NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13384, 6 April 1912, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATIVE.

STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER

STR JOSEPH WARD INTERVIEWED

[United Pkess Association.]

Wellington, April 4. Interviewed by a "Post"' reporter, tho Prime Minister (the Hop.. T. Mackenzie), said that his Cabinet asked Sir Joseph Ward to allow 'himself to be nominated, and lie was pleased to .say that Sir Joseph Ward consented, with tin* result that Now Zealand would have for that special work its most highly qualified and experienced man on th<% most important commission that had -ever been held in the interests of the Empire.- The position carried no salary for any-of the representatives, and expenses only would bo paid. Mr. Mackenzie said lie felt confident that t)if- trade, of the Empire must bo enormously benefited by the Commission's work, and Now Zealand would, he was sure, be. proud to have so distinguished, and capable a representative on it. "When.'l decided to aceopt the position," said Sir Joseph Ward .to a "Post" reporter, "I felt that there was very important work which could be done by tho Commission in the general interests of the Empire. It will not interfere with my position as a member of tho House of Representatives. It is not my intention as a result of the appointment to retire from public life in New Zealand. I understand it is very probable that tho Commission will sit in New Zealand and Australia." In reply to a question. Sir Joseph said ho thought the work would take about two years. It is understood that tho Empire Trade Commission, tho personnel of which is announced in to-day'«, cables, will meet in London first to arrange procedure, and then visit New Zealand and Australia, taking tho former first. Sir Joseph Ward, who is a member, will bo unab:« to go to London for the"first meeting.