PROVINCIAL COUNCIL- OTAGO.

Evening Post, Issue 65, 25 April 1865, Page 2

PROVINCIAL COUNCIL- OTAGO.

The Provincial Treasurer gave a sketch of the policy proposed to be pursued by the Government. They had not decided what step 9 should be taken in regard to purchasers of land under the proclamation, exempting them from the 2s an acre land tax. They considered that although the existing Land Regulations, as a whole, were satisfactory, they were on some points capable of improvement. It was advisable to raise a larger revenue from the tenure of runs, if that could be effccfed consistently with justice to the present licensees ; but the Land Regulations, as a whole, would be brought before the House in a separate form as early as possible. It was desirable to introduce a Municipality Biil for Dunedin, immediately creating a new body with certain powers, which might be added to by a bill of two or three clauses, to be introduced into the Assembly on its meeting in June. Although the financial position of the Province had not be n fnlly looked into, enough -was ascertained to be able to state to be in a good condition. A proposition would be made to pass the Estimates Eor twelve months ; but should the Council consider six months preferable, the Government were prepared to accede to their opinion. Continued retrenchment was necessary to bring the ordinary expenditure within the revenue, so that the land revenue might be devoted to puMic works ; and the Government would use every exertion to save money for that purpose. The financial operations of the Province had been embarrassed by those of the General Assembly, and efforts would therefore be made to have the Loan Act placed on a proper footing. Whatever was d:>ne must, however, be by an Act of the General Assembly. He would at an early day state the plans of the Government with regard to financial operations generally. The Government woiild shortly introduce the subject of Public Builalngs to the House.— Otago Times. \ M >