POLITICAL MATTERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6325, 27 September 1907, Page 5

POLITICAL MATTERS

MR FOWLDS f INTERVIEWEDPHEBS ASSOCIATION. . ■ AUCKLAND, September'26. to a Teporter on political matters this afternoon,, the Hon. G. Fowlds said with respect to the,Tariff Bill; —That is practically settled now, and I think will give. very general satisfaction to the community as. passed, in its amended form. There is a good deal of feeling about' the Arthur’s Pass tunnel? * remarked the pressman. T . <f Well.” said Mr. Fowlds, “when that tuniiel is completed a large traffic in coal* and timber will oome over that hne. The idea that it cannot compete with seaborne coal is quite - absurd. What with different handlings the. depreciation on seaborne ooal amounts to 5s per ton. The coal for Christchurch and Canterbury as far south as Timaru will oome through that tunnel.” \ v Another matter is the amendment to the Arbitration Act. Is it being misunderstood by the people? “Nobody . knows more about labour matters tham the Hon. J. A* Millar, Minister of Labour. Therefore, 1 contend that his proposals ought to be given fair consideration and also a trial. Mr Millar has taken keen interest in labour , matters for many years, and should know what •he is doing. There is no doubt that there is a small section unpeople working for an independent political labour party, and no matter what the Government proposed would be , opposed. The fact that the opposition was so prompt shows that that feeling exists. Still, I have no doubt that the great body of workers, recognising Mr Millar’s experience in labour . matters, will; give his proposals every consideration and a fair trial.” Mr Fowlds expects to for Wellington on Sunday afternoon.