The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1883. The Budget.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume IV, Issue 985, 3 July 1883, Page 2

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas et Prevalebit TUESDAY, JULY 3, 1883. The Budget.

The Colonial Treasurer’s Budget reveals, in a striking manner, the hollowness of the system of finance which the colony has been pursuing for many years. Unfortunately, the public does not like the study of finance, and it does like a free-handed expenditure. The Colonial Treasurer of New Zealand needs only to stuff his annual Budget full of figures—the more confusing the better —and to affirm that the year’s operations have resulted in a “surplus,” and John Bull in these islands is quite satisfied. Sir Julius Vogel, even when he was paying no inconsiderable part of the ordinary expenditure of the colony out of loan, always contrived to exhibit a “ surplus” in the year’s accounts, and everybody agreed that he was a remarkably clever fellow and the pnnee of financiers. His successors have followed in his wake. Major Atkinson last year worked out the substantial credit balance of and with this large sum at his command declared that he was in a position to reduce taxation, and the Property Tax was accordingly lowered. Troublesome persons of the “ I want to know, you know” class, indeed, asserted that the surplus was all moonshine; that if all charges which ought to have been made against the ordinary revenue had been so made the surplus would have vanished, and that in order to put the colonial finances on a sound footing, the taxation, instead of being remitted, should rather be increased. The colony would, however, insist on being deluded into the belief that the colonial finances were in a highly flourishing condition, so the Properly Tax was reduced. Now the surplus has vanished, and the Treasurer tells us that for the forthcoming year he must increase the Property Tax by one farthing in the pound, and even then he will only have to come and go upon, supposing his estimate of revenue is realised, which seems doubtful. Major Atkinson, for instance, calculates upon getting an increase of in his Customs receipts ; but looking at the state of trade as disclosed in his own Budget, we cannot believe that any increase whatever is likely to occur in the Customs revenue for the financial period 1883-4 over that for 1882-3. The receipts for Stamp Duties during 1882-3 were, moreover, abnormal and are not likely to recur ; and it is further to be borne in mind that every session large sums are voted—frequently exceeding in the a ßg re g ate j£3 2 t°°° —the form of Supplementary Estimates, and if the same course is pursued during the present session, it is probable that Major Atkinson’s paper surplus will disappear even before the Assembly is prorogued. One cause of the disappearance of the orthodox surplus is the circumstance that last year the whole cost of the Armed Constabulary was charged against the ordinary revenue, instead of being partly defrayed out of the loan fund, and the same thing is to be done in the future. We cordially agree with the Colonial Treasurer that“ the principle of paying the whole cost of the Armed Constabulary out of revenue has so much to recommend it” that it is to be hoped “we shall not again consent to charging any part of that cost against loan while it is possible by any reasonable effort to provide the necessary means from ordinary revenue,” especially when we find that to borrow a million of money last year—and under favorable circumstances too —cost the colony no less than in hard cash. The Armed Constabulary in peace time is obviously part and parcel of the ordinary Civil establishment, and its cost should be defrayed out of the ordinary revenue of the colony. To manufacture surpluses by charging it, either partially or wholly, against loan, is merely deluding the people. One most important feature of the Budget, especially to the inhabitants of rural districts, is the threatened breakdown of the system of local finance initiated last year. Under that system the Land Fund was to furnish;£too,ooo a year towards the construction of main roads by local bodies ; but in this, the second year of the scheme, the Treasurer can only see his way to get ,£28,284 from this source. The Land Fund is always a shifting quantity, and the Government having yielded to some extent to the popular demand, or what is supposed to be the popular demand, for leasing the Crown lands instead of selling the freehold, finds that the change has produced a marked effect upon the territorial revenue for the year, although, of course, in the long run the colonial exchequer is not likely to suffer, seeing that it will get a series of annual payments instead of lump sums. For the present year the Colonial Treasurer proposes to tide over the difficulty in the usual manner, viz., by having recourse to the Public Works Fund; in other words, a charge which was intended and ought to be defrayed out ot the ordinary revenue is being quietly shifted on to loan. We look upon this as perhaps the most unsatisfactory part of the Financial Statement, and as fully justifying the general condemnation which Major Atkinson’s local finance bills received both from the Legislature and the country. Local finance is the hardest financial problem which the Government has to solve. Major Atkinson has hitherto been unable to solve it; nor has any member of the Parliamentary Opposition yet propounded a rival scheme to the Treasurer’s which is worth considering. Ever since the provinces were abolished this problem has been presenting itself for solution. It has been evaded by a variety of temporary expedients, but the financial necessities of the colony, which compelled it to seize the provincial revenues, and brought the provincial system to an end, are again gathering head, and unless our colonial financiers display more capacity in the future for dealing with this important question than they have done in the past the colony may again be subjected to a serious political convulsion.

