OUR DEBTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume 1, Issue 26, 22 November 1878, Page 3

OUR DEBTS.

I — « I j Dr. "WV'is, in a recent speed) ati 1 AucHand, as reported by the Auckland Herald of the 9th, stated that the people of New Zoaland had now a debt of 22 millions ; the debt on every person, man, woman and child, was £70 In France the debt was £32 per head, in England £24, in Spain £17, in Austria £9, and in Russia only £3 or £4, while in New Zealand it was £70 per hoad. It might be considered unfair to compare a new country like this with old countries, but he would tuko the neighbouring colonies. In Queens land the debt per head was £35 ; in B<a\y South Wales £20 ; and in Victoria £19. The New Zealand Times remarks as follows upon the Doctor's figures. Iv the Financial Statement our debris set down at £ 20, 000,000. Our population by the last census exjceeds 414,000, our indebtedness is, j in round numbers, £2] ,000,000 ; thif , if worked out, gives a total indebtedness of £50 15s, and not £70 per head. Dr. "Wi'llis should be more careful iii his figures, which are cal ciliated to mislead people, and to damage the credit of the colony.