DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXI, Issue 1, 17 August 1911, Page 6

DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE.

COLONIES AND MOTHERLAND. Perth, Augut 16. The Ceylon Observer obtained an interview with Sir Joseph Ward in respect to fhe'W: T. Stead interview. He said that the oversea dominions were certainly loyal to the Crown. The outstanding factor of public sentiment was the determination to make the scattered portions of , the Empire stronger, while preserving local autonomy to the fullest extent. Ho did not believe any leading statesman of the dominion would long maintain his position if he advocated independence, which would signify severance during time of peril. Referring to the Conference he said each conference brought about a better understanding between the Old Country and the dominions, and a better conception of the difficulties in the way, and closer co-ordination or co-operation of the respective parts. The supreme question for the individuals as well as for parliaments and governments was to ensure the strength of the British in such a way as to render it undesirable for any Empire competitor to try and wrest the position the British Empire possessed. As far as New Zealand was concerned, the people believed in the best interests of the Empire. He continued: “We should 1 regard ourselves as one. We recognise that, if in war any combination of Powers got the better of England, they would get the better of New Zealand b'oijcuyrently; so the policy we adopt is to support the British Navy .as far as we are able. Wc do not think New Zealand should start a local navy.”

MR FISHER CRITICISED. London, August 16. The Morning Post declares that Mr Fisher’s disavowal of the Stead interview has whittled down sin.ee he returned to Melbourne. This was unfortunate as Mr if is her' left an impression in South Africa and England that he sometimes speaks vith two voices.