COLONIAL PREMIERS AT HOME

Hastings Standard, Issue 367, 8 July 1897, Page 3

COLONIAL PREMIERS AT HOME

MR SEDDON TO LEAVE ON THE 21st INST. [Per I'/y.s's Association.— London, July 7. The Right Hon. R. J. Seddon intends to visit Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. He will sail for New Zealand on July 21. Sir Wilfred Laurier, Mr Seddon, Mr Reid, and Sir Hugh Nelson are cooperating in urgingjffhe claims of the Pacific cable upon the Imperial authorities, and they are hopeful of bringing the negotiations to a successful issue. If they find it necessary to do so they will proceed independently in the matter. In his recent negotiations with Mr James Huddart in connection with the Canadian-Australian mail service Mr Seddon demanded that the duration of the voyage should be shortened by several days. Mr Huddart has now offered to increase it to a 14-knot service if the subsidy is increased. Mr Seddon will consult his Cabinet with reference to the offer. The conference between the Premiers and the leading officials of the Colonial Office was resumed to-day. The treaty entered into between Britain and Japan was under discussion, and, with the exception of Queensland, all the colonies declined to-»adopt the treaty. Sir John Forrest leaves for Western Australia on July 23. BANQUET TO THE VICTORIAN PREMIER. • London, July 7. A banquet to Sir George Turner, arranged by the Victorians resident in London, and attended by many notable personages, was held last night. Lord Hopetoun, in a letter regretting his inability to attend, expressed admiration of Sir George Turner's statesmanlike qualities. Lord Selbourne, who acted as chairman, in proposing the guest's health, said everyone now recognised the Empire as a wonderful fact. It would be unwise to focre the race respecting Imperial unity, and it would be safest to wait the advance of the colonies. He eulogised Sir George Turner's financial efforts for Victoria. Sir George, in replying, said the marvellous patience, self-denial, and reliance of the Victorians was worthy of all praise. A surplus for the present financial year was now assured, and the colony was again on the up grade. If the Motherland were ever endangered the colonies would promptly help with money and men. He urged that closer commercial relations between Britain and the colonies were desirable. He said the existing political relations were satisfactory. Miss Ada Crossley, Miss Amy Sherwin, and Mr Robert Sberwin sang, Mr George Clutsam, a pianist well-known in the colonies, acting as accompanist.