THE PREMIER’S VISIT TO AUSTRALIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 14060, 15 May 1906, Page 8

THE PREMIER’S VISIT TO AUSTRALIA.

[From Our Correspondent.] WELLINGTON, May 14. ' Commenting editorially on the Premier’s visit toi Australia the “Post” says;—■“ IVe are not among -those who affect to look upon the Premier’s visit to Australia as a holiday jaunt at tho expense of the colony. On the contrary, we think that an annual trip of the kind by the first Minister of the day would ■ redound to the interests of this colony in other and more direct ways than by helping forward a better understanding between the Commonwealth and New Zealand. No doubt Mr Soddon will derive pleasure from his visit, and the distinction with which ho will bo treated will be very acceptable to him, but ho would be a churlish critic who would grudge him either well-earned personal recreation or the plaudits of tho Australian democracy, for he has earned both. But while wo hope that Mr Soddon will enjoy to the full the warm hospitality that is characteristic of the Australians, we quite realise that many important matters affecting cur interests will engage his attention. There is the question of Asiatic immigration, as to which we some weeks since announced that we had good reason to believe an Imperial despatch had reached the Commonwealth Government, and infereutially New Zealand, of a disquieting character. 'This may well be a subject for grave discussion between Mr Doakin and Mr Se.ddon, and both may be relied upon to' stand fast to the strict observance of the policy of a White Australasia, and in this relation it is a curious coincidence that a Japanese fleet is just now in Australian waters. The Premier had said that the reciprocity question will engage his attention during his absence. He will find therein a wide field for discussion, and, we fear, a very narrow outlook for tangible results, for the trend of both countries seems to be in tho direction of high protection. Still, since Mr Scddon has expressed his desire to cheapen tho 1 breakfast table,’ lie may find himself able to abate the duty on Australian sugar, if Mr Deakin can offer ua an equivalent advantage. Oats and dairy produce suggest themselves, but how would the Commonwealth producers accept such a proposition?”