THE COLONY'S FINANCES

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXI, Issue 5056, 6 March 1900, Page 2

THE COLONY'S FINANCES

—— » A Surplus of £300,000. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph, Auckland, March 4 • The Hon J G. Ward, in acknowledging the ptesemation of a gold mecUl to him by the Liberal Association, said he was deeply indebted to them for their mark of appreciation. Although there had been many able men in the ranks of former Governments, it had Mien co the lot of t.he present administration to put on record It glslation which was regarded as being in the van of progress It had been a special pleasure to know that he was asked to rejoin the Ministry without making any request to any of his former colleagues that, hi should be considered in the matter 1 He was als > glad to know that it had been done with the sanction of the great msj jiity of the people. (Cheer*.) In reply fo the toast of the heal^ of the Ministry, the Premier said as regards finance and tha present position of the colony, that after meeting the extra charges of the Contingents, there wou'd st ill be a surplus of £300^000. Fou months ago tho Ministry aiw thare was going to ba trouble, and that mo ey would be dear, so they made arrangements fcr the public works finance for ten nnnthvt ahead, or, in other worJs, for a million of money. In respect to money for the purchaso of lands they had obtained £300,000 a!) 1005 Bch; while only the week before New Suuth Wales had offered 4 per cent, debenture* at 99J As to the defence of the colony, he could say empha icaUy that there was no cause whatever for apprehension- (Applause).