A LARGE ORDER FOR LEGISLATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXV, Issue 191, 15 June 1903, Page 4

A LARGE ORDER FOR LEGISLATION.

MR HUPS AHSOCU.TIOH. Christchurch, Jane 14. A deputation from the Trades Council Conference waited on the Premier yesterday and urged the establishment of a State Bank, the stoppage of farther sales of Crown land*, and a periodic revaluation. of leas?s. Also tike extension of muLicipal and county franchise, bo as to embrace the electoral roll; the referendum with initiative; State fire insarance; the right of Conciliation Boards to make temporary' awards, and the raising of old age pensions to lOswetkly. 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 the commerce of the oolonv, it was doubtful whether he would agree to remain Colonial Treasurer and head of' the Government. He agreed as to revaluation of Crown lands under lease, but it was not yet time to carry such a proposal as it might be difficult to prevent the House from giving tenants the right to convert their leaseholds into freehold?. A Referendum Bill without initiative Would be tried again. A State Fire Insurance Bill would be introduced, and be thought the Government had anfficient information to warrant its passage. Conciliation Boards should be reinstalei on their original footiog. The country could not stand an increase in old age pensions. Replying to the deputation's request for a grant towaids the Cust 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.