New Zealand’s Attitude.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 3, 4 January 1901, Page 4

New Zealand’s Attitude.

MR SEDDON INTERVIEWEB,

GOOBWILL TO AUSTRALIA.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Sydney, Jan. 3. In the course of an interview, Mr Seddon said: Without being in the Federation, there remains goodwill towards our colony. Our working out our own destiny will in no way interfere with or endanger the continuance of that good feeling. In face of the Royal Commission on Federation just appointed in New Zealand, I do not deem it advisable to intrude my opinion. I might give an opinion now from what I have seen and heard, and when the Commission makes its report they might prove my. deductions all wrong. One thing necessary above all others is to get closer connection between Australia and New Zealand by reducing the distance. We must get faster vessels. When we secure vessels of the Lucania and Campania class, more especially during the summer months, which would perhaps mean that passengers would only be two nights on shipboard, when the voyage across will be little more than a pleasure trip—when that time cpmes ther will be an interchange of people astounding and astonishing. There may yet be a Commonwealth and New Zealand federal steam service. I would not hesitate to enter into a partnership to-morrow for that purpose. I am satisfied there will Ije no reprisals as far as New Zealand is concerned. The Ministry are all friendly, and there need be no anxiety whatever on that point. lam convinced that as far as New Zealand is concerned there in no 'necessity for alarm or even anxiety, and certainly the good feeling now existing, which is universal, would prevent anything being done which would be especially injurious to our colony. Australia has had enough of border tariff wars, and I am sure will not have any more of that sort of thing. Mr Barton Reciprocates. Sydney, Jan. 3. In regard to Mr Seddon’s suggestion that the Commonwealth and New Zealand might enter into an arrangement for a faster steamship service, Mr Barton observes that Mr Seddon’s ideas are entirely acceptable to the Federal Government, but he has not the slightest doubt private enterprise will provide all the service that is necessary.