The Premier Deputationised at Dunedin.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4977, 22 December 1884, Page 2

The Premier Deputationised at Dunedin.

(Pee Pbess Association.) Dunedin, This day. The Premier was fairly besieged by deputations on Saturday. In reply to a Schools Committee, Mr Stout said he was opposed to the abolition of the cumulative vote, and would do his utmost to oppose it, unless substantial modification was made by which the rights of minorities would be represented. He thoroughly agreed as to the urgent necessity of reducing the syllabus and giving departmental instructions in that respect, and also approved of the proposal for a compulsory attendance clause. He highly approved of the idea of giving technical instruction, but feared the Legislature would not stand an increase of the education vote, even for this purpose ; he hoped the means would be available from secondary endowments to give some technical education, the importance of which' could not be overestimated.

The Manufacturers' Association brought under Mr Stout's notice the unworkable nature of the tariff, and the desirability of Signor Federli lecturing on fruit growing in this district. More information was also asked re the Colonial Exhibition, and the intention of Government in regard to roll ing stock tenders. Mr Stout, in reply, expressed the hope that when the tariff was being considered by Government, all the suggested improvements would be forwarded to the Cabinet, who would duly consider them, specifications for the locomotives and other rolling stock were being prepared ; he pointed out with regard to the Exhibition, that it was necessary to make some charge for space, otherwise manufacturers could not be suited; goods would be carried freight free. The Trades and Lab^r Council brought under the Premier's notice the danger of Chinese being employed on coasting vessels and mail steamers. Mr Stout replied that foreign vessels could not be controlled in this matter, and there was not the slightest probability of Chinese labor being employed on mail steamers. The Caversham Borough Council urged that they should be allowed to carry on fire insurance within the limits of the Borough, as fire companies refused to contribute to the support of the Brigade. Mr Stout replied that he did not like to pledge himself to any such proposal, for he saw great dangers in the way, even to the existence of the municipality.