SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1074, 13 March 1911, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

A PARLIAMENT OF DEFENCE. THE NAVY AND THE EMPIRE, lis Teleerarh—Press Assoclation-OopyrlirhV (Rec. March 12, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, March 12. Sir Joseph Ward was banqueted last night by tho New Zealand Association. In reply to a toast Sir Joseph Ward said ho was impressed by the necessity of somo great practical change in tho all-import-ant tpjestion of Empire defences. Personally, ho would place the question of Empiro defenco as tho most important question to be dealt with at the conference. The question for consideration is whether the timo has not arrived to consider whether there should be an alteration in Imperial policy so as to ensure tho permanent maintenance' of the TwoPower standard, which in view of the vast interests to be protected, is absolutely necessary. Britain was calling her fleots nearer Home, and this left the oversea Dominions to some extent exposed. Canada, Australia, and New Zealana under their respective internal policies were doing their part in the matter of providing a system of national land defences. At present thero were upwards of thirteen million of the white British race in occupation of oversea territories. They were as loyal and as anxious to maintain an ascendant Imperial position as ever in the Empire's history, but tho duty lay beforo tho statesmen of tho Motherland and the oversea-"Dominions to join hands more closely if the Empire was to be maintained invincible and intact. Any system that was introduced' must have wide definite provisions to admit of local autonomy and to ensure that tho work of each respective portion of the Empiro would be carried out according to the wishes of tho people. Consequently an Imperial Council of Defence or an Empire Parliament of Defence would involve tho creation of sufficient local land forces in the related portions of the Empiro to repel attacks as particular portions may bo exposed by an invading enemy. At present the various portions of the Empire were proceeding on this policy without agreement or prearrangement, but some broader naval system must bo created by which tho vast interests of all portions of tho Empire would bo established so as to enable Great Britain to free tho-Navy for wider Imperial service. Tho Navy must bo largely increased, and this could only be done by systematic localised co-operation in all portions of tho Empire. Tho timo may not be ripe, but tho system to which they must ultimately move was one giving representation to the United Kingdom and the overseas Dominions on a population basis in an Imperial Parliament of Defence, tho purpose being to create a partnership in the protection of the Empire. It might bo that such a system would roquiro to be bicameral. If a second Chamber were necessary, it could be provided and a House of Representatives elected en a population basis. The, declaration of peaco or war could oe left safely in tho hands of such a Parliament. Under such a scheme there would be no question of the capability of the Empiro to maintain tho Two-Power standard. In proposing tho toast "The Commonwealth," Sir Joseph Ward said he would like to see a sensible reciprocal agreement between Australia and New Zealand. •• ;.The Postmasfer-General;;\ t Mi|.';Thonia'ft' replying, said lie was glad that Sir' Joseph Ward wanted reciprocity, and asked why should they not have absolute Free-trade, and why not a Parliament or a Council for Australia and New Zealand to deal with trade and commerce?' Regarding the Imperial Conference, Mr. Thomas considered one of tho most important matters for discussion was the nationalisation of an Atlantic cable. They would then be able to reduce the cable rate to sixpence a word. Dr: Findlay, in proposing the toast "New South Wales," said they could draw New Zealand and New South Wales closer if they fostered a two-days' steamship service.

THE VANCOUVER SERVICE. RECIPROCITY .WITH AUSTRALIA. Sydney, March 11. In the course of the interview given to the press here, Sir Joseph Ward said New Zealand was quite friendly in the matter of the Vancouver service, and would gladly work in conjunction with the- Commonwealth in order to have a suitable scrvico for both. Regarding the prospects of reciprocity between the Commonwealth and New Zealand, he :;aid New Zealand was quite ready to enter into a reciprocal treaty on fair, reasonable lines to both .countries. It seemed a pity that two sister countries growing up together could not arrange a tariff that would add to the trade development' of both. He recognised that there were difficulties, and that the manufacturing industries could not be interfered with, but thero was ample room for a practical effectivo treaty that would help' to ' cement the ties of kinship. "He had not had a chance of discussing the matter with the Commonwealth Government, but he would be glad to do so when tho opportunity presented itself.