SIR ROBERT STOUT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 164, 14 July 1890, Page 4

SIR ROBERT STOUT.

: AN INTERVIEW. (BY TELEGEAPH.—PKKSS ASSOCIATION.) Wellington, this day. The " Times " publishes a three-column interview with Sir Robert Sfcout in view of hist probable return to the field ot active politics. Sir Robert commences by statins: that hie utterances are not to be taken as representing the views of the Opposition in | any respect, because be has not con-. eultf/d with them. He then goes on to state that he does not think any useful legislation can be done this session, and that the best course for all partiee would be an immediate dissolution. From his point of view the "Government have no distinct policy laid down, the only policy enunciated in the Financial Statement being the proposal to borrow money for making roads. He believes some modification of Mr BaU lance's special settlement scheme will have to be adopted, and that co-operation will have to be applied to land settlement. He agrees with" the Treasurer that looking ac-the present requirements as disclosed hi the estimates he cannot afford to give up any taxation, but adds : " Whether there may not be reductions made so that the primage duty need nob be levied is a question for the consideration of the House." He objects strongly to an objectionable tax {ike the primage duty being imposed for educational purposes. He says instead of a surplus everyone knows thero is a deticit of £9,000, without considering liabilities such as the New Plymouth Harbour Board. He believes borrowing should be terminated as soon as possible, but not before steps are taken to extend the lines of railway now unproductive. He thinks the Government, should push on the North Island Trunk Railway from the Hunterville end, and that the money expended there would be beneficial to the colony. He is opposed to federation with Australia, but approves of commercial treaties with Australia and Canada, and also a cable and steam service atroßa the Canadian Dominion, .