DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1620, 27 July 1887, Page 2

DEPUTATIONS TO THE PREMIER

Auckland, July 26

A deputation of members of the Seamen's Union waited on Sir B. Stout to day to represent to him various grievances of which New Zealand seamen complained. They drew attention to the importance of allowing foreign owned vessels to enga.e m the local trade, and for the purpose of preventing this, suggested an imposition of a tonnage tax on foreign vessels They farther urged the desirability of passing the Seamen* Representation Bill, and drew attention to the employment of Kanaka crews m local chipping. The Premier said the Government would care* fully consider the suggestions re tonnage tax, and expressed himself favorably inclined to the Seamen's Representation Bill. He thought it of immense importance that the colony should be kept for white labor, and said shipping should not be manned by colored labor. A deputation from the Industrial Association waited upon the Premier, and represented to him the desirability of further protecting local industries. They trusted Government would take up the subject and give it earnest Support. The Premier, m reply, said that Government had always had this matter at heart, and had brought m a tariff for the purpose, but they had not received support from the House. The matter was m thb people's own hands, and if they wished to have local industries protected they should strengthen the hands of Government by returning members pledged to support