MR SEDDON IN LONDON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCVII, Issue 11288, 7 June 1897, Page 5

MR SEDDON IN LONDON.

INTERVIEW WITH MR CHAMBERLAIN. [Per Press. Association.] LONDON, June 5. In the course of an interview with Mr Chamberlain, Mr Seddon learned that an informal conference between the colonial Premiers and the authorities of the Colonial Office will begin after tbe Jubilee celebrations. The I subjects to b© discussed will be closer trade relations between Great Britain and the colonies, tbe proposals in reference to the investment of trust funds, an increase of the Australian auxiliary squadron and improving the colonial land defences, legislation in reference to the exclusion of aliens in the colonies and questions bearing upon the administration of affairs in the Pacific, chiefly Samoa. Mr Chamberlain thanked the colonies for their splendid response to his invitation to participate in the Jubilee celebrations. He was delighted with the great change in British feeling in regard to tbe colonies. It was not a question of sentiment, but of conviction. Ho referred to the increasing value of trade between Great Britain and the colonies.

In the course of a Press interview, Mr Seddon said that he foresaw the establishment of an Imperial Council at which colonial delegates would he heard on all matters affecting colonial interests.