THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Press, Volume XLVI, Issue 7346, 26 June 1889, Page 5

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

DECEPTION IN THE HOUSE. [Bt Tw-wshaph.] [fbok oub special correspondent.} WELLINGTON, June 25. When the House reassembled this evening to listen to the Financial Statement, the attendance was the emallest I have ever seen on a Budget night, and nofc more j than seventy members of the Lower House were in their places and only four Legislative Councillors appeared in their special gallery, a number subsequently increased to eight. The ladies' gallery also was but poorly patronised, and the public and press galleries were by no means full. The Speaker's gallery was the best attended; but everywhere there seemed to be at the outset a lack of the interest ordinarily manifested in a financial statement. On the Speaker taking the chair he announced a message from the Governor, forwarding the estimates. The Premier then moved the House into Committee of Supply, and Mr Hamlin having taken the chair, Sir Harry Atkinson rose at 7.33 amid applause, and delivered his Budget. It was listened to with the closest attention, but with very little applause, excepting when the Treasurer dwelt on the need of caution and continued economy, but as the first half hour of the Statement consisted in the formal announcement of facts and figures which appeared in your columns about a month ago they naturally fell a little flat, and the audience reserved their main interest for what was to follow in the shape of reference to the future. The announcement that the amendment in the property tax would comprise exemptions of machinery and revaluations when necessary, was loudly applauded. The Premier concluded at 8.43, being exactly seventy minutes speaking. The House then proceeded to set up various sessional Committees. The general impreesion among members regarding the Financial Statement appears highly favorable. Some say it is the best Sir H. Atkinson has ever yet delivered, and all seem pleased at its hopefulness and encouraging tone, while all approve its distinct declaration against fresh borrowing.