Political.

Taranaki Herald, Volume L, Issue 12282, 15 June 1903, Page 2

Political.

TBADES' COUNCIL SCHEMES. REDUCED PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.': Per Press Association. Christchurch, June 14. A' dentation from tne Trades and Labotta: Council Conference waited on the Premier yesterday and urged the establishment of a State Bank, the stoppage of further saleg'of Crown lands, and a periodic revaluation of leases. They also advocated the exj tension of the municipal and county I franchise, so as to embrace the elec- [ toral roll ; the referendum, with, initiative ; State fire insurance ; the I right of Conciliation Boards to make temporary awaijds, aatd.the raising of old age ' pensions to 10/ weekly. The Premier said 'the country was not ripe for making the .Bank of New Zealand into a State Bank. He believed public opinion would support; a partnership between. the Bank '.shareholders and the colony I With a State Bank carrying on "the commerce otthe colonj^ it was - doubtful . whether he would agree to remain Colonial Treasurer and head of the Government. He agreed as to the revaluation of Grown lands under lease, but it -was not yet time' toj carry such a proposal as it might be difficult 'to ( prevent the House from giving tenants the Tight to convert their leaseholds Inid, freeholds. A Referendum Bill without, initiative wp-uJid be triejd again.^ A State jFife. Insurance Bill .would be introduced, and he thought the Government had sufficient information to .warrantits passage. Conciliation Boaiids should be reinstated on their -original' -footing. The country could not stand an increase in old-age pensions. Replying to another deputation's request for, a grant towards the Cust : bridge, the' Premier said there was certain to be a very large reduction ofpublic works' expenditure and borrowing this year. ' „ •