Sir Joseph Ward.

Waipawa Mail, Volume XXIX, Issue 5705, 27 April 1911, Page 4

Sir Joseph Ward.

Arrival in London, Need for an Imperial Council. [United Prosß Association] [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] (Received April 25, 8.10 p.m ) LONDON, April 25 Sir Joseph Ward, who arrived in London to day, interviewed on the qaeation of Imperial defence, emphasised the desire of all portions of the Empire to do their part. There was an impression in some quarters that his suggestion might in some way weaken the local autonomy of the various parts of the Empire. He strongly opposed lessening the local powers of any portion. Indeed he favoured increasing rather than diminishing them He was not obliviou of the extraordinary protection all the overseas dominions had received through the British taxpayer in the maintenance of a powerful navy. At the same time he could not shut his eyes to the fact that the marvellous growth and yearly increasing national value of the various portions of the Empire necessitated a review of the whole system of control and organisa tion, with a view of improving and strengthening it beyond its present position. He emphasised that the future would prove that the vast British interests developing in the Pacific would require far more attention from a naval standpoint than appeared to be necessary at present. New Zealanders were a level-headed, practical people, in nowise Jingoistic. They shared the desire of all within the Empire to insure the perpetuation of peace. To that end the Motherland and oversea dominions required to be made so powerful that should any military spirit arise elsewhere the due recognition of the su preme power of the navy would make for peace. This would be of incomparably greater financial value to the world than the result of trying conclusions against the Empire’s navy. The full development of the Empire’s navy to create such an admittedly splendid position must encounter many difficulties, but it was at a conference such as had been summoned that difficulties equally with advantages might fully and freely be discussed. He was convinced that the advantages would largely predominate. What was wanted was some ultimato system to increase their strength up to the point which would ensure that the growing interests of their scattered Empire should be peacefully conserved, and in the event of war, that the outcome should be placed beyond all doubt. He paid a tribute to the keenness of the New Zealanders’ Imperial sentiment and love of the Motherland. He hoped that the difficulties in the way of Sir W. Laurier attending the conference would be overcome. His absence would be a calamity. He dwelt upon the gratifying increase of New Zealand’s trade and added that New Zealand Btands for the old flag and a white country, an invincible Imperial navy with an adequate share of responsibility, the extension of trade within the Empire and representation on an Imperial Council.