8.—6

XXX

classification, and simplifying the working of the tariff. The increase of duty thus obtained has been available for the remission of duties in other directions. Alterations have been effected in the duty upon many other articles, which are too numerous to be mentioned in the Budget, but particulars of which honourable members will find in a schedule attached to my Statement. The exemptions have been added to with the view of the further aid of local industry and production and the removal of anomalies. Among other remissions it will be found that duty has been removed from woolpacks, butter-paper, tubular woven cloth used for meat-wraps, certain drugs used in manufactures, papers used for making stationery, and wooden handles for tools. I have now given honourable members an indication of the direction in which oar new tariff proposals tend, and I shall presently move a resolution to give effect to the proposed alterations ; in the meantime I may mention that by remissions and concessions we shall lose about £45,000 of revenue, while, ■on the other hand, increased rates and new impositions will bring us in some £55,000, leaving a net increase to the revenue of £10,000. At present the law allows licenses to be issued to persons authorising them to act as agents for the transaction of business at the Customhouse, and such agents are required to give bond for the faithful discharge of their duties both in respect of the persons employing them and of the interests of the revenue. It has been considered expedient to require the payment of an annual fee for these licenses, and provision will be made for this during the present session. CONCLUSION. I have endeavoured to place before members such matters as are of interest to the country, and I trust that the proposals of the Government, should they be adopted, will prove to be of advantage to New Zealand. There are, lam glad to say, evident signs of better prices for our chief products, and the future in this respect looks more hopeful for our settlers. While this is so, it is a matter for most sincere regret that in portions of the South Island the unprecedented fall of snow has wrought such havoc with the flocks of some of our farmers and runholders. In expressing my sympathy with them, I feel sure it finds a responsive chord of general regret throughout the country, and I can but express the hope that the results may prove less severe than was first feared. Surveying the general conditions of other countries, I am of opinion that New Zealand comes well out of the comparison. It is not to be expected in the difficult task of fighting the battle of life that all can be satisfied; but the evidences of thrift, enterprise, and energy which are observable in all parts of this country augur well for its future ; and though I foresee a somewhat difficult period ahead, I look forward with confidence and hope, relying upon the grit and pluck of our fellow-colonists to overcome any temporary difficulties that may arise. I thank the Committee for the patience with which it has been so good as to listen to me.