THE VICTORIAN PREMIER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13498, 27 May 1907, Page 5

THE VICTORIAN PREMIER.

LOAN, . MAIL, AND IMMIGRA-

TION MATTERS.

By Telegraph.—Press Assoc Copyright.

- London, May 24. Mr. Best, the "Victorian Premier, has arrived at a fair and satisfactory arrangement with the London and Westminster Bank, who retain the inscription of Victorian loans upon terms enabling Victoria to save a lot of money, since inscription in future will cost about the same as South Australia pays, but without responsibility. Mr. Bent returns via Canada. He has informed Mr. Deakin that Victoria is prepared to join the guarantee of a mail subsidy for ten years on a population basis if the other States participate. Mr. Deakin has telegraphed to Sir J. Forrest asking if the other States would join, but his reply has not yet been received. The syndicate has offered Mr. Bent certain cargo space if Victoria guarantees the subsidy.

Referring to immigration, Mr. Bent is indisposed to go as far as Canada in the direction of offering inducements to emigrate to Australia. He told Mr. Deakin that Victoria was able to supply emigrants with a million acres of land if necessary. -

After inquiries among financiers and bankers Mr. Bent is indisposed to think it possible for the Commonwealth to convert State debts satisfactorily.