CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 385, 9 April 1902, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

LABOR COMMISSIONERS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Christchurch, last night. The Premier met the Victorian Labor Commissioners to-day, and promised every facility for obtaining information on progressive labor legislation. The Commissioners, in reply, said that they had been very favorably impressel with the progressive legislation in the colony, and had found that, although there were minor differences in some points, neither side would interfere with the main principles of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act. They asked that Mr Seagar should be allowed to accompany them through New Zealand, which was granted.

THE PREMIER. The Premier visited Kaiapoi to-day, and was presented by Messrs T. Parata and Tirihia with an address, on behalf of tho Ngahi Ahuriri tribe. Luncheon was served in the Runanga Hall, and toasts were honored. As the party were leaving, Miss' Seddon was presented with a kiwi mat and carved mere. PLEA FOR PROTECTION.

A deputation representing the Canterbury Bootmakers’ Union waited on the Premier regarding an alteration to the tariff. They read a report stating that the Premier had in Auckland said he would advocate at Home a rebate of duties up to 20 per cent, in favor of Great Britain. They thought it would be against the industries of the colony if he advocated these views. They asked him to let the present tariff stand with regard to Great Britain, and to raise it against other countries, especially America, by 45 per cent. The Premier said the statement did* not necessarily mean an indiscriminate rebate of 20 per cent, on all manufactured goods. Nothing of the sort was intended. He had always done what he could to foster local industries, and would continue to do so. With regard to American locomotives and carriages, every endeavor had been made to obtain engines in time from England, but the time was limited, and Government had to go to America for them. TRAM ACCIDENT. At the inquest on the body of Harry Feast, who died through injuries sustained through falling off the Sumner tram, a verdict was returned of “ Accidental death.”