SIR JOSEPH WARD,

Otago Witness, Issue 2779, 19 June 1907, Page 19

SIR JOSEPH WARD,

ARRIVAL AT PERTH. AX INTERESTING INTERVIEW THE TWO CONFERENCES.

PBEMANTLE, June 11. The Mooltan has arrived. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward are passengers. Sir Joseph Ward and party aTe all well. The Acting Premier and the Aide-dc-Camp of the Governor boarded the Mooltan, and extended a welcome. The party will be the guests of the Governor during their fitay. PERTH, June 11. Sir Joseph Ward was interviewed this morning on his return, from London. - Being asked for his opinion on the general results of both the Imperial Conference and the. Maritime Conference, he stated that in his -opinion both conferences had justified the calling- together of representatives of the self-governing colonies. In respect to the Maritime Conference, the results affected the Commonwealth more than New Zealand, for the reason that his country already bad a Shipping and Seamen Act upon the Statute Book that provided for nearly all the matters that were dealt with by the conference. Some points, however, of general application were dealt witfi which were of material interest to New Zealand. The protection of local ship-owners as well as officers, and teamen from unfair competition from abroad, together with -_c assim.ula.tion of various rules of practice, where it was possible to give effect to them, were most valuable. He intended to ask the Parliament of New Zealand to legislate in accordance with the resolutions carried at the conference in places where legislation was necessary. It would, in his opinion, have been a good thing had the Maritime Conference met 10 years ago, for then representative men in England and the colonies might have devised common grounds of action, and so prevented many difficulties that had subsequently arisen. One great good resulting '■from the conference followed from tlie fact that the shipping interests of the United "Kingdom and the colonies weTe brought "face to face round a common table where personal discussion and frank interchange of opinion did much to clear away and remove misunderstandings that inevitably existed where everything was left to correspondence and despatches. The success of the conference was in no small measure due to the tact and ability displayed by Mr Lloyd-George. Where so many conflicting interests were concerned the risk of friction was great, and that this did not occur was due, not only to the reasonable attitude of the delegates, but equally to the courtesy and judgment of the piesident. While naturally and properly alive to his enormous responsibilities as official head of the worldwide shipping trade of the United Kingdom, he showed an evident desire to meet the views of the Commonwealth and New Zealand wherever he possibly could. In reference to the Imperial Conference, Sir Joseph Ward said the difficulties presenting themselves were in some respects very great indeed. It was the first real business conference of representative men from the oversea dominions that had taken place in England. The former conferences had done good work, but that work was entirely of a preliminary character. The practical issues- were first dealt with at this conference. He would have greatly liked to have seen preferential trade agreed to By the British representatives. However, he could not shut his eyes to the position of the British Government, which was returned with a record majority pledged, among other things, to the continuance of Freetrade. In common with other members of the conference, Sif Joseph Ward said he pressed the point that preference was quite distinct from Freetrade, and could be given effect to Without violating the principles of that

doctrine. The British Government, however, was not prepared to accept this view ; hence the most that could "be said was that a gocd deal was done in the way of educating public opinion upon that point. The most important step was taken in the establishment of the conference as a permanent institution with the Prime Minister of Great Britain as its standing president. The actual constitution of the conference, its functions, and machinery for doing its work were left to be settled at a future meeting, and this, in his opinion, was a very wise step. In the meantime the machinery Vould be worked by the Colonial Office.

The discussion that took place in connection with the military and naval defences of the Empire, particularly in Telation to the colonies, was of the greatest importance. In respect to naval .defence, the views of the Commonwealth differed from those of New Zealand, and he (Sir Joseph) Ward) naturally expressed no opinion as to the course pursued by the Commonwealth, as it was a matter entirely for them to decide upon. New Zealand preferred to continue the existing system under which the whole naval defence was conducted and controlled by the Admiralty, New Zealand contributing upon a money basis. He had explained at the conference that they had yet many yeans' development of their country to provide for, and the obligations uns entailed were as much as the colony was justified in undertaking. He hoped, however* that the course the Commonwealth proposed- to take would turn out to be one of great success to them.

Sir Joseph Ward further expressed satisfaction that his suggestions in favour of the cheapening of postal and cable rates and quickening mail communication, toget'lier with the establishment of commerce delegates representing the British Government in the British colonies, were approved, not only by the representatives in the conference, but also by the British Government, and he hoped that practical results would follow.

Sir Joseph Ward, in reply to an inquiry as to the attitude of the British Government at the conference, expressed himself in high terms as regards the courtesy and consideration extended to all the delegates by Lord "Elgin, who most capably presided.

Asked as -to hie impressions of London, he said that the hospitality and kindness that he and ' his' party" received "from all sections of the British people from the day they arrived would never be forgotten by them. Prassaie of work daily, outside the conference itself, had given him an exceedingly busy time ; but he was returning to New Zealand with delightful remembrances of his visit. These were enhanced by the fact that a great link in the chain of Imperial brotherhood had been strengthened throughout the memorable conference of 1907. ADELAIDE, June 15. The Government launch met the steamer Mooltan on her arrival from Fremantle, and conveyed Sir Joseph and Lady Waid ashore. The visitors proceeded by special train to Adelaide, where they were welcomed by the Premier and the Mayor. They afterwards lunched with the State Governor. Sir Joseph and Lady Ward are proceeding to Melbourne by the Mooltan this afternoon, and they is ill leave Sydney bythe Maheno direct for Wellington on Saturday, 22nd iiist. MELBOURNE, June 17. Sir Joseph Ward and party arrived today. Speaking at a lunch given in his honour by the Acting Prime Minister (Sir John Forrest), Sir Joseph Ward eulogised Mr Deakin's work at the Colonial Conference.

The Wanpanui Herald states that there is a good deal of sly grog-celling on the Mckau River, and the nolice are to be asked to take action to deal with it. Rheumatism can be cured — then why will you continue to suffer? Rheujio has effected •wonderful cures for others, after all else had failed. It will cure you. Try it*