THE PREMIER,

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1351, 11 January 1905, Page 2

THE PREMIER,

GOVERNMENT WAGE HANDS.

TO BE BROUGHT UNDER ARBITRATION AOT.

XFer Press Association.) Westport, last night. The Premier ' and party arrived from Greymouth by the Hinemoa this morning, and were welcomed by a large gathering of representatives of town and country. A band was also in attendance.

After giving a hearing to looal deputations the Premier, accompanied by a large number of people, visited the Seddonville Stato mine, receiving a hearty weloome and good wishes for his health from tho residents of the several townships viaited on route.

At Seddonvillo, in reply to a deputation ro the rato of wages paid at the Stato | mine, the Premier said it was the inten- ! tion of the Government to introduce a Bill next session to enable the Government to appear similarly to private employers before the Arbitration Oourt, and let this Court fix the rate of wages. The deputation reoeived the announcement with warm satisfaction. On return to town tho Premier was entertained at a dinner, some sixty or more gentlemen being present, and later, the [ Premier and party were entertained at a largely attended pnblio gathering in the Pricoess Theatre.

In the course of his speech the Premier referred to the injustice done to tho colonies by the Imperial Government in not preserving, after- repeated warnings, the islands of the Pacific for the British Empire, and stated that he had made representation in the hope that the New Hebrides would not fall into foreign hands. He is sailing to-night for New Plymonth.