MR. SEDDON IN AUSTRALIAN.

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 May 1906, Page 3

MR. SEDDON IN AUSTRALIAN.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION. [BY ELECTKIO TELEGRAPH —COPYRIGHT ] [FEB P.BESS ASSOC.—ION.] SYDNEY, This Day. Arrived, tho Warrimoo after ii pleasant voyage. Seddon is in excellent health. The steamer Commodore, with a largo representative New Zealanders' Reception Committee, and Carruthcrs, Hogen, O'Snllivan, and other prominent men aboard, met the Warrimoo inside the Heads and accorded .Mr Scddon a flattering welcome en ronto. At the wharf, where a large crowd gathered, Scddon was warmly greeted, and congratulatory speeches were made, Scddon suitably replying. Replying to the welcome given him in Sydney to day, Mr Scddon said he had left for a short time God's own country of peace and plenty to bask for a time in the sunshine of Australia, and enjoy the proverbial hospitality and good friendship of its people. Australia and New Zealand were working out their destinies apart, but there was a federation of kindred and language and people, which was the strongest bond of union that could Informed. 'New Zealand had sympathised with Australia in her adversity, and now rejoiced with her in her prosperity which he hoped would increase and be lasting. The Hon. Mr Seddon told an interviewer that as far as the Arbitration Act in New Zealand is concerned ,'ihcre is no fault to find with the law as it is all right, and employers and employees recognise that. Recently, however, there has been considerable feeling involved by the decisions given by the Court, especially in regard to the seamen's case. The whole trouble lies in the matter of administration of the Act, and it had been alleged the findings of the Court have not been ill accordance with the evidence. Of this lie could not speak, nceause lie had not time to go into the evidence carefully, but he had every confidence in the impartiality of Judge* Chapman. The most important question be had In discuss with the Federal Premier war, tiic New Hebrides. Asked about reciprocity between New Zealand and Australia, he said:—" We have no conccrn'about that." VII have expressed their keen appreciation of the kindly welcome given to Mr Scddon by the New Zealanders. [I>V TEIXGRArn—SPKCIAT, TO THE STAB. J WELLINGTON, This Day. Commenting editorially on the Premier's visit to Australia the Post rays:- - "We are not among those who afreet lo look upon the Premier's visit to Australia as a holiday jaunt at the expense of the colonv. On the contrary, we think that an annual trip of the kind by the first Minister of the day would redound .o the interests of this colony in other and more direct ways than by helping to forward a better understanding between Mie Commonwealth and New Zealand. No doubt. Mr Seddon will derive pleasure from his visit, and the distinction with which he will be treated will be very acceptable lo him, but be would be a fliurlish critic who would grudge him either well earned recreation or the plaudits ol the Australian democracy, for he has earned both. But while we hope that Mr Seddon will enjoy to the full .the warm hospitality that is characteristic of the Australians, we unite realise that many important matters affecting our interest:, will engage his attention. There is the question of Asiatic immigration, as to which wo some weeks cinee announced that we had good reason to believe an Imperial despatch had reached the Commonwealh Government, and, Liferentia.ll> New 'Zealand, of a disquieting elinracler. This may well be a subject for grave discussion between Mr Dcak.r, and Mr .Scddon, and both may be relied upon to stand to the strict, observance of a policj of a While Australasia, and m Mis relation it is a curious coincidence that a Japanese fleet is just now in, Australian waters. The Premier had said that lie reciprocity question will engage his attention during bis absence. He will nnjl therein a wide field for discussion, anil, we f'-ar a verv narrow outlook for tan cdblo results, for the treed of both coin., tries seems to be in the directum of high protection. Still, since Mr Seddon has expressed his desire to cheapen the •breakfast, table,' he may find himself able to abate the duty on Australian su"ar, if Mr Deakin can oiler us anrqmvalent advantage. Oats and dairy produce suggest themselves, but how would the Commonwealth producers accept null n proposition':"