MR STEVENS ON FINANCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4685, 22 February 1877, Page 2

MR STEVENS ON FINANCE.

[By TeLEGKAPH.J

Chmstchubch, February 21.3t.

Mr E. C. J. Stevens, M.H.R. for Christchurch city, addressed his constituents in the Oddfellows' Hall last night. There was a large attendance, and the Mayor occupied the chair. The speech was almost entirely a review of the past session.Speaking of financial matters, Mr Stevens said the consolidated fund was in a state to cause great 'anxiety. He did not, however, think the country was in ■ financial danger, but he would say our conduct in relation to loans, credit, and everything in the way of expenditure, had been sufficient to bring any less favoured country on to its knees. The consolidated fund, as compared wiih the expenditure, is in an unsatisfactory condition, andif there is not a deficiency at the next session of the Assembly, he would be agreeably surprised. The Treasurer had over-estimated the Customs revenue by some L 50,000. Re; trenchment would have to be practised, and not unlikely the subsidies to Road Boards and Municipalities would have to be cut off. He would support this in preference to new taxation. He would look to the Government bringing forward a good sound system of finance next session. He advocated triennial Parliaments and an elective Upper House. A vote of confidence wan unanimously passed.