THE PREMIER AT AUCKLAND.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2638, 27 March 1894, Page 3

THE PREMIER AT AUCKLAND.

The Premier was waited upon at Auckland by representatives of the gumdiggers, and in his reply Mr Seddon said he was considering the advisability of opening land for settlement and reserving gum lands to enable settlers to procure some capital. If there was any roadmaking that would promote settlement it was desirable that the work should be proceeded with ; this would absorb a lot of labor frrm the gum fields. He referred to the difficulty of dealing with the alien question. [The deputation complained of the influx of Austrians who avowed their intention not to settle]. Once the men were here we could not control their methods of gaining a livelihood. That would be unconstitutional, and would involve a serious difficulty between England and foreign nations. In connection with Mr King’s remarks on the gum market, the Agent-General had been instructed to inquire in England, on the Continent, and in America, and to endeavour to ascertain the cause of the present low prices. The Government would then know how to act.—(Applause.) The truck system had already been dealt with by the Government, but that carried on in connection with the gumfield was very difficult to deal with. More agreement between employer and employed was necessary. The Premier said that as regards the main body of gumdiggers, the only thing the Government can do, as far as he could see at present, was to put in hand different roads for which money had been voted, and put marri d men who are now on the gumfields, as far as practicable at work on constructing these roads. The Premier told them plainly that there is no hope of the Government purchasing gum, and they admitted it was impracticable. In regard to permanently settling people in the vicinity of the gumfields, the Premier said he intended to consult with the Minister of Lands as to throwing open more good laud for settlement near the gumfields, at the same time reserving portions of gum bearing laud for the exclusive use of settlers. The Premier said it was evident the Government would have to consider the advisability of resuming the ownership of all gum lands, a statement which was received with great favour.