALL WELL. [Per Press Association.! WELLINGTON. Sept. 27. Sir Joseph Ward cabled from Suva: “All well. Due at Auckland at 1 p.m. on Thursday.” “I wish to arrive at Auckland on Thursday. Lady and Miss Ward and Miss Seddon are well.” > The Challenger leaves for Auckland with Sir Joseph Ward at noon. Other passengers by the Makura were Mr. J. C. Williamson, and Messrs. Fenwick, Firwin, and Fitchett. Imperial Press representatives.