THE PREMIER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 13, 16 January 1905, Page 2

THE PREMIER.

SATISFACTORY FINANCE. THE LAND COMMISSIONS REPORT. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Premier, interviewed on his return to Wellington, said that the estimated revenue would be fully realised. The Customs returns for December were a record month for Custom returns. The money for public works had been raised on better terms by one-half per cent, than was the case with New South Wales, and relatively there had been a much larger public subscription. The reports of a small loan raised in Australia, he took it, was a reference to sone loans which are falling due in Australia. What was referred to was the renewals or the raising of the money in Australia to meet the debenture-holders requiring cash. That they were able to raise the money at par 4 per cent, speaks well for the colony. He had no anxiety and never had with respect to obligations regarding debentures falling due this month. He hoped this statement would relieve at least the professed anxiety of those pessimistic croakers whose loud voiced misgivings were damping the colony. The Colonial Treasurer would have a very pleasing tale to tell Parliament. It was apparent to anyone desiring to do full justice to settlers that a much larger sum of money should be appropriated for road construction At least £500,000 should be appropriated next session. Even the expenditure on buildings and other conveniences should be curtailed. Regarding the Lands Commission, the Premier said that the Itinerary of the Commission had been caretally gone into, and it ought to be able to complete its labours in about three months. It was not likely that the session will be any earlier this year than usual. There would be practically five months, if necessary, for the Commission to do its work. It was his opinion that it wont take anything like that time. The promise to Parliament to rewould be kept, and the report would be completed and in the hands of members at the commencement of the session; in fact it ought to be ready weeks beforehand. Mr Seddon characterised as untrue the report that there had been a marked difference in his reception on the West Coast on the occasion of his recent visit compared with' previous years Everywhere be was received witn the most cordial greetings. Ml * SEDDON AT NEWPLYMOUTH. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. 0u Saturday Mr Seddon and party on the invitation of the Carnival CommitI tee, visited the Mountain House, and exI pressed pleasure with the outing. In replying to a deputation, Jl r Redid on agreed with the need for improving j the tracks, and said as Sir Joseph Ward, jin charge of the Tourist Department, also recognised the importance of the work jno doubt the Cabinet would authorise it. It is estimated that it will take IX. 1500 to complete the gravelling. Later :t he party was driven to Inglewood. where they were entertained at dinner by the Mayor. During a speech the Premier said he was alive to the requirements of the backbloeks settlers, and spoke of the finances as good and the outlook promising despite the statements by croakers. In the evening the Premier and party left by the Hinemoa for Wellington.