MR WARD AT HOME.

Patea Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 43, 5 April 1895, Page 2

MR WARD AT HOME.

London-, April 4. Mr Ward has urged Lord Ripon to re* cognise NewZealand’sclaims to administer Samoa. Lord Ripon answered that the treaty with Germany and the United States precluded a change at present. Mr Ward also urged that England should subsidise the Vancouver and San Fran* cisco services, which together would supply a fortnightly mail. He also pressed the claims of the Pacific cable to a subsidy. Lord Ripon was personally favourable, and suggested that Mr Ward should see the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Postmaster-General on the subject Lord Ripon thought Lord Jersey’s report deserved careful weighing. The Oamaru bondholders have had an intervies with Mr Ward, and urged that the New Zealand Government should; cansolidate all the bonds and guarantee 3£ per cent interest, instead of the presint ra e. Mr Ward replied that a guantee was impossible, but be offered to facilitate consolidation, and to allow the Government debt to rank with the other creditors at a reducted interest. He urged the bondholders to accept a sound scheme. The shareholders the Bank of New Zealand interviewed Mr Ward, and asked for an assuranceethat nofurthercall would be made. Mr Ward refused to give a pledge on the subject, but expressed a strong opinion that no further call was necessary or likely. The shareholders expresed gratification at the frankness with which they were mot. Mr Ward returns to New Zealand at the end of May.