MR SEDDON'S TOUR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2258, 10 June 1897, Page 17

MR SEDDON'S TOUR.

London, Jane 1. j Mr and Mrs Reeves gave a reception at j the Imperial Institute to welcome Lord Ranfurly and Mr Seddon. Two hundred guests were present, including Mr Chamberlain, the Earl and Countoss of Glasgow, the Bishops of Dunedin, Ohriatchurcb, and Waiepu, Sir W. B. Perceval, Sir J. Vogel, Sir G. Bowen, and the Agents-general of the other colonies. Jane 2. Lord Ranfarly lunched with Mr Seddon. j The company included several notables. Mr ! Seddon hopes to arrange for Lard Ranfurly to proceed direct to Wellington instead of l>y the Canadian route to Sydney. Mr Seddon was waited upon and welcomed by Lord Glasgow. Mr Seddon had an interview with Mr James Huddart, managing director of the Canadian-Australian mail Jine, with reference to the company's steamers calling at New Zealand ports. Mr Seddon insisted that the time occupied on the passage should be shortened by five days. Mr Huddart stated that if the concessions demanded were granted he would require an addition to the amount of 'subsidy. Mr Seddon was inclined to concur in the increase, and he intends to press the Treasury to subsidise uhe New Zealand mails. June 3. Mr Saddon was entertained by the Institute of Mining Engineers. Replying to the toast of his health, he referred to the growth of trade with the colonies, and said that in the hour of peril England would find the colonies behind her. This sentiment was received "with great cheering. Mr Seddon presented the gold badge of the New Zealand Marine Engineers' Assoolation to the president of the British society. Mr Seddon is negotiating with the various shipping companies trading to New Zealand, and Is hopeful of securing a reduction of freights for produce to the Australian level. June 4. In the course of a press interview Mr Seddon said he foresaw the establishment of an Imperial Council, at which colonial delegates would be heard on all matters affecting colonial interests. June 5. -- In the course of an interview with Mr Chamberlain Mr Seddon learned that the informal conference between the Colonial Premiere and the authorities of the Colonial Office will begin after the Jubilee celebrations. The subjects to be* discussed will be closer trade relations between Britain and the colonies, proposals with reference to the investment of trust funds, an increase of the Australian auxiliary squadron and improving the colonial land defences, legislation with reference to the exclusion of aliens from the colonies, questions bearing upon the administration of affairs in the Pacific, ohiefly Samoa. ■ Mr ' Chamberlain thanked -the colonies for their Bplendid response to his invitation to -participate in the Jubilee celebrations. He was-delighted at the great change in British feeling with regard to the colonies. - It was not- a question of sentiment, but of conviction.- He also referred to the increasing value of trade between Britain arid the colonies. Sir W. B. Perceval presided at a banquet \ given in honour of Mr Seddon. Ia the ! course of his speech Mr Seddon said that j the colonists never thought of separating from the mother country. He praised the patriotism of Captain Russell, the leader of the'Oppoaition in New Zealand, for suspending hostilities during his (the Premier's) absence from the colony. He defended the New Zealand Government in- connection with ths Midland- railway, and said he was eager to encourage the investment of British capital for the development of mines in the colony, but he wonld strenuously oppose the schemes of market jobbers. He urged the necessity for more rapid steam service between New Zealand and Australia and between Australia and England. June 6. Mr Seddon visited the House of Commons and was met by Mr Balfour and the leading members of both sides of the House. In the course of a press interview Mr Seddon said that he did not expect the Imperial Government to renounce the existing British commercial treaties with Garmany and Belgium, but he thought that they would leave it optional for the colonies to accept any future treaties entered into. He expressed hie belief that the colonies would insist upon a better class of warships being .placed on the Australian station and more - being placed in commission in times of peace. The colonies would also adhere to their restriction that vessels of the Australian Auxiliary Squadron should not be taken outside Australian waters. Mr Seddon further paid that he was prepared to give a pledge that New Zealand would increase her naval subsidy and would contribute to the improvement of the land defences.