SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3203, 26 April 1911, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

INTERVIEWED IN LONDON. NOT' IN FAVOUR 'OF LESSENING LOCAL AUTONOMY. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.! (lteceived April 25, 8.10 p.m.; LONDON, April 24. Sir Joseph Ward lias arrived in London. He was interviewed! and on the question of Imperial defence, he emphasised the desire of all portions of the Empire to do their part. There was, he said’, an impression in some quarters that his suggestion might in some way Weaken the local autonomy of the various parts of the Empire. He was strongly opposed to lessening the local power's of any portion. Indeed, he favoured increasing rather than diminishing them. Ho was not oblivious to the extraordinary protection which 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 eyes to- the fact that the marvellous growth and the yearly increasing national value of various portions of the Empire necessitated a .review of the whole system of control and organisation with the view of improwing and strengthening it beyond 'its present position.

THE FUTURE EMPIRE NAVY.

MUST BE SO POWERFUL AS TO ENSURE PEACE.

(Received April 25, 9.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 25. Sir Joseph Ward', in his interview, emphasised that the future will prove that the vast British interests developing in the Pacific will require far more attention from a naval standpoint than appears necessary at present. New Zealanders, level-headed, practical, and in no wise jingoistic, shared the desire of all within the Empire'to ensure the perpetuation of peace. To that end the Motherland! and the oversea dominions required to be made so powerful that, should any military spirit arise elsewhere the due recognition of the supreme power of the Empire’s Navy would make for peace. This would be of incomparably greater financial value to the whole world than the result of trying conclusions against the Empire’s Navy. The full development of the Empire’s Navy to create such an admittedly splendid l position must encounter many difficulties, but at a conference such as has been summoned, difficulties equally wtiith advantages, may fully and freely be discussed. He was convinced that the advantages would largely predominate. What was wanted was some ultimate system of increased strength 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 placed beyond all doubt. He paid a tribute to the keenness of New Zealanders for the Imperial sentiment and their love of the Motherland. WHAT NEW ZEALAND STANDS FOR. “ THE OLD FLAG, A WHITE COUNTRY. AN INVINCIBLE NAVY.” Sir Jos'eph Ward continued 1 that he hoped the difficulties in the way of Sir Wilfrid! Laurier attending the conference would 1 be overcome. His absence would be a calamity. Sir Joseph dwelt upon the gratifying increase in New Zealand’s trade, and added that New Zealand stands for the old flag, . a white country, an invincible Imperial Navy, with an adequate share of responsibility, the extension of trade within the Empire, and representation on an Imperial Council.