NAVIGATION CONFERENCE,

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 106, 8 May 1907, Page 2

NAVIGATION CONFERENCE,

Banquet to Delegates. Press Association—Copyright. London, May 6. Mr Lloyd George gave a banquet to the delegates to the '.Navigation Conference at the Savoy Hotel. Sir Joseph Ward, iu proposing the health of Mr Lloyd George, paid a high tribute to his work as president. He firmly believed that as the outcome of the Conference the various Governments concerned would find a basis whence all could work. He emphasised the importance of lowering the Suez Canal rates for vessels carrying perishable produce, and 9f cheapening cable, rates to Australia and New Zealand to 6d, or at most Is per word. Mr Lloyd George, replying, said he thought the result of the Conference would be admirable. Sir Joseph Ward's suggestions had greatly impressed the Government,, winch was giving tliem the deepest consideration. He hoped tie would be able to give a satisfactory answer before the Premiers left, an the suggestions could be carried out quite consistently with the Governments' pledges and policy. He failed to see why the Imperial Government could not join the coloni6l in lessening the burden on British shipu traversing the canal, and he would be surprised if something could not be done to get Sir J. Ward's proposal carried into effect. Sir Joseph Ward argued there were immense possibilities of increasing trade if there was more rapid communication between the Motherland, Australasia and Canada. If the prohibitive tolls at the Sues were removed tramp steamers would carry back perishable frozen produce. While not desiring to reduce the cable companies' dividends he thought it would bs possible to greatly reduce the rates to the advantage of business, social and domestic ties in the Empire. Mr Lloyd George referred to Sir Joseph Ward's extraordinarily able speech and his businesslike practical suggestions. Although political exigencies prevented the acceptance of preference other -ways reEaained of assisting to bring the colonies closer to England. Sir Joseph Waid's suggestions to shorten and improve the Appian Ways of the Empire were matters of the greatest importance. He concurred with Sir Joseph Ward and Sir Wilfred Laurier that it was possible to bring New Zealand within 21 days of London.