The Premier Interviewed.

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 222, 25 January 1894, Page 3

The Premier Interviewed.

GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS. At Ohristchurch the Hon R. J. teddota, the Premier, was interviewed by a representative of the Lyltelton Times. Dealing with the Native lauds question, he expressed the opinion that " under the new Act we •hall be abb to purchase Native land on a much more satisfactory footing. The question of finance was very intimately associated with this important subject. We have acquired between 100,000 and 150,000 acres that will be served by the North Island Trunk railway, and I think that the steps we have taken will enable us to acquire more in the same locality." As to the calls to the Council the Premier said that no appointments will be made at once. At the same time the verdict of the people expressed at the polls must be carried out. If the Council show a readiness to assist in currying out tho clearly expressed wishes of the electors there will be no attempt to swamp it with new members. The Premier, however, would not say that no appointments would bo made before the meeting of Parliament The matter was undecided. If no appoiutments were made th'b Government would have to send up one of their policy bills and give members an opportunity to show that they are really ready to fall in line with public opinion. "If they reject our bill," he continued, " our course would be clear, and the Council would virtually be responsible for the appointments." The Government know they are at present at the mercy of the Council, and it is a question whether they should occupy such a position after receiving an emphatic verdict of approval from the constituencies. •' It means," Mr Seddon said, •• even if the Council should obey the popular mandate in regard to the rejected measures of last year, that it will take at least four sessions to effect any further reforms. The first session of the new Parliament will be occupied by the passage of the bills endorsed by the country, and the two remaiu- j iog sessions will be devoted to the discussion of proposals to be submitted to the electors in 1896. Toon the first session of 1897 could proceed to business. That process would be altogether too slow for a Democratic country, and it would not, J think, conduce either to sound legislation or to national prosperity. I can only say we appreciate our responsibility in this matter, and are determined to do what we believe to be best for the country. We certainly have no wish either to add to the cost of our Legislature or to place our opponents at a disadvantage ; but we shall not be alarmed by the other silly cry of " stuffing the Council."