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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIV, Issue 8072, 13 October 1887, Page 4

A rather ominous statement was made in the House yesterday by Major Atkinson on the question of supplies. It was to the effect that in the first place he would bo obliged to ask to-day for an Imprest Supply Bill, to meet the current expenses of the colony. This means) that the supplies authorised during the concluding session of last Parliament, and which were made to extend over six months, instead of three as nsual, have all been spent, and that provision for a longer period will have to be made until the estimates for the year are passed. That, however, was not the roost startling part of the Treasurer's statement. Ho announced that large claims for interest, amounting in all to about half a million, would fall due within the next few days, and that provision for meeting these would also have to be made. This can be done only by amending the Public Revenues Act of 1887. passed to extend the provisions of the Public Revenues Act of 1882, for the appropriation of public moneys until the thirtieth day of September last. The object of such an amending Bill will be to enable the Colonial Treasurer to issue a number of deficiency bills to meet the interest claims referred to. This is necessary to preserve the credit of the colony, and no doubt the proposal of Major Atkinson will be promptly acceded to by the House ; but the state of matters which renders such action necessary shows the perilous way in which the finance of the colony has been dealt with.