SIR JOSEPH WARD EULOGISED.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13644, 8 February 1913, Page 5

SIR JOSEPH WARD EULOGISED.

HIGH IN THE ROLL OF HONOUR,

NEW ZEALAND'S PATRIOTISM

(Recoived Feb. 7, 5.5 p.m.)_ London, Fob: 7. Tho Duko and Duchess of. Somerset, Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, the. Right' Hon: Walter Long,' M.P., Lady Ward, tho Hon. T. and Mrs. Mackenzie, Sdr Thomas and Lady Robinson, and Sir Newton, and Lady Moore, besides the others mentioned, were present at the Navy League luncheon/: Mr. R. A. Yerburgli,- the president of tho Navy League, in: proposing Sir Joseph Ward's health, said that when the time came for the Dominions' answer to the question whether they would side with the .Motherland on the sea, New Zealand's responso was prompt, firm, and magnificent. No name stood higher than Sir Joseph Ward's on tho Empire roll of honour.

Sir Joseph Ward, in reply, said he was anxious to sec the Empire's defence removed from party politics.,. ; ;

The Hon. J. Allen, in responding to the toast of "Imperial Defence," said Great Britain had so long been safe that perhaps she did not feel there was any danger. They sometimes wondered whether Britain was quite awake. The battleship was visible evidence of what Now Zealand was prepared to do. He ventured to^say' that Newy Zealand was more patriotic than the Motherland. The Dominion was prepared to

make still greater sacrifices, bu-t they must be permanent and not spasmodic -sacrifices. The sacrifice Australia ; was

making was very great, and it was not ' that she might separate from the'Ein-

pare, but) to- consolidate lit. Neither could it be supposed that Canada had yet reached the stage at which ehe would be aettsfied.