THE FINANCEAL DEBATE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11198, 22 August 1898, Page 4

THE FINANCEAL DEBATE.

CFroii Our Own Coemesfondent.) WELLINGTON, August 20. Mr E. G. Allen, speaking in the debata oh the Financial Statement, referred specially to the criticisms of the Australian press, as showing how highly the Government's administration and finance were rated by capable and unprejudiced critics outside the colony. With regard to the main trunk lineiS of railway, he urged that some vigorous plan should be adopted jn connection with their prosecution, as at the present rate of progress the earlier constructed sections would be decayed or worn out before the others were completed or taken in hand. Speaking of the beneficial changes made by the Minister for Railways, lie quoted from a letter received by a gentleman in' Otago to show that, admirable effects were resulting from the free carriage of lime, the more general use of which was adding greatly to the fertility of the land. In one case referred to by the writer of the letter land so treated. was carrying 10 sheep to the acre, and two settlers, bach with only about 300 acres, had cleared £1000 each last year off their farms, largely in consequence of the free use of lime. He advocated the free carriage of all artificial manures. He strongly urged the Minister for Railways to obtain a vote for straightening and duplicating the line between Duriedin and Port Chalmers. The Hon.' Mr Larnach said that so far/as he~ could judge the surplus of" the Government was bona fide in every respect. As to the railways, he thought that in view of the generally satisfactory condition of the department far greater progress should be made with the .construction of additional mileage. Only 33 miles had been added last year, and in his opinion not less., than 100 miles should be added year by year, if they were to keep the lines un to the requirements of settlement. If necessary they should raise money for this specific purpose. He gave credit to the Government for wliat it had done to encourage the dairying and other industries, and said that the fact that the colony's butter trade had increased by 6.33 per cent. wq,s largely due to the action of the Government. More; however, should be done for the colony generally, and it could be were railway construction pushed on at a more' reasonable rate. To increase the mile age only by 302 miles in a whole decade fel! far short of the requirements of the colony. Taxation had increased during the past two years, and he should like to see the Treasurer taking steps which would result in lightening the burdens of the people in that connection. Water conservation was a subject which lie should like to see taken systematically in hand, and he referred to what might be done in that way in Central Otago, where specially conserved water was much needed for irrigation and other purpose?. As to. old age pensions, he hoped that the Premier would showrhowhe intended to provide for those who would come on uiMer the scheme in addition to the aged people who *were to receive pensions out of the £100,000 now proposed to be voted immediately yean by year. He ridiculed the charges of alleged corruption which were levelled !>t the Government from'time to time, and he spoke of the Land'for Settlements Act as n measure which- enabled young colonials to settle in their own country instead of having as formerly to go elsewhere in quest of homes. He hoped the policy of the act would be continued, whatever Ministry might be in power. Mr Fraser, in his speech on the Financial Statement last night, made a searching-criti-cism of the figures and statements in Mr Seddon's budget, and gave Mr Montgomery a dressing down for speaking one way and voting the other, For hinjself, he said" he liked a man who acted up to his professions, and he cculd not understand how a man who condemned a Government or an individual could consistently support that.Government or individual. ; Mr Gilfedder says there is evidence of the increasing prosperity of the colony in the fact that last year every man drank four additional pints of beer and six additional glasses of whisky, i, . ~!' ■'; .'■'■'■• .■; ■ ■'.''.