The Hon J. G. Ward.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5226, 5 April 1895, Page 2

The Hon J. G. Ward.

«, INTERVIEWS IN LONDON. (.Special to Pbess Association] LONDON, A*uL 4. Tbe Hon J. G. Ward urged Lord Ripon to recognise New Zealand's claims to administer Samoa. Lord Ripon answer* d that the treaty with Germany and the United States precluded a change at present. MrWard also urged that England should subsidise the Vancouver and San Francisco services, which together would supply a fortnightly mail. He also pressed the claims of the Pacific cable to a subsidy. Lord Ripon said that personally he was favourable, and suggested that Mr' "Ward should see the Chancellor of the Exchequer <»nd the Postmaster--General on the subject. He thought that lord Jersey's report deserved careful weighing. The Oamaru bondholders saw Mr | Ward and urged that the Government should consolidate all the bonds and guarantee 3| per cent interest instead of the present rate. Mr Ward replied that the guarantee was impossible, but offered to facilitate consolidation and allow the debt to the Government to rank with other creditors at a reduced interest. He urged' the holders to submit a sound' scheme. The shareholders of the Bank o£ New Zealand asked Mr Ward for an assurance that no fresh call would be made. Mr Ward refused to give a> pledge on the subject, but expressed a strong opinion that no further call was necessary or likely. The shareholders expressed gratification at the frankness with which they were met. Mr Ward returns to New Zealand at the end of May.