Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1901. AMERICAN GOODS.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 1 February 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star, AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1901. AMERICAN GOODS.

Mr. Seddon, while in Australia, gave vent to his ideas on the relative merits of white v. colored labor; and proceeding on, touched upon the burning question, Freetrade v. Protection. Although our Premier would probably scout the idea of being termed a Protectionist, his utterances clearly indicate a leaning in that direction. Mr. Seddon takes up the position of protecting colonial goods from undue competition from without, rather from the actual wage-earners point of view than from any desire to aid Protection pure and simple. In dealing with other countries that required to be handicapped in the matter of supplies to New Zealand, Mr. Seddon mentioned America as a state that the colony’s commerce would be protected against. While we do not favor Protection, we are nevertheless pleased at the attention bestowed upon American goods. Hitherto the Government of New Zealand has been among America’s, but customers oftontime purchasing goods in the States, that might have been manufactured in the colony. Under such circumstances, the declaration of the Premier may appear somewhat inconsistent. A little reflection, however, will show that recent events have forced our Premier to take up the stand he now adopts. The navigation laws of the United States drove the Union Steam Shipping Company out of the San Francisco Mail Service —a service that was inaugurated and for many years maintained by New Zealand. In place of New Zealand there are now running, by reason of these laws, American ships, flying the American flag. It must not be supposed that we entertain any animosity to American ships, but we hold that this colony has a right to see that New Zealand companies are not, at all events, in trade connected with our own colony, unfairly handicapped by such laws as those now in force in America. Of course we may not be able to get any modification, but if not then this colony is perfectly justified in applying a like handicap to American goods and commerce. We doubt not, but this was what was uppermost in the Premier’s mind when he delivered the utterance referred to above ; and the circumstances, we believe, fully warranted the remarks ; and will further warrant the carrying out of the threat implied.

BLACKBALL COAL MINE. On December Iso the residents of Greymouth and locality were startled by the news that the Blackball Coal Mine was on fire, that at least one life was lost, and that there was a probability of the mine being closed down for at least six months. This Was> indeed, depressing news, more especially as it found that truth pervaded the report; and much depression was anticipated. Fortunately the Premier happened to be in the district, and a|, once sanctioned a number of co-operative works that provided employment for these thrown out of work. This was a most timely aid, and will not be readily forgotten. Enquiries instituted by us at the time from outside sources gave us the impression that at least six months would elapse ere the mine would be again opened. We interviewed Mr Scott, got all particulars from him. In reply to our question “ How long will it be before you extinguish the fire and get into the mine.” He rather electrified us by stating “ Two months or ten weeks at the outside.” We reckoned he knew best, but at the time thought he was too sanguine. Yet , here are the results. The fire broke out on December Ist. On the 31st of January the fire was extinguished, the water drawn off, and men back in the 1 mine. Results show that Mr Scott knew the task before him, and setting about it in a thoroughly workmanlike manner actually, in spite of extraordinary dry weather exceeded his own expectations, and in the course of a week will be exporting coal again. We certainly heartily c mgratulafce Mr ; Scott and those under him. They i have far exceeded the most sanguine expectations.