The Premier at Marton.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 246, 20 April 1895, Page 2

The Premier at Marton.

THE FINANCES OF THE COLONY. (Per Press Association). Marton, Thia Day. The Hon the Premier addressed a crowded audience in the Theatre last night. He confined his opening 1 remarks to the Wanganui campaign, and referred to Captain Russell's and Mr Hutchison's speeches. Whilst approving of the public men of the colony travelling through the country and coming in touch with the people and acquainting them with matters of public importance, he repudiated any sympathy with personalities. He was sorry to say that both Captain Russell and Mr Hutchison descended to this, and he thought it became neither of them. Dealing with Mr Hutchison Mr Seddon s: id he had received a copy of a very polished oration, the greater portion of which was delivered to a reporter of the Wanganui Chroni at a private interview. Mr Hutchison was pleased to prophecy that the people of the colony would probably have to " endure " the present administration until next election. Unless he was much mistaken, from present appearances, he (Mr Seddon) was of opinion that they would have to " endure " the Government for a much longer period. The present administration was the Government of the people. He was one of the people (applause) and so long as they did that which was just they had nothing to fear. He said Mr Hutchison, after accusing the Government of all manner oi corruption, vouchsafed the information that v Honesty was the best policy." Probably had the remark been made by Mr Hutchison in any othar place but Wanganui it would not have met with such a derisive burst of cheers. Referring to the charges of nepotism and " spoils to the victors " levelled against the Government, Mr Seddon said they weie entirely groundless, and proceeded to reverse the tables by proving many cases of gross "spoils to the victors " perpetaated by previous Governments, of which the traducers of the present Liberal Government were supporters. He was sure that the result ot the present Tariff Commission would be the adoption, of a tariff in 1895 which would be equally just ami satisfactory in 1003. Until the present Liberal administration took office the children of the people of New Zealand — of the bone aud sinew of the country — had been debarred from positions in the Civil Service. Mr Seddon also defended the visit of the Colonial Treasurer to England. He said that the concessions already gained would more than recoup the colony for any expenses incurred in the tripHe dealt with several matters referred to by the Opposition speakers in detail. He scouted the idea that his wife had been influenced by him in selling Bank of New Zealand shares, saying the same were sold in SepteniDer, 1893. Regarding the Bank of New Zealand, he considered the Government bad saved the colony from national disaster, and felt sure that the people of New Zealand appreciated the legislation. He referred to Mr Hutchison's assertion that there m«st be a deficit. The people of the colony had been told by the Opposition three months ago that there was a deficit of over halt a million. Subsequently this amount came down a quarter of a million and recently dwindled to something less. Speaking at Wanganui Mr Hutchison had said that there must be a deficit. He would leave his audience and the people of New Zealand to judge by facts and actual figures published now for the first time. He proceeded to show that the contrary was the case. On the question of finance he said he would make an important statement which would be hailed with delight throughout the colony. The actual receipts for the year 1894-5 were £±,406,515, and the actual expenditure £4,266,722 ; the excess of receipts over expenditure was £189,793, and the balance to begin the year "with was £290,238. The gross surplus for the year was £430,031. Of this sum the amount of £250,000 had been paid into the Public Works fund, leaving a net surplus of .6180,131. The Customs revenue had been declining for some time past, and the revenue under estimate was A' 30,000 while the railways showed a shortage of £17,000, chiefly owing to the fallingoff of the grain export. Under the other heads the revenue more than compensated for these losses, and at the end of the year the revenue exceeded the estimate by £'47,000. This was a matter of general congratulation. During the year the public works expenditure under part 1 had been £317,000, the lowest since the public works policy had been inaugurated. Out of the net surplus of £180,000 there will be available for public works during tho current year £150,000. The unexpended balance on the 31st March, 1895, was £259,000 so that with the £150,000 from the consolidated fund, they would have over £400,000 for expenditure during 1895. Mr Seddon dealt exhaustively with the principal features of the Government measures and policy of last session, and defending the many beneficent Acts placed on the Statute books. He referred to the assistance the Government were extending to sawmillera in order to develop and foster the timber trade with Great Britain and foreign markets. In connection with this scheme he thought there was a good opening for New Zealand horses. It was time graziers had something else to turn their attention to besides sheep aud cattle. In order to initate this movement and encourage the industry he said the Government would be propared to grant the same concessions and assistance to breeders sending a trial shipment of horses Home, as were rendered in the case of timber consignments : He considered there was every prospect of the establishment of a lucrative trade in horses between New Zealand and the Old Country. Mr Seddon received a hearty vote of thanks for his address, and of confidence in the Government. Messrs Bailey and Cornfoqt having been introduced to (he Premier, asked that the Government should reduce the railway rates on white pine from la 6d to lOd so that they could place it on the Aussralian market. Unless such a reduction was made they said that white pine would have to lie rotting in the bush. Mr Seddon thought it was a matter that effected the whole colony, but before deciding on the question, he would like to see how the reduction would effect the