Deputation to the Premier.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7915, 22 September 1904, Page 2

Deputation to the Premier.

(Per Press Association),, WELLINGTON, September 21,

One of the resolutions passed at the laßt Trades and Labour Conference was that the Government be requested by Conference to open a State coal mine in' the North Island. _b-night representatives of the Conference who waited on the Premier brought the resolution nnder his notice. It was aho urged that the Government should establish distributing coal depots at the principal centres of p0pu1ati0n.......... The Premier, in reply? said there was a coal trust in Auckland, but representations made by the Conference were entirely premature.' The promises he had made in ihe past regarding State mines would be fulfilled, but it was impossible to immediately supply all requirefnents. Time mast be given for the work. He believed the Trade Monopolies Bill would prevent a trust like that in Auokland nourishing. During the discussion Mr Seddon asked for information regarding a resolution passed by tbe Conference in favour of an Independent Labour Party being formed.

. xhe spokesman-of the deputation said it had been thought that they could do more for the cause of progress by forming an' Independent" Party, but the Government need have no fear which side the party would be on. The Labour Party had a platform, and wished to push it on. ,

Mr Seddon vsaid the attitude of the deputation was satisfactory, to him, but what he feared, however, was that if there was any separation it might drive away from the Labour Party those who had been working in harmony with it. He had been proud to be the head of the Labour Party, but if in the future he was to be the head of the Liberal Party only, then the responsibility of the change would rest with them. No doubt they would well weigh the position.