COLONIAL PREMIERS AT HOME.

Evening Star, Issue 10339, 12 June 1897, Page 1

COLONIAL PREMIERS AT HOME.

Accompanied by the mayor (Sir James KiUon, M.P.), whose guests they at present are, Mr Kingston and Sir J. Forrest inspected the manufacturing industries of Leeds. They were subsequently entertained at a banquet, at which Mr Kingston expressed amazement at the extent and variety of the industries of England. He said the colonists were capable, strong, and faithful in their adherence to all that concerned the integrity and defence of the British Empire. Sir J. Forrest, who also spoke, contrasted tbe sparseness of the population of West Australia with the density of that of Leeds. He mentioned that during six years West Australia had spent £5,000,000 in British manufactures. The West Australian Government would welcome immigrants and give them a grant of 150 acres of land for nothing, and assist occupiers in improving their holdings. Both speeches were greeted with much applause. The Premiers of the other colonies were not able to visit Leeds. Sir G. Turner, in the course of an inter-, view with a representative of the 'fit. James's Gasette,' said that Australia was anxious for the best possible agreement wit* Britain with regard to improved communication, matters of defence, and closer trad* relations. _____^________