SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3886, 4 September 1928, Page 9

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

BUSINESS IN LONDON ACCOMPLISHED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) LONDON, July 24. Sir Joseph Ward, who arrived in London on May 12, has been devoting himself almost exclusively to business ever since. He has not had an idle day during the whole period of his stay, and he has cut his social engagements down .to a minimum. On several occasions he has lunched or dined at the House of Commons, and he has met the Prime Minister; he has motored into the country on a number of occasions to dine with friends; and only twice he has been to a theatre. For the rest he has. made his business his first consideration —the business of the Coal By-products (N.Z.), Ltd. Except for a few legal matters, the work on which Sir Joseph has been en gaged is now completed. Everything seems to have been satisfactorily arranged, and Sir Joseph is pleased with what he has accomplished. At present, however, he is not in a position to give any details. Speaking generally on the conditions in this country, from what he had gathered in the course of conversation with public men, Sir Joseph said: “There is'no doubt they have many difficulties to overcome,, particularly in the industrial world Still, it is wonderful what they have accomplished. Many of the great works have written off millions of money during the last:year or two. They speak hopefully, however, and it would seem only a matter of time before this country is in its full vigour again. Whether they will get the coal export business back in the future is very .problematical.” Sir Joseph has thoroughly enjoyed the summer weather. “ There is no doubt,” he said, “ that the country at the present, time is magnificent. It makes one understand the attachment people have for England' They soon forget the austerity of their winter. There is no doubt it is a remarkable suifimer. One could not wish for anything finer than this in any ether part of the r world. People have complained of the heat in London, but i‘has certainly: not affected me in the lightest.” - .. .