MR. SEDDON IN AUSTRALIA.

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 June 1906, Page 4

MR. SEDDON IN AUSTRALIA.

INTERCOLONIAL MATTERS DEALT WITH. [rr ELECTRIC Tl'l.r.GllVt'U —COPYUIC UT. 1 [run ru::ss ASSOCIATION.] AfELBOI’RNE. May 31. Messrs Deakin ami Seddon Jiad a conference to-day, when the reciprocal agreement was discussed and the question of the New Hebrides dealt will). Everything so far is confidential. It is understood that in regard to reciprocity (hat the agreement of 1837 with Soltili Australia will be extended to the other Stales, and form the basis of liie present negotiations. Air Scddon dined with the Commonwealth Government and declared lie is harder worked here than in New Zealand. He expressed great pleasure at the lone of Hon. 'Winston Churchill's speech. Allowing that Mr Churchill made the speech in view of improving ids position with the colonies, or to please them, ho thinks that it shows that oar aspirations and ideals arc lining realised, and that we brook no interference with our rights as self-go-verning colonies. Air Sodden, coni inning, said lie was pleased to see that the steps being taken in the direction of intercolonial preference would meet with the approval of the Imperial authorities. It would also lead np to preferential trade with tile Mother Country. He also mentioned in this respect that (he comparative tallies ho had prepared of New Zealand's trade would, when published, prov ean object lesson to those who were iceplieal and jeered al. the scheme of piviVrv.lee m Great Britain.

Dilli regard to CinireliiH's allusion to defence, Mr Seddon declared that the sooner someone (old the British Government wind was underlying the

Australian desire respecting naval protection the heller. During the time of the war it was feared that the British Government would withdraw the squadron from Australia and leave her open for marauders. We, in New Zealand, had stipulated in onr agreement that there should at all times be two warships in New Zealand waters. He bad been adversely eriiieised by the Imperial .Minister of Waitin' Lords of the Admiralty, and some Prime Ministers who attended the last Imperial Conference. Personally he did not fear that New Zealand or Australia would suffer if unprotected during a war.

Churchill's opinion on collectivist ideals was to him (Seddon) the most

satisfactory feature of (he speech. His Government had some time ago expressed a wish that a member of the Boyal Family and Air Chnrehill would visit New Zealand about the Exhibition time.

1 ndcr tin* bending of “fJoiiifj Strom;,” Ohrisf t-luircli Truth lias the following nnent the Premier’s doings over in Aitsf ralia : If the iimnhor of dinners he has had to consume is any indication of the height of (he Premier' enjoyment of Ids holiday in Sydney, lie must he having a hit'll enontrh time to satisfy anybody. Latest eahle adviees are (hat Denkin Ins retired lone ago, hadiy damaged. for medieal repairs. (hat farrnthers. and Tyne and Reid have ell eaved in, and tire awaitin'' digestive di-phieeiiieiit-. and that the (Id 1.. M. of New Zealand is still voile; strone and heart v v. i 1 1 1• >• i( ha'ing turned a hair. He has done Sydnev>fi':n “mir harlionr” to ( he-, i nmeid Him »,

and now lie |, oif to Melhonine to i.'in.it the dose, and gi\e. Tent so< h ;i shalcio:; ii[i as the Brighton cabbage grower has not had for years. IT .1. Seddon’s exnherant energy is a source of wonder to this community. What must it he to the average Australian? It appears to have taken the Continent hy storm. The Australian press hauled up the white (lag at the first assault, and arranged to civ» more New Zealand news; the Australian Governments have heroine his hnrnhle bodyguard, and Australian commercialism is offering him shipping contracts, trade suggestions, and bargains of all sorts and conditions at the lowest possible rates.