THE PREMIER.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5483, 11 January 1905, Page 5

THE PREMIER.

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE A RBITR ATION COURT. ntKSS ASSOCIATION. WESTPORT, January 11. ’Hie Premier and parly arrived from Greymonth by the Kinoraoa this morning, and were welcomed by a large gathering of town and country people. A band was in attendance. After hearing local deputations, tbo Premier, accompanied by a large number of ■people, visited tbo Seddonvillo State mine, receiving a beany welcome and good wishes for bis health from Hie residents of tho several townships visited cn route. At Seddonvillo, in reply to a deputation re Hie rate ol wages paid at tho State mine, the Premier said it was the intention of Hm Government, to introduce, a bill next session to enable the Government to appear si mdarly to private, employers before the Arbitration Court, and let the Court, fix the rate of wages. The deputation received tiro announcement with sat isfaction. On return to town, the Premier was entertained at dinner, some sixty or mere guests being present. Later, the Premier and party were entertained at a largely-attended public gathering in Hm Princess Theatre. In the course of ids speech, tlie Premier referred to the injustice done to the colonics hy the Imperial Government in not preserving, al’i.Nr repeated warnings, tho islands of Mm Pacific for the British Empire. Ho had made representations in the hope that the Xcw Hebrides would not pass into foreign hands. Ale Seddon leaves lato to-night for New Plymouth.