THE PREMIER IN THE SOUTH.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7837, 1 June 1905, Page 3

THE PREM IER IN THE SOUTH.

JtECEIVES LABOUR DEPITATION (Per Press Association.) DLNEDIM, May 31. Speaking at Kaitangatn to-day to a miners' deputation, the Premier said ho was informed that the Arbitration Court would shortly overtake its arrears of work, and when it had done so he was sure the delay that had taken place in giving awards would be a thing of the past. If thi "delay continued, he would ask Parliament to set up a Court tor each Island. The Premier left Laurence this morning by special train. On arrival at Milton he was accorded a hearty reception, and agreed to the dclivey of an address, but afterwards he wired to the Mayor that time would not permit of such a -course. Despite the rain, a large crowd awaited the Premier's arrival at Kaitangata, where he was welcomed by the Mayor. Bepresentatives of the Liberal and Labour Federation and a miners' deputation interviewed tlie Premier on local matters. Bepresentatives of the Coal Miners' Un'on desired the amendment of the .Workers' Compensation for Accidents Act to give a fixed sum to the next of kin in case of death. The Premier said a miner might SO into the mine and be killed the next day. If the amount were fixed arbitrarily there would be heavy liability on the part of the mine owner, .who had received no profit from the man's labour. He suggested that a minimum might be fixed. As a ' man's life was worth so much he would Consider the matter in that light. A deputation asked for the amendment of the Arbitration Act, tc. make proceedings in filing a dispute, as simple as possible. The Premier said the point had come up in a recent decision in Auckland. The matter of confirming it might perhaps lead to inconvenience and de lay, and an amendment might be wonted, but where the matter was ot moment to the whole of the members they ought to have the opportunity of confirming the decision. He believed it was a good thing to give men a chance of thinking over any important "decision arrived at. The question, of compulsory preference to Unionists was brought up and discussed. The Premier thought it a matter best left to" the Court The public, he said, required to be educated up to compulsory preference, and he suggested that one of the fffst they should convert was their own member, Mr James Allen. .** . KAITANGATA', May 31. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The Premier arrived to-day at Kaitangata. In the forenoon he was welcomed by the Mayor, the President of the Liberal and Labour Federation, the President of the Miners' Union, and a very large number of citizens, including many ladks. In the evening he spoke in the Presbyterian Hall, and., notwithstanding the inclemency of the weathcrc there was a large assemblage, the hall being full. He was listened to attentively throughout. The auHience* was enthusiastic, and at the. conclusion of the address Mr Seddon. received an unanimous vote of thanks and confidence in the Government. After the speech the Premier was Jjanquetted. Considering the fact that he is in ithe electorate of one of the leading members cf the Opposition, Mr Allen the Premier himself well pleased with the result. * To-morrow he speaks at'l'aponui, and on Friday he returns to Dunedin.