The Moral Training Bill.

Nobody could have had any doubt as to what would be the fate of the

little Bill for providing “ moral training in public schools,” which was brought up by the reverend member for Dunedin East. It is to be feared, however, that the crushing defeat sustained by that small party in the House which would have us believe that a majority of|the people in the colony are dissatished with the present system of education will fail to recognise even now that they have been fighting for a hopeless cause. The intention of Mr M. W. Green’s measure was to compel school committees to appoint “ special periods during school hours, not to exceed thirty minutes, at which Bible reading lessons shall be given under the supervision of the teacher, and also for the inculcation of lessons in morality. It would be unreasonable to expect anything like logic from Mr Green, but the speech he delivered on this occasion was even more hopelessly illogical than that gentleman’s utterances usually are. The ostensible object of the measure was to provide moral training, and he would attain that end by compelling the children to read the Bible, for thirty minutes each day, comments to be made by the teachers, although all denominationalisra was to be avoided. Is it possible that the member for Dunedin East can believe that even with the best intention whatever remarks might be passed by a schoolmaster would not represent’the latter’s particular cast of thought ? The idea is simply ridiculous, and if the Bill had passed it would have been nothing less than a return to the very system of denominationalisra which Mr Green professed to deprecate. Then again he shifted his ground, and argued that if the Bible *was not an inspired work, it had a value as history, and for that reason it ought to be read in our public schools. It is at any rate a novel notion that children can be taught morality by learning that certain events happened, or are supposed to have happened, many thousand years ago. It would be idle to deny that in these days a disbelief in the Bible as a historical book is very widespread, and a conscientious teacher would find-it a difficult business to explain certain passages without instilling a doubt into the young mind, which would ripen in after years into absolute disbelief. But the matter, when all is said, resolves itself into the question, Is it the duty of the State to do more than impart a good secular education ? The colony has long since decided this in the negative, and discussions on such Bills as that of Mr Green are nothing more nor less than waste of time. It may be noted that even among the small number that voted for the second reading of the Bill, two members, Messrs Ivess and Feldwick, only did so on condition that it was made permissive, an amendment that the mover agreed to, while such thorough-going Presbyterians as Messrs Fulton and Macandrew were actually willing that the Douay version of the Bible should be read rather than none at all. So far as we can see, leaving the matter of Bible reading in the schools optional with the Committees, would tend to intensify sectarian differences, as the question would form a battle-ground at every annual election. However, the periodical debate has taken place, and it is satisfactory to know that we have heard the last of this fad for the present session at least.

It is stated that Mr Fish, M H.R., has resigned the chairmanship and membership of the Otago Harbor Board. ;

Mr E. G. Wright left here for Wellington yesterday morning and was a passenger by the Hauroto, which sailed from Lyttelton in the afternoon. There were so many visitors to the lonic at Lyttelton yesterday as to interfere with the work on board, and no more Visitors will be allowed till Thursday. The following letters from ’places beyond the colony were received at the Ashburton Post-office during the month of May, and remained unclaimed on Ist July, 1883:—O. W. Baokstrom, John Cocks, G. Fletcher, Patrick Kelly, James Stewart.

At the Dunedin Supreme Court yesterday, a man named John Jones, formerly well known in Ashburton, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for forgery. Previous convictions were proved against him, and the Crown Prosecutor said that it was not unlikely he had committed the crime he was charged with in order to get into gaol.

