Sir Joseph's Manchester Speech

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 106, 8 May 1907, Page 5

Sir Joseph's Manchester Speech

Sir Joseph Ward, speaking at Manchester on Saturday, stated that New Zealand was anxious to increase trade in its natural products particularly. The fact that ten million people are within forty miles of Manchester showed the possibilities direct commiinication between New Zealand and Manchester offered, and the invaluable advantages of doing everything possible to save money for the producer and trader, and add to the earnings of the hard work ing settlers of New Zealand, and whatever expense could be avoided the duty was to help in doing so. He urged that British shipowners and British merchants should join hands and work with determination to help ships flying the British flag to compete on successful terms against active up-to-date German competitors. He referred to the work of the Conference and said that any rumour circulated that there was feeling exhibited in the deliberations was entirely incorrect- The delegates present were not men who appealed to the passions of anyone, but to the reasoning powers, and though the British Government had not been able to agree with the proposals of the colonies for preference, they were not dismayed or in any way _ deterred in urging mutual co-operation between England and the colonies which was desirable in the strengthening of bonds of all portions of the Empire. All recognised the right of the British Government of to-day to carry out under a policy of self-government in England what the Baitish Government and the colonies maintained as a right themselves, viz., complete independence in regard to decisions on matters of domestic policy for their own countries. He was of opinion that preference with the colonies upon certain articles and necessary products could be given effect to, and he hoped to see it established in future. Though at present tho British Government did not entertain this view he was persuaded in his own. mind that it was a right policy to pursue, and though it might be slow in beiiig accomplished it was worthy of consideration by Statesman and Parliaments of British countries. He said the honor of the freedom of the City of Manchester, one of the greatest citiesof England, was deeply appreciated, and would be cherished by him and regarded by the people of New Zealand as an honor to their representative and a compliment to that country through its representative in England. Both Sir Joseph Ward's speeches at the presentation of the treedom and the reception were received with loud cheers, and enthusiasm indeed characterised the whole proceedings.