POLITICAL NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5648, 18 June 1886, Page 3

POLITICAL NOTES.

[FROM/ THE "BTAb'B" SFBOU.Ii COBBHBPOXDBNT."] WELLINGTON, Juke 18. FINANCE. That, wretched .£BOO,OOO, wnicn keeps coming up at every turn, is puzzling a good J many people, but since the last discussion the puzzle amon^ members of Parliament, at least those who were present, is considerably lessened. It is pretty well understood that the Colonial Treasurer only used the expression about investing the in the ordinary sense, ©f course including liabilities. His own reply to Major Atkinson has set the matter in a very clear light for those who will understand without prejudice. " The hon member," he said, " accuses me of not having enough money, of making the loan too small, in fact. In order to answer that, I shall have to anticipate the Public Works Statement of my colleague, which is what the hon member wants ; but it is exactly what I am not going to do for him." Which means that Major Atkinson makes it appear that if all liabilities have to be met within the next two years, there will not be enough money, between the cash in hand, the loan of one and a-half millions, and the North Island Trunk loan, as much of it, that is, as may be considered available. Major Atkinson declared that there would bo a deficiency of at least £150,000. The Treasurer, in his reply, reminded him that he had forgotten that a portion of the liabilities were on account of the Horth Island Trunk line, and told him that bis deficiency of £150,000 was therefore illnaionary; and for the rest, he referred him to the Public Works Statement. Those who follow these matters at all closely, are waiting anxiously to see what the Public Works Statement will say on tho subject. On the whole, it seems a queer line for so experienced a Treasurer as Major Atkinson to have taken up ; but aa there is nothing else, he has to work with the materials at his command.