MR DIBBS’ MISSION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1060, 23 June 1892, Page 32

MR DIBBS’ MISSION.

By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. AN INTERVIEW WITH LORD KNUTSFORD. (press association.) London, June 14. Mr Dibbs and Sir S. Samuel had an interview with Lord Knutsford to-day. He promised to write to Lord Dufferin, British Ambassador at Paris, to prepare the ground for negotiations with France regarding the stoppage of convictism in New Caledonia. Mr Dibbs is sanguine that this will be the means of producing definite proposals from the French Government for the cessation of the evil. Mr Dibbs told Lord Knutsford that he held authority from all the colonies except Queensland and Western Australia to negotiate with the Imperial Government on the subject of empowering trustees to invest in colonial stocks. Lord Knutsford, while favourable to the idea, cited the objections already taken to the proposal by Mr Goschen, including the possible limitation of borrowing power, of recovery in the event of default, and the nature of the loans to be included in the Act. Lord Knutsford himself thought the objections were not insurmountable Mr Dibbs recognised that they were formidable, and that probably it would be necessary to legislate in the colonies as well as in England. Lord Kmits f ord manifested the keenest interest an ? sympathy throughout. M r Goscheu has invited Mr Dibbs to discuss this question and the coinage of silver in colonial mints at an early date. Mr Dibbs is in communication with the cable authorities on the subject of cheaper rates to the colonies. London, June 15. Mr Dibbs to-day met Sir J. Lubbock and a number of other bankers and financiers, with whom he spent several hours discussing the position of the colonies. He laid special stress on the soundness of their securities, and said ho was gratified to find a feeling of confidence in the city that the present depression in Australian stocks was only temporary. Mr Dibbs is convinced there is plenty of money available for loans 011 favourable terms. He is negotiating for the erection of a small arms ammunition factory in Syduey. London, June 18. Mr Dibbs, Premier of New South Wales, to-day had an interview with Messrs Rothschilds regarding the proposed conversion of and consolidation of that colony’s loans. The Rothschilds intimated that they were well informed respecting the fin*

ances of the colonies, and. they, regarded their posi ion in a favourable light, and believed also that the scheme was practical. Mr Dibbs has arranged with Mr Trueman Wood, British Commissioner to the Chicago Exhibition, to negotiate for the .New South Wales exhibits being placed in a special court, and he asserts that unless this is agreed to his colony will decline to be represented at the Worlds Fair. London, June 19. The Rothschilds told Mr Dibbs that the conversion of Australian loans would be practicable in the near future. They condemned the frequent issue of small loans, believing an occasional ten million loan would be preferable. (special.) London, June 14. Mr Dibbs will probably pay a visit to the President of the French Republic to urge the desirability of sending no more prisoners to New Caledonia. He expresses regret that Mr Fitzgerald, of Sydney, who went Home as a delegate of the Labour Party, is making platform speeches on behalf of John Burns, as he fears that interference by a member of an Australian Parliament in the English elections may militate against the success of his mission.