NEW ZEALAND’S PREMIER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3244, 14 June 1911, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND’S PREMIER.

A LECTURE ABOARD SHIP

“On the voyage to England in the Lusitania,” says Sir Joseph Ward; “I was invited to address the passengers on New Zealand, and did so. It will give some idea of the accommodation on the Lusitania when I say that upwards of 500 people formed the audience. I spoke for an hour and gave them a general outline of • New Zealand, both as to its natural advantages and its productiveness. I called their attention to the fact that in the opinion of some modern scientists distinctive characteristics of a few of the plants indigenous to New Zealand are to be found elsewhere only in South America, while some scientists believed that ages ago there was some connection between New Zealand and South America. I put it that the remarkable coincidence referred to was one for them to solve as I certainly could not. “I also told them of the remarkable fish Pelorous Jack, and of Lie visits to steamers passing to and from Nelson. It interested them greatly. The scepticism regarding the fish in the minds of some of the passengers may, be gauged by the fact that 1 was personally interviewed by a number of them afterwards to ascertain whether I was joking or telling a fairy tale. I am very sorry to learn from the Press to-day that Pelorus Jack is dead, and I hope the report will prove to be incorrect. The deepest interest was taken in this fish by travellers, and there was a charm and attractiveness about his doings which appealed to people who had never visited New Zealand. It is surprising how many have declared that they would go there- for the express purpose of seeing Pelorus. Jack. “On, the Lusitania I also gave them tlie story of TYitanekai and Hinemoa, and the passengers were very much interested in it. One of the principal citizens'of the United States who was aboard the steamer afterwards told l me that he would visit New Zealand next year. Ho was candid enough to say that he had not known much about it until after I had spoken., but ho. proposed to. visit for the double purpose of. investing money, if he. could find suitable openings, and also of seeing the country. ' ,