THE PREMIER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 5603, 1 June 1905, Page 5

THE PREMIER.

PRESS ASSOCIATION. DUNEDIN, May 31. Tho Premier left Lawrence this morning hy special train. On arrival at Milton bo was accorded a .hearty reception, and agreed to the delivery of an address, but afterwards wired to' the Mayor that timo would not permit. Despito rain, a large crowd awaited tho Premier’s arrival at Kaitangata, where be was welcomed by the Mayor and representatives of tho Liberal and Labour Federation. Representatives of the Coal Miners’ Union eaid tbey desired amendment of the "Workers’ Compensation for Accidents Act,to give a fixed sum to tho next of kin in caso of death. The Premier said if tho amount were fixed arbitrarily there would bo heavy liability on the part of the mine-owner, who might have received no proiit from tho man’s labour. Ho suggested that n minimum might ba fixed. Ho would consider the matter in that light. \ A deputation asked for amendment of tho Arbitration Act to make proceedings in filing a dispute as simple as possible. The Premier said the point bad come up in a recent decision in Auckland. The matter of confirming might perhaps lead to inconvenience and delay, and amendment might btilwanted, but where a matter was of moment to the whole of the members of n, union they ought to have th“ opportunity of confirming. Ho believed it was a good thing to give a man a chance of thinking over any important decision arrived at. Tho question of compulsory preference to unionists was brought up and discussed. Tho Premier thought it a matter best loft to the Court. Tho public wanted to bo educated up to compulsory preference and ho suggested that one of tho first they should convert was their own member, Mr James Allen, (From Our Own Correspondent.) DUNEDIN, May 31. This evening Mr Soddon spoke fu the Presbyterian Church Hall, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather there was a largo assemblage. Tho hall was full. Ho was. listened to attentively throughout. The audience was enthusiastic, and at the conclusion of the address lie received an nnaniomns vote of thanks and confidence in the Government. After the speech he was banqnetted. The Premier is now in the electorate of one of the leading members of the Opposition (Mr Allen), and expresses himself well pleased with the results. To-mor-row he speaks at Tapanui, and on Friday ho returns to Dunedin.