REDUCING THE ESTIMATES.

Clutha Leader, Volume XVII, Issue 835, 18 July 1890, Page 3

REDUCING THE ESTIMATES.

Vote of L 1755 for Colonial Secretary's office. Mr Monk moved—' That the first item be reduced by LI as an instruction to the Government that> 'While" recognising with satisfaction the decrease already affected in the public expenditure, this committee is of opinion that further reductions in the Estimates of at least L 50,000 can be made without being injurious to the interests,, of . the Colony/ fite said he moved, the resolution in no hostile spirit, but he was convinced that further reduction, of the Estimates Was possible, He had no idea of cutting down wages, but there was a general impression all over the Colony that the cost of Govern* ment could be reduced. . TII3 present Government had commenced very well, but year by year they were drifting back to the old state of extravagance, and this was clearly shown by the Financial Statement. Ho would nob criticise that Statement adversely as he agreed with all that had been said, as to the great ability and zeal displayed in its preparation, but it was absolutely necessary that sorao reduction should be made in the cost of Government. Hon. E. Mitchelson said the Govern* ment had prepared the estimates with due regard to economy, but they had determined not to make the amendment one of no-confidence. They could not agree to the amendment, but if the • House saw fit to carry it, the Government would do their best to give effect to the reduction Avith as little injury to the public service as possible. He was sorry to sec that Mr Monk had not indicated the direction in which a saving could be made. At the same, time'.'f the House saw fit to narry the motion the Government would do its best to make the reduction proposed. Hon. J. Bal lance asked whether the Government proposed to I'educe the Estimates at once. Hon. E. Mitchelson said the Government would ask the House to pass the Estimates as they now stood, but they would undertake to make the reduction if carried, which would have to come off services. . , Hon. J. Ballance said the position taken up by the Government was a most unsatisfactory and unconstitutional one. He moved that the first item be reduced by L 5, as an instrucI tion to the Government to reduce the . Estimates by the amount of the primage duty. Hon. E. Mitchelson asked whether the amend ment meant that the Government should take back their Estimates. Hon. .J. Ballance replied in the affirmative. Hon. E. Mitchelson said in that caso the Government would accept Mr Balance's amendment as one of no« confidence, as no. Government could conspnt to a proposition of that kind. After a long discussion, Mr Bailance's amendment was lost by 34 to •23. , ' ' The following is the division list !— Against Mr Billancq's amendment (34) : — Messrs Allen, Arthur, Anderson, Beetham,,' Bruce, Cowan, Fergus, Goldie, Hall, Hark ness, Hislop, Hobbs, - Humphreys, Izard, Lawry, Macarthur, M. J. S. Mackenzie, Marchant, Monk, M'Gregor, Mitchelson, Newman, Peacock, G. F. Richardson, Russell, Seymour, Samuel, Saunders, Menteath,R. Thomson, T. Thompson, Withy, For Mr Bailance's amendment (23) : — Messrs Bal lance, Blake, Buxton, Cad man, Duncan, Feldwick, Fisher, Fishj Fraser, Grimmpnd, Hutchison, Jbycp, Kelly, J. M'Kenzie, Moss, Porcival, R. H. J. Refivfts, W. P. Reeves, Seddon, Steward (Waimate), Taylor, Verrall, Walker. . Pairs. — For Mr Balance's amendment : Messrs Taiwanga, Guinness, Tunibull, Fitzherberfc, .Jones, Ward, Grey, Larnach, Loughrey, Richardson, Lancß, Brown, Kerr, Parata, Barron, 'Smith,.- Fitchott. For the , Govern- , xnant : Messrs Fulton, D'o'dson; Atkinson, O'Conor, Pyke, Downie Stewart, Rhodes, Ross, Bryce, : Hodgkinson, Wilson, White, Buchanan,. Taipua, Onnond, Carroll, T. Mackenzie.

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