THE WORK OF THE SESSION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9652, 4 January 1910, Page 5

THE WORK OF THE SESSION.

SIR JOSEPH WARD’S VIEWS

Press Association. Christchurch, Jauuary 3. Interviewed in Christchurch as to the work [accomplished during the recent session, Sic Joseph Ward said } that in his opinion the work done in the first working session after the general election easily establishes a record in this country and the legislation passed, in his judgment, is ot far-reaching consequence ami importance. The recasting of tp--whole system of finance, unuer j Which the necessary funds fm aa- j vanoes to settlers, advances to | workers, loans to local bodies, ana the purchase of estates under toe Lands for Settlement and for the purchase of native lands, wih be put under a separate head is a revolution which will aid materially in strengthening all the interests dealt with by the several departments. Itjias [appeared to me- - time past that if we were in successfully carry on the importpvn social branches of the work as v u as public necessities which are distinct from those of a social character, a revolution was practically essential la our financial arrangements to enable both those from whom we borrow our money, and the people in our country, to have a cltjar and distinct separation under the various headings so as to ensure success in obtaining the money in the first instance and also secure proper facilities for the purpose for winch tne money is to be provided. This has now been done, and it is something that at least oar country can be proud or that this system is unique, and has not bean established in any other country in the world. Without being egotistical, I may express the opinion that before many years pass by the efficiency and advantages of the system will impress- other countries, and, like many other advanced laws which have been tarrnea experimental but wnicii have long since passed that _stage, __ will adopted by them. Had wa-jenocesded in accomplishing nothing else than establishing a greatly improved system upon a strong basis for our financial requirements, the session would have been a memorable one. Referring to defence, he asked “Can one not in an important reform of internal defence point with pride to the work of Parliament this session, when I say that though a system of universal training nas been spoken of and advocated in other parts ot the British for several years past, New Zealand is the first to pass legislation which provides the reality t” Ho also referred to the fact that New Zealand has incorporated the boy scouts as part of the defence system, a thing no other part of the Empire has done. The regulations necessary to give effect to the establishment of a system of universal training will be put in hand without delay, and a committed is to b 3 appointed after the holidays to visit both Islands in order to select a suitable area of laud upon which a permanent struoture,to be erected and where general training will be continuously in operation. Speaking of the lands for settlement system, Sir Joseph Ward remarked as a matter cf fact that since the Act came into operation up to the present less than twelve estates had been acquired compulsorily speaks eloquently in justification of the statement that Government does nod ruthlessly force people to sell their lauds whether they like it or not. [As a matter of fact there is comparatively no necessity for the compulsory sections of the Act being used, as experience has demonstrated that much more land is offered ail ever the country than the full limit of finances provided by Parliament will permit of being acquired. Referring tq other legislation passed, “Sir Joseph Ward spoke of improvements in law as regards the purchase of native lands, the control of hospitals and of charitable aid, and of the law affecting friendly societies. Referring to the Dreadnought, Sir Joseph remarked that it was a matter for gratification that no division was called for in the House on that important matter, which shewed the world that whatever differences they had .over political matters, they were at one when it came to the question helping the great British Empire and its widely distributed interests.