SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2629, 11 October 1909, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

ENTERTAINED AT WELLINGTON

[Per Press Association.! WELLINGTON, Oct. 10

The Premier was entertained at a dinner on Saturday evening by leading citizens, a large and representative gathering giving Sir Joseph Ward a most enthusiastic reception. In the course of a brief speech Sir Joseph Ward said the wisdom of the New Zealand course regarding naval defence was strengthened by the cabled news of the cost of the navy Canada was going to build. New Zealand would have been made to embark on an enterprise of this kind. Apart from the cost there was the greater issue of the desirableness of standing by one consolidated navy. The nett result of the Defence Conference was that what had been dependencies were no longer such, they were co-partners in the Empire. Sir Joseph also referred to signs that the financial conditions were on the upward grade. There had been a trying time for the past twelve months, but the clouds were now lifting. Referring to oversea trade he urged the establishment of a direct line to Canada, where there was a great desire to do business with this country. This would prove a valuable outlet for frozen meat and other produce, which have been glutting London markets of late.