The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1885. Parliament

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 143, 19 May 1885, Page 2

The Feilding Star. TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1885. Parliament

The House is summoned to meet on the llth of June next. We were informed by telegram a few days ago that Ministers consider the coming session will be a most important one, as there are several momentous questions to be considered and dealt with. Among others, the native land question and that of local government stand most prominent. We believe, however, that finance will be the great subject which will most engage the attention of the House. Since the House last met an expenditure which is variously estimated at from half to three quarters of a million pounds has been incurred in putting the colony in a state of defence to resist the attacks of a foreign foe. That this sum will be authorised there can be little doubt, especially as the admitted leader of the Opposition, Major Atkinson, has promised his loyal support to Ministers on this point; but the question will be, Where is this money to come from ? It is perfectly clear that it cannot be drawn from current revenue. The million and a half loan which is to be put on the London market next month, is already hypothecated for public works. Nothing remains, then, but increased taxation or another loan. As we are already taxed as far as the country is inclined to submit to, the last-named remedy is the only oue which suggests itself as being feasible. It goes without saying that increasing the general debt of tho colony by more loans increases the taxation, but in a lesser degree, as the importation of cheap money to be expended in reproductive or protective works, enables it to be made to pay its own interest, while the country generally is benefitted in proportion to the difference between the interest paid to the bond-holders and the interest paid on money in the colony. Of course this rule only applies to money actually expended in reproductive works, such as roads and bridges, &c. That Sir Jolius Vogel wi 1 ! prove equal to the occasion we have every confidance. The opponents of the Government expect to find its weakest point in the scheme for local government, and their attacks will be principally directed against that. The result if disastrous to the Ministry will prove fatal to many of the members, for Sir Juuus Vogel will certainly appeal to the country, and as certainly would he be returned with a stronger following than he has at present, while the places of many of the present members would " know them no more." For this reason alone it is safe to expect that the Ministry will be able to get through this session without their positions being disturbed.