The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1894.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume II, Issue 179, 25 July 1894, Page 2

The Pahiatua Herald. with which is incorporated THE PAHIATUA STAR. Published Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, JULY 25, 1894.

Th» Hon. J. G. Ward, Colonial Treasurer, delivered his financial statement in the House of Representative* last night. In eontradistinction to the gloomy records of the other colonies New Zealand’s position seems bright and hopeful. The estimated exeats of receipts aver expenditure is set down at £51,902, which, making all due allowance for contingencos, is satisfactory indeed. The statement generally is comprehensive and clear, and touches intelligently on the points on which information is most desired by the country. A much discussed Department the Government Life Insurance Department—is given considerable prominence in the Statement, and bears well the light thrown upon it. Businoss has been increased very considerably and expenses shortened, the result being a cash surplus for division as bonuses of £140,000. The announcement of the intention of the Government to establish a department of industry and commerce leads one rather to the belief that in the multiplioation of departments lies a danger of confusion of duties and unnecessary expenst. The figures given undar the head of Department of Agrioultsre are particularly interesting to the settlers of this district, and with the implied promises of assistance to the agricultural industries are encouraging reading. The Postal Conference, Canadian Conference, and Pacific cable are touched on at length, but beyond the expression of the Government’s intention to give an annual subsidy of £IO,OOO to a Canadian Pacific steamship service there was nothing of special importance. Probably the most important referenoe is that to the possibility of other estates in the South Island being purchased in the same manner as the Cheviot was acquired—a course which will be sure to evoko hostile criticism, notwithstanding Mr Ward’s assertion that the purchased estates are already returning four per cent interest on the capital invested. The Hank of Now Zealand was discussed in briefer terms than we anticipated, and unless the Treasurer’s remarks were meant to convey a hint of intended further advancement in the direction of an absolute State Bank, the reference is not particularly noteworthy. Railway control, local government and post and telegraph service were lightly touched on. The announcement of a measure authorising local bodies to levy rates on Crown lands will be of more that passing interest to the country people. The other matters touched on were unimportant. As a whole, the Financial Statement was sound and encouraging, and is distinctly refreshing after the depressing budgets presented by the Treasurers of the neighboring Colonies.