SIR JOSEPH WARD.

Colonist, Volume LIII, Issue 13052, 11 March 1911, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD.

INTERVIEWED AT SYDNEY,

IMPORTANCE OF THE CONFER-

ENCE.

[Press Association—Copyright.]

(Received March 10, 9.45 p.m.) Sydney, March 10. Sir Joseph Ward, interviewed, said h? recently travelled from ond to end of New Zealand -and noticed a remarkable revival of trade. , The prosperity was not due- to any boom, but to the general revival Now Zealand was experienciiig. It was one of tho best seasons they ever had, notwithstanding that in some places there was a shortage of rain. Thorei was a good supply of money, in fnct an over supply, resulting in a falling of! of rates. The division of large estates was proceeding vigorously, and as the outcome el increased settlement there was an increased volume of exports, which last year was a record.

Sir Joseph looks upon the forthcoming Imperial Conference as the most imporh)nt c ; ver likely to take place, becauso it means establishing the base upon which the 'structure will be (Mcetr'd in future. It will havo to consider the conflicting elements attached to the Ft'li'-fjnverning dominions, but he if; hopeful that the men shouldering the responsibility will recognise that unless the- go for cohesion, though of a loose nature, it means by degrees the disintegration of the Empire.

The Women's Patriotic Club gave a welcome" At Home to Lady Ward, and presented her with pieces of silver. Sir Joseph Ward, in an address, urgal the members to impress upon their sons the importance of maintaining and adding to the strength of tho Empire.