8.—2

8

absolutely necessary we should, at the present time, have a Government not only capable, but sufficiently strong to govern in the interests of the colony, and not of a party. Whether we can hope by our present party conflicts, Avhichever way they may end, to get such a Government I leave to honorable gentlemen to decide; but I submit it is the business of all of us now to turn our immediate and serious attention to this great difficulty, and in some way devise some scheme Avhich shall place our finances in a sounder and better position for the future. I beg to move that the Standing Orders be suspended, to enable me to pass the Public Bevenues Act Amendment Bill through all its stages to-night.