SIR JOSEPH WARD'S SLEEP.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 149, 16 August 1911, Page 6

SIR JOSEPH WARD'S SLEEP.

No ono will more warmly welcome cessation of mental and bodily strain in connection with the Coronatiqn than the Premiers and other representatives of the Dominions over the sea (says-Sir Henry Lucy in thj ' Sydney Morning Herald”). Hospitality, official and private, lias been unbounded, and a wish nearest the hearts of those chiefly concerned must lie for return to familiar quieter times. Happily, the visitors arc of exceptionally fine stamina, and are able to live through a spurt that would break down weaker brethren. In tins connection Sir Joseph Ward, the New Zealand Premier, told me an interesting circumstance. Amid the turmoil of life in London he has not once varied from his home habit of not sleeping more than four out of the -'I hours. Such capacity gives a man an almost unfair advantage over fel-low-creatures, even .such as limit the peiipcl of sleep to eight hours. Pm shrewd, capable business man to oe every day of bis.life four hours ahead of bis neighbours is an immense pull, almost equal no doubling the length and opportunity of a working day. Gladstone used to boast that, like Sancho Pan/.a, lie had a great gift of sleep. “I always sleep seven hours,” he said, ‘‘eight if I can got t lie in, and 1 could very well do with nine.” Put seven was all he could spare, and during Ids Premier-ship, after whatsoever long sitting in the House, he did not exceed Ids allowance.