MR SEDDON’S THREAT.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 914, 12 June 1903, Page 2

MR SEDDON’S THREAT.

NEW ZEALAND TO LEAD IN A REBELLION.

Per Press Association^

CHRISTCHURCH, last night 5

Mr Seddon, interviewed, in regard to the preferential tariff proposals, said that he had received a number ot‘ cable, messages from Home, where there was concern that what, had been announced might eventuate in ease all overtures were flouted and Britain absolutely refused to help the colonies. 'The natural result would he reciprocity with oilier countries, which would lie only too delighted to admit New Zealand’s meat, kauri gum, and other products New Zealand would give them an advantage in respect to their manufactured goods. This was an alternative which had apparently not been 1 bought of, but if Great Britain gave other nations the same treatment as she gave the colonies she could not complain if other nations gave the colonies concessions. If Britain refused to do anything, and treated the overtures of the colonies with contumely, she must, lie held responsible As a matter o[ history Britain had had reciprocity witli France. Even at the present moment Newfoundland enjoyed a treaty of reciprocity witli America. He would be sorry if, as a last resource, New Zealand bad to adopt this course, but if the Mother Country would neither help herself nor allow the colonies to help her, she must lie held responsible for the inevitable dismemberment which must, follow the maintenance of the existing fines.