The New-Zealander.

New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 340, 11 August 1849, Page 2

The New-Zealander.

Be just and fear not: Let all the ends thou aims't at, be thy Country's, Tliy Oou's, and Truth's.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 18 49.

The Financial Statement— -Ang lice " The Budget" — as brought forward by the Governor, formed the principal feature in the Proceedings of the Legislative Council on Thursday. Its general tone Was encouraging, stating the fact of a continued and steady increase in the Revenue of the Province, and hopefully looking to the speedy arrival of a period when the income which is already nearly equal to the expenditure, (the deficiency being under £2000,) shall prove amply sufficient to cover " all the legitimate expenses of the Civil Government." Experience has taught us that the rose-coloured anticipations of financiers are not always realized, the wish being frequently in this as in other cases father to the thought ; but in the present instance there seems every reasonable ground to expect that the predicted measure of prosperity will be attained. With reference te the mode of raising the Re-

Tcnue from Customs, IlisExcellency commented at some length on the propriety of substituting, as soon and as extensively as possible, fixed duties in place of the ad valorem duties at present chaiged. This view will, we apprehend, meet with general concurrence. Though ad valorem duties may be the most easy of introduction in a new country, the financial framewoik of which is, only in its incipient stages of organization — a justly arranged tariff of fixed taxation on a great majoiity of articles will eventually prove most satisfactory to the importer, as well as most advantageous to the Exchequer. In the portion of the "Minutes" relating to Miscellaneous Expenditure, the grant for public education received, as it merited, prominent notice. We are glad to see that the Governor does not slacken in his zeal for the promotion of this surpassingly important means of elevating the aboriginal race. The more amply he fulfils the large I promises expressed or implied in this Minute, the more will he entitle himself to the thanks of all who not only desire the true welfare of the country, but also understand the mode in which that welfare may be most surely and permanently advanced. If we rightly interpret his statement respecting the quarter in which the power of appropriating the Educational Fund is lodged, it rests with the Governor aud the Executive Council to do good in thii respect to New Munster in spite of its own Provincial Council ; and we only regret that they cannot establish a school for baby statesmen, attendance at which should be made compulsory on some of those whom his Excellency has chosen to try their " 'prentice hands" on making laws for the south. So obviously important, in a variety of aspects, is the proposition for establis hing steam communication between the different ports of New Zealand, that any argument to enforce it would be almost impertinent, even were we not compelled by other demands on our columns to abridge our comments on some points, as well as, indeed, to postpone several articles actually in type. Doubtless there will be difficulties in the establishment and regular maintenance of such a communication, but the magnitude of the benefit will abundantly repay any effort or sacrifice which may be found necessary. The erection of a wharf in Commercial bay, is another project of which, as of that just referred to, little need be said, its vast importance being self evident. We shall return, however, to this, as well as to other topics which we can now only thus rapidly glance at. A considerable part of the sitting was deroted to the Committee on the Crown Lands Bill. The particulars will be found in our repoit. In the early part of the day, the Colonial Secretary, after a few appropriate remarks, presented a memorial from the Presbyterian Kirk Session, praying for a repeal of the intolerant provisions of the Marriage Ordinance; and the Colonial Treasurer gave notice that this day he would present the memorial to the same effect agreed on at the public meeting. Though we are constrained to curtail this article of its intended proportions, we give our usual ample report of the proceedings in Council.

The movement for obtaining a removal of the oppressive disabilities inflicted on large sections of the community,) by the Marriage Ordinance, progresses in a very satisfactory manner; and the subject now engages an amount of public interest, which needs only to be rightly directed, and kept in unflagging action, in order to secure — we trust, from our local Legislature, but failing that, from the Home Government, — a redress of those grievances which should never have been imposed, and which it is more than time to roll off and annihilate. For every reason, however, it is desirable that the case should be respectfully but plainly and earnestly pressed upon the consideration of the Governor and Cotincil here, before further steps arej taken ; and this couise has now been adopted. The grievance as especially affecting Presbyterians, was forcibly stated in the Memorial introduced by the Colonial Secreiary on Thursday ; and a similar statement on the part of the Wesleyan Church will, we understand, be immediately forwarded. Today, according to notice, given by the Colonial Treasurer on Thursday, the Memorial agreed on at the public meeting will be presented. It contains signatures which jnstly entitle it to more than ordinary consideration, whether we regard the number and respectability of those who promptly and cheerfully affixed their names to it, or the fact that the list comprehends several religious denominations, including those favdured by the Ordinance. Indeed some of the latter classes, have manifested a very anxious desire to make it kndwn that they in their Hearts repudiate priveliges, from a participation in which their fellow colonists of other creeds are excluded dn account of their religious convictions and attachments. The question which will this day be proposed to the Governor— Whether any, and, if any, what communication has been received from the Secretary ot State respecting the Ordinance ? — is likely to elicit information which may be of value in guiding subsequent proce edings ; and, pending the issue of that enquiry, we

postpone some observations and suggestions which otherwise we should have felt it our duty to oiler. Meanwhile, we remind those who have not yet signed the Memorial that foi a few hours after the publication of these lines they will still have an oppoitunity to unite in this effort with other friends of religious liberty and equal rights. Their names will be received by any of the Committee, and the Memorial will remain for signature at the office of this Paper until twelve o'clock to-day.