THE SURPLUS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5256, 11 May 1895, Page 7

THE SURPLUS.

Ia their eagerneae to decry the colony's finances they (Opposition critics) nro making themselves supremely ridiculous. By saying now that the Government are bringing forward last year's surplus they aro admitting that thera was a earplug last year, and thus giving the lie direct to their criticism of list y3ar, whon thoy roundly asserted that thero was no surplus. What can be done against criticiain of this kind? There iB nothing to' be doue but laugh at it and wonder what shifts the Opposition will eventually be driven to tr> find a vulnerable point in tbo armour of the Government. — taieri Advocate.

WOMEN AMD PARTY POLITICS.

; The Women's Franchise League expresses its impatience of tho present Byatem of party politics—seas through that system, thinks that its day of usefulness has gono by. Thi3 expression of opinion cannot but redound to tha credit of the League* perhaps it represents tho League's most reasonable claim to public sympathy. If the enfranchised women of '.New Zealand lend a re.slly helpful hand to the work of sending party to the rightabouts, their aotion in thia respect will cover a multitude of extravagances and crudities. " Realm -iuiairij** party" w«s Lord TennysJon's phruee, bnh it is permissible to hope that New Zealand at least may get rid of the monster before th?* ruin has been finally woifced. — Otago Daily Times.

ADVANCES TO SETTLERS,

It may be presumed that tho Treasurer had reasons for departing from the courso intimated to tho Houso by at onco raising the total amount authorised for the year. He was probably advised by the Cabinet that the whole would be required, and we have little doubt tbnt tho applications will mote than covet the moneys available. This will in one respect ba advantageous, since the money borrowed will bo thua earning, interest without delay. — Dunedin Star.