SIR JOSEPH WARD IN AUSTRALIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxix, Issue 8316, 13 March 1911, Page 2

SIR JOSEPH WARD IN AUSTRALIA.

Per tress Association—Copyright.

SYDNEY, March 12. Sir Joseph Ward was banqueted by the New: Zealand Association. "In reply to the toast of his health he made an I important pronouncement with regard jto defence. Personally, he would place 'the subject of Empire defence as the most, important question to be dealt 1 with at the Imperial Conference. During the past twenty years there had : been striking and remarkable .developments in connection with defence matters. The question for consideration was whether the time had: not arrived for consideration of an altered Imperial policy, so as to ensure the permanent maintenance of a, two-Power standard, which, in view-of the vast interests to be protected, was absolutely necessary. Britain, by calling the fleets nearer home, had left the oversea dominions to some extent exposed. Canada, Australia and New Zealand, under their respective internal policies, were doing their part in the matter of providing a system of national land defences. An Imperial Council of Defence or Empiro Parliament of Defence would involve the creation of sufficient local land forces in the related portions of the Empire to repel attacks as the particular portions might be exposed" to an invading enemy. At present the vari- > ous portions of the Empire -were proceeding with this policy without agreement or pre-arrangement, but some broader naval system must be created by which the vast interests of all portions of the Empire would be established so as to enable Britain to free the Navy for wider Imperial service. The Navy must be largely increased. This could only be done by the systematic localised co-operation of all portions of-the Empire. If . the enormous Empire were to remain intact and grow in popularity, it mustbe by means of closer-unity. Under such a scheme as he had outlined there would be no. question of the capability j of the Empire to maintain the twoPower standard. Jt could do so for all time. (Cheers.) Sir Joseph Ward, in proposing the toast' of "The Commonwealth," said he would like to see a sensible reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand. .

The. Postmaster-General, in replying", said :.» "I am glad that Sir Joseph Ward wants reciprocity.; Why should we not/ have absolute freetrade ? Why not a parliament or council of Australia and New Zealand to deal with trade and commerce ?." Regarding the Imperial Conference, he considered that one of the most important matters was the nationalisation of an Atlantic cable. Then they would be able to reduce the rate to sixpence a word. J: The Hon. Dr. Findlay, in proposing the toast pf ■<?'.New South Wales/ said that NewL Zealand and New South Wales would be drawn closer if they fostered a two days' steamship service.