The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2,1909. THE PREMIER’S RETURN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2622, 2 October 1909, Page 4

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2,1909. THE PREMIER’S RETURN.

Sir Joseph "Ward has returned from his little jaunt to the Old Country and has lost no time in giving a faithful account of his doing s whilst away from homo. In this respect he appears to have been unusually frank, and as he lias explained in detail how many days be spent at sea, how many on land, with other interesting particulars/the carping critics will find little to cavil at. In his feverish rush to transact >ke business of the Dominion and the Empire and get back to his beloved New Zealand Sir Joseph seems to have taken little relaxation, and his only fall from grace 'i s indicated in the statement where he mentions that On the road to Vancouver a stay of one night was made at the Niagara Falls, this being the only diversion, and that for a short period of three

hours only. Where confession is made so freely forgiveness should surely come as readily, and if the Loader of the Opposition can find nothing more substantial than the three hours at Niagara whereon to centre his hostile criticism, he will needs be in a sorry plight. After all no one ever accuses Sir Joseph Ward of laziness and the business-like manner in which' he got through his present undertaking is quite characteristic. Sometimes we could wish that in common with some other Ministers he would take a little ease and give a harassed country some legislative rest.

The Premier’s statement of the Defence Conference contains nothing that is new, but it explains in a perfectly satisfactory manner the circumstances under which the naval arrangement was come to. Sir Joseph’s stand on that matter is one that in our opinion was entirely commendable. Despite the speciousness of the arguments advanced by Colonel Foxton it would have been the height of folly for New Zealand to have become a partner in the scheme for an Australian navy. Precisely the same reasons which existed when Australian federation was accomplished, and which induced New Zealand to stand out of the combination of States, hold good in regard to naval matters. Until that very remote period when New Zealand becomes strong enough to have a navy of her own, or a distinct section of an Imperial navy, it is much sounder policy to remain a part of the Imperial navy, than to risk becoming an appendage of Australia. The published correspondence between the Premier and Mr Mclvemja seem s to indicate that Sir Joseph Ward succeeded most admirably in so placing the special requirements of the Dominion before the head of the British Admiralty as to obtain most favorable consideration for the country he represented. In financial matters the returned Premier is to piay r the part of Lady Bountiful, and has a very congenial role when he dilates upon the million loan which he has obtained from London. At thi s stage it is only necessary to say that the money is badly needed, and to hope that it will be fairly and wisely expended. Most important to this district is the announcement made regarding loans to local bodies, for if legitimate works can be carried out op the 3i per cent, interest basis, the result should be to greatly aid in the development of the country. The Gisborne Borough Council will shortly bo placing loan proposals before the public, and it will certainly be very welcome news if the money can be obtained at about 3£ per cent. One point, however, is properly emphasised by the Premier, namely, that wholesale borrowing is not to be encouraged, and that the Government will see that expenditure is only sanctioned for thoroughly legitimate works. This is a point that must be borne in mind by the local Borough Council, if it proposes utilising the financial provisions just referred to, and the utmost care must he taken that the basis of any proposed loan expenditure is sound enough to stand tile most searching criticism. We did not approve of Sir Joseph Ward closing Parliament in order to visit England, but upon bis return we arc glad to be able to congratulate him upon having represented, the Dominion according to the highest traditions of the office he holds, and to compliment him upon a safe return. The change of surroundings should have acted as a mentaj fillip, and he should re-enter upon his political duties wii.li renewed vigor and clearer vision.