In a recent case at the Dunedin Supreme Court a point as to costs was reserved. Yesterday his Honor gave judgment for costs on the whole amount reeb rered, including the sum paid into Court. He said he had communicated with all the Judges of the colony regarding the point whether costs should be given on an amount paid in, and they had agreed with him that they should be. The Southland Hussars..half-yearly inspection of arms and accoutrements took place at Invercargill yesterday. Notwithstanding bad weather and the great distance at which most reside, fifty-two out ot sixty-three were present. Major Thomson, commanding the Southland district, inspected, and expressed himself pleased with the men and movements, and complimented them in turning out in such force. Major Burrell and Captain Gardner were in command.

The spell of fine weather which we have been enjoying lately has been rudely broken, and to-day has been about as unpleasant as it is possible to conceive. As may be imagined, the Tinwald Saleyards were deserted, and not a single head of stock was disposed of under the hammer. The unpropitious weather has caused the postponement of the Juvenile Temperance meeting, which was to have been held this evening.

A meeting of those favorable to the establishment of a branch of the Blue Ribbon Army in Ashburton was held last evening in the vestry of the Wesleyan Church. There was a good attendance, and Mr R. Alcorn was voted to the chair. Mr H. G. Berryman was appointed hon. secretary. Mr Kilworth explained the mode of procedure adopted by the Blue Ribbon Army at Home, pointing out the particular importance of the preparatory prayer meetings, and the necessity for a choir. On the motion of Mr Berryman, seconded by Mr J. Scott, it was re olved that it is desirable to hold a gospel temperance mission in Ashburton by three public meetings on consecutive evenings to take place in the Town Hall, the dates fixed being the 16th, 17th, and 18th of August. It was further decided that the ministers of all denominations in the town be requested to preach temperance sermons on the Sunday prior to the mission, and that the Revs. Taylor and E Best, with Mr J. T, Smith, of Christchurch, be invited to deliver addresses hero. . The organising of a choir for the mission was entrusted to Mr Weeks, and after a vote of thanks to the Chairman and the pronouncing of the Benediction the meeting adjourned till Monday neat.

The brig Moa, about which anxiety has been exhibited at Auckland, was spoken by Captain M'Cabe, of the brig Vision, on June the 23rd. off the Kaikouras, “all well,” wishing to be reported. The wind was northerly when the Vision sooke her, so by this time she has probably reached her destination.

The Committee of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, at a special meeting, passed the following resolution : “ That the Committee of this Chamber, believing the proposed Bankruptcy Bill to bo a great improvement on existing Acts, express the hope that Canterbury members in the House of Representatives will use their influence in securing the passing of the Act during the present session of Parliament.” —“ That the foregoing resolution be communicated to the various Canterbury representatives.”— “ That the President teleg.aph the foregoing to the various Chambers of Commerce in New Zealand, with a request that they communicate with their members to a similar effect.”

A meeting attended by about 150 stockowners, farmers, and others was held at Timaru on Saturday afternoon to consider the dismissal of Mr James McDonald from the post of Sheep Inspector for South Canterbury. Mr Orbell, of Levels station, was voted to the chair. It was stated that Mr McDonald had been sheep inspector foe twelve years, and had invariably given satisfaction, but he had now been summardy dismissed without any reason being assigned, and a man who had never been in the Government service before had got his post, through political influence. Great indignation was expressed, and it was unanimously resolved to ask the four members for the district to use every effort to get Mr McDonald reinstated. The affair has aroused an unusual amount of strong feeling in the district.

A moafc disgraceful act of wanton destruction was perpetrated in Ashburton some time between Saturday and Monday. On the shutters being removed from the windows of Mr R. Alcorn’s establishment yesterday morning, it was discovered that some evilly disposed person had broken three of the large panes of glass. Two of the windows have been struck in places covered by the shutters, so that the damage must have been done while the shop was open. This renders the affair somewhat mysterious, as considerable violence must have been used, the windows being strong plate glass. The other breakage is higher up, and has evidently been caused by a stone or a heavy stick. Mr Alcorn’s loss by this disgraceful piece of larrikinism is about LSO, and the matter is now in the hands of the p dice.

