MR SEDDON AT ADELAIDE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XII, Issue 2371, 30 May 1906, Page 2

MR SEDDON AT ADELAIDE.

PEB UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. Adelaide, April 29. Adelaide, Mr Seddon said, thus paid a tribute to the memory of the first democrat in Australasia. On resuming his seat, Mr Seddon was accorded a great ovation. PELORUS JACK—AND OTHER THINGS. Mr Seddon was then entertained at lunch by the State Government, and in the afternoon attended a sitting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. His Excellency the Chief Justice occupied the chair. Mr Seddon told the story of the special legislation rendered necessary to prevent the shootin gof Pelorus Jack, and the special instructions given to the police to help the »ociety, and to the good work it was performing. The work in South Australia could not be compared to the work done in New Zealand. We were more humane than South Australia. At a meeting at which Mr Kingston and his wife, Mr Seddon and his wife, and the Premier were present, the veily of secrecy which had surrounded the question of reciprocal trade between South Australia and New Zealand was lifted. The little party first discussed the progressive legislation of 'the last fifteen years, and those who had taken part in it, and the importance of their doings were passed in review. Mr Kingston said that in his efforts to improve the position of Australia he had been guided by the action of the sturdy democrat who had ruled New Zealand. An historical event bad been kept fro mthe people. but the ban was removed to-day. It seems that in 1897 a commercial treaty agreement, signed by Mr Kingston and the Premier of New Zealand, was in existence. Mr Seddon, owing to the Federation Conference, had been asked by Mr Kingston to treat it as confidential. The Federation subsequently eventuating, the matter was allowed to drop. To-day the confidential pledge, with the approval of Mr Kingston, was removed, and the reciprocal treaty between New Zealand and South Australia was given to the press. Mr Seddon says it is on lines laid down on which Mr Deakin himself will consider reciprocal relationship practical, the only additions being sugar from Australia to New Zealand, and maize and wheat. A deputation of producers waited on Mr Seddon and laid their views before him. RECIPROCAL TRADE. PRESS OPINIONS. Sydney, May 29. The “Herald.” in commenting on Mr Seddon’s references to reciprocal trade, say at present grapes are worth half-a-crown per pound in New Zealand, though South Australian vinegrowers would be glad to supply the, market at fourpence. the cost of transit included. Australian wines can hardly be obtained in New Zealand, not on account of the alleged teetotal proclivities of the people, but simply because the Customs duties on their introduction are so high. But the treaty with New Zealand must contain some supposed quid pro quo.

Mr Seddon will not allow his fellow Colonists to pay less than half-a-crown per pound for grapes unless tt is conceded to him that New Zealand shall be permitted to inload goods in Australia at a smaller duty than other countries, and what goods has New Zealand that Australia is without, what manufactures, what produce? If she has a statesman or two of the Seddon type for exportation we might come to terms. If, meanwhile, she reduces her heavy sugar and wine duties in our favour, Australia might well consider the advisability of granting reasonable concessions in return.

CABLE NEWS

(By Electric Telegraph.—Copyrign.)