THE PREMIER INTERVIEWED

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 2 December 1901, Page 3

THE PREMIER INTERVIEWED

Communication with Africa.

(FEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Dunrdin, Nov 30,

Several deputations waited on the Premier to-day, the first from the mercantile community, which urged that steps be taken to establish direct steamer communication with South Africa, Mr Soddon replied that the Government hud taken authority to spend £30,000 and it would leave no stone unturned to make the service a satisfactory one, but for the steam shipping companies having taken the matter in hand and attempted to "bluff" the Government the latter would have had the service in operation six or eight months igo. He indicated that the steamers to be employed would bo of the tramp class. A quick communication was not so much to be desired as regular distribution and cheap freight.

Alleged "Salting" Cases. As to the alleged " salting" on the We3t C«ast, the Premier said that the proper course was for the aggrieved parties to seek a civil remedy. Possibly, as in the case of the Fucshia Creek, evidence would come out which would justify Government in instituting a criminal prosecution. If tho parties took action Government would back them up. To go to work otherwise would be to reverse the proper course of procedure in such cases.