The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Debating Society took place last evening at the Arcade Chambers, the President Mr 0. Hogg, in the chair. Two new members were proposed, and after the usual routine business a debate on the question “Is drink the chief cause of pauperism in England?” was proceeded with, Mr S. E. Poyntz leading in the affirmative. He quoted statistics in support of his contention, going into the matter at considerable length. Mr Hughes took up the negative side, and after a keen discussion a vote was taken, and it was decided that the “ ayes had it” upon the casting vote of the Chairman. The subject for debate at next meeting is “ Can morals be taught under our present so-called Godless system of education,” to be opened by Mr Cape-William-son.

The following reply has been received from the Minister of Lands to the petition recently forwarded to him from the Avonside constituency on the subject of the West Coast railway;—Gentlemen,—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, of the memorial forwarded to me by you, in which you request me to “carry out my former ideas of constructing a railway to connect Canterbury with the West Coast with the least possible delay, and to insist upon the LIBO.OOO allocated for the Northern extension to be spent in constructing a railway in a westerly direction so, ultimately, to connect the Eait and West Coasts of the Middle Island.” In

reply, I have to beg you to accept my assurances that I shall continue to consider this matter with a view to promote the best interests of my constituents and of the colony, and such course as I feel it my duty to follow I shall take an early opportunity of explaining to you on the rising of Parliament. I have, etc., W. Rolleston.

The usual monthly meeting of the Tinwald School Committee was held last evening «n the schoolroom, there being present—Messrs Joseph Clark (chairman), Ennis, Jones, Lawrence, Tippetts, and McKenzie. The minutes of the previous meeting were r.-ad and confirmed. Correspondence was received from the Board of Education, stating that the amount of salaries and incidental expenses was paid into the Bank to the credit of the Committee ; also, from the master giving his report for the last month, showing that the average attendance had very much improved. The Visiting Committee for last month reported that repairs to the gymnasium were much required, also that the lean-to of the master’s house leaked badly. It was resolved that the Chairman write to the Board of Education asking for the sum of L 4 for these very necessary repairs. Accounts to the amount of L3B 3s Id were passed for payment. It was proposed by Mr Ennis, seconded by Mr Tippetts, and carried —“ That the school be closed for the winter hol'days fr-'m the 7th to the 15th July inclusive." The Visiting Committee appointed for the present month we e Messrs Tippetts and McKenzie. This being all the business the meeting then adjourned.

When the brain is wearied, the nerves urn strung, the muscles weak, use Hop Bitters. Read.— [Advt.]

Wells’ “Rough on Corns.”—Ask for Wells’“ Rough on Corns.” Quick relief, complete, permanent cure. Corns, warts, bunions. Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Don’t Die in Jthe House.—“ Rough on Rats ” clears out rats, mice, beetles, roaches, bed-bugs, flies, ants, insects, moles, jackrabb. ts, gophers, Moses, Moss and Co., Sydney, General Agents. Wanted Known—That J. Meech is importing all his own goods, which enables him to sell cheaper than any other furnishing house in Ashburton. He has every class of furniture to suit all parties, from the kitchen to the drawing-room. All kinds of cutlery, crockeryware, fenders and fire-irons, iron beadsteads, carpets, table cloths, matting, and druggetting. A variety of tinware and other cooking utensils, etc. A splendid lot of Vienna chairs in walnut and maple. Feathers, flock, horsehair, and wool for furniture and mattvasses —in fact every article for house furnishing. Owing to facilities afforded to him, enables him to sell cheaper than if in East street. Furniture exchanged, and parties selling out will find that he gives the highest price for furniture. All kinds of furniture repaired; practical workmen kept. Agent for the celebrated Dunedin blind-maker. Spring window rollers kept in stock. Carvings and turnery sold to the trade. —J. MeeCH. Note the address, next Bullock’s Arcade.— [Advt.]

Holloway’s Pills. —The chiefest wonder of modern times. —This incomparable medicine increases the appetite, strengthens the stomach, cleanses the liver, corrects biliousness, prevents flatulency, purifes the system, invigorates the nerves, and re-instates sound health. The enormous demand for these Pills throughout the globe astonishes everybody, and a single trial convinces the most sceptical that no medicine equals Holloway’s Pills in its ability to remove all complaints incidental to the human race They arc a blessing to the afflicted, and a boon to all that labour under internal or external disease. The purification of the blood, removal of all restraint from the secretive organs, and gentle aperitive action arc the prolific sources of the extensive curative range of Holloway’s Pills. [Advt.]