AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 65, 20 March 1901, Page 2

AUCKLAND SPECIAL.

THE ROYAL VISITORS.

PLAIN TALK BY THE PREMIER.

(Special to Times.) Auckland, last nighi

A special telegram from Wellington states that the Premier used some plain talk in reference to the deputation of the

City Council, headed by the Mayor, that took place yesterday relative to the reception of the Royalties. The deputation

asked the Government to advance .-£2OOO, to be refunded from the rates after the Parliamentary indemnity is obtained next session ; also to give pound for pound on the city contribution, bringing the total to ,£4OOO. The Premier replied that the Government, after careful deliberation, saw no reason to subsidise local bodies for the Royal reception. It came as a surprise to the Government that the wealthiest borough of the colony, calling itself the Empire City, receiving more from the Government 'by many thousands of pounds than other centres of the colony, should make such a request, lie did not believe Parliament would refuse to indemnify the Council for unauthorised expenditure. Considering the object,' he thought £2,000 would go a long way, and wealthy men in Wellington should open their hearts. Regarding the proposed medal, every child in the colony would receive one. The people of Dunedin and other centres would regard it as beneath their dignity to ask {he Government for a subsidy. Secondary cities, like Napier and New Plymouth, ought to assist by erecting arches in the cities. If they could not raise, by »olun tary subscription, £IOOO over the amoun spent by the Counoil, Wellington ough: not to call itself the Empire City, MAORI DISTRICTS.

Mr M. Grace, interpreter, has been selected to negotiate with the Waikato and Ngatimaniapoto tribes with a view to a settlement of the dispute 1 boundary to be constituted under the Maori Land’s Administration Act.