OUR PREMIER

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1762, 31 May 1906, Page 2

OUR PREMIER

THE NEWS BUREAU,

By telegraph, PffWia Aeb’h, Copyright

Adelaide, May 30

Mr and Mrs Seddon and party were farewolled by the Deputy Governor, the Ministcy, Bill members of Parliament. They bßve been invited to visit Tasmania, and will do so if the steamers suit.

Dealing with the news published in the p-ess about Australia and vice versa, Mr Seddon stated that the New Zaaland Government paid a considerable sum eaoh year towards the upkeep of the New Zealand PreßS Association. More news Bbould be disseminated. In order that the more important Nsw Zealand news should reaoh Australis, the Government had decided to send bi weekly messages to Australia, whioh he had arranged would be sent to all Australian papers. An impartial person would be selected to oollect the news, It would be for the proprietors of the papers to say whether they would publish it or not.

. Mr Seddon states he thinki a majority of Australians are favorable to reciprocity with New Zealand. On the other band New Zealand is also favorable The figures submitted by him to Mr Kingston in 1897 meant a loss of duty to South Australia of £25 000 a year, and a loss to New Zealand of £127,000 a year. One of the best things the Federal Government could do this session would be to pass a reciprocal treaty between the two countries. Trade between Australia and New Z-aland was about 3£ million pounds annually, and should bo increased by another two millions.

(Par Press Association.) Dunedin, last nighl

Mr George Fenwick, as ohairmau of the Press Association, asks the Dunedin agent to telegraph that the Premier's statement as cabled tbat the New Zealand Government pays a considerable sum each year towards the upkeep of the Press Association, has no foundation. Not a penny is so paid. Probably Mr Seddon was mis reported.

RETURN TO MELBOURNE. COMBINING BUSINESS WITH PLEASURE. A TRADE PROPOSAL.

By telegraph, Press Ass’n, Copyright Received 1.13 s.m., May 31.

Melbourne, May 30,

Mr Seddon returned to-day. He had an interview during tbe afternoon with Mr Deakio, and moets him again to morrow. He alsj had an interview with the Consul of the Netherlands, who informed Mr Sed don that there was a splendid opportunity for trade between New Z-aland and Japan, and that si 'he present time only one steamer from New Zealand for throe months in the vear. Toere was a go ,d trade in butter, cheese, and meat, Tbe Consul stated that he would do all be oeuld to promote the servioe. Ho would give every information. Mr Beddoo had a lengthy interview with Mr David Syme, proprietor of tho Melbourne Age, with reference to reciprocity in news. While in Adelaide the Premier of that State promised double tbe grant he had formerly promised for the expenses of representation at the New Zealand exhibition. Mr Seddon will be entertained at dinner by the Federal Government to-tnotrow night He dines with the State Governor to-oigbt. On Friday evening he will be tbe gueßt of tho Government of Victoria. On Mooday the New Zealand residents will entertain him.

Mr Seddon reoeived a telegram from Mr McGuigan, county chairman of Hokitika " Congratulations from your constituency on tho merited high honor beatowod by the people of Australia.”