CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 916, 15 June 1903, Page 2

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS.

DEPUTATION TO PREMIER,

By Telegraph —Press Association. Christchurch, last night,

A deputation from tho Trade Councils' Conference waited on tho Premier yesterday, and urged tho establishment of a State Bank, tbe stoppage of further salts of Crown Lands, and a periodic re valua tion of leases, exteusion of municipal and county franchise to embrace electoral roll, referendum, with initiative State fire insu ranee, right of Conciliation Boards to make temporary awards, and raising the old age pension to ten shillings weekly. The Premier said the country was not ripe for making the Bank of New Zealand into a State Bank. He believed public opinion would support a partnership between the Bank shareholders and the colony. With a State Bank carrying on tho commerce of the colony it was doubtful whether he would agree to remain Colonial Treasurer and the head of the Government. He agreed with tho deputation regarding revaluation of Crown Lauds under lease, but it was not yet time to carrry such a proposal. It might be difficult to prevent leases giving tenants the right to convert leasehold into freehold. A Referendum Bill without initiative would be tried again. A State Insurance Bill would be introduced, and he thought tho Government had sufficient information to warrant its passage. The Conciliation Boards should be re instated on the original footing. The country could not stand an increase in tho old age pension. Replying to the deputation asking for a grant towards the Gust bridge, the Premier said there was certain to be a very large reduction of public works expenditure and borrowing this year. The Premier left for Wellington by last night’s steamer.