MR SEDDON INTERVIEWED.

Hastings Standard, Issue 415, 2 September 1897, Page 3

MR SEDDON INTERVIEWED.

(1 'er Press Association. —C<>p>/ri//Itt.) Melbourne, This day. Mr Seddon interviewed by a New Zealand Press Association representative, said that as a result of the conference the Colonial Governments were now in closer touch than ever before with the Secretary of State aud they would now be consulted more often aifd greater respect would be paid to their opinions. It was probable that tbe outcome would be the creation of a Consultative Council of Colonial representatives and members representing the British Cabinet for the purpose of considering Imperial questions. Its members should be in touch with tbe Governments of the day and retire with them. The time was not rife even for this however. As to Australasian federation, New Zealand aspirations were in the direction of a national life of her own. The distance from Australia, the climatic conditions, productivity, Are., gave reasonableness to their desires. New Zealanders were most, friendly spectators to what was now being done in Australia. Asked as to what he thought of the colonial troops in London Mr Seddon said he did not think it in keeping with the spirit of democracy that the Premiers should have a body-guard as suggested by Mr Chamberlain's despatch. It was a question whether the colonial military contingents were not more in favor with the British public than the colonial Premiers themselves. Mr Chamberlain himself expressed this opinion. The colonial troops won the highest opiuions on all sides, and visitors from all parts of the world after seeing the colonial military representation in the procession came to the conclusion that the Australasian colonies were far from being defenceless, and would have to be reckoned with in case of trouble. Mr Seddon said it had been stated that he had pledged New Zealand to an increased contribution to the auxiliary squadron and to the New Zealand land defences but he had given no such pledge. What he desired to convey and actually said was that haviug regard to the increase in the naval armaments of America in the Pacific, and Japan and other nations, it became necessary to increase the British fleet in the South Pacific. Tbe Imperial authorities were unprepared to strengthen the Australian squadron and unless the colonies would increase their contributions the New Zealand Parliament would then have to consider the question and decide. Mr Seddon will leave Sydney on Saturday by the Waikare, and expects to reach Wellington on Wednesday afternoon.

I CABLES.