Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1901. THE BUDGET.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 17 August 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1901. THE BUDGET.

The anxiously-looked-for document has at lengh appeared, and the position is perhaps not so serious as many imagined. We are again, indeed, told of a surplus, but reading on we find that “ the revenue and expenditure nicely balance.” In other words wo are coming to a position when, to use the words of the Colonial Treasurer, we must be “ cautious and economical.” It is not that our revenue is declining; but because of expenditure

—departmental at that—is increasing at an almost alarming rate. At present we are to have no increased taxation, but a remission promised last year cannot be given effect to. This is an unmistakable sign of financial weakness ; an indication of what we may expect next year unless vary great care is taken, and the enormously over-grown Civil Service —with its ever-increasing departments—are subjected to a keen pruning knife. Indeed, the Colonial Treasurer foreshadows such a course when he hints that a reduction in salaries may eventuate. There is really no cause for alarm ; the position is good; the revenue elastic and increasing, but the “hangers on” to the State coach—many of them the creation of recent legislation, must be cast adrift. Less State spoon nutriment is required, and more self-reliance. While we all agree that every man has a right to live, we also agree that every man has a right to do something for himself, and not roly on Government to create an easy and lucrative position for him —this, too, at the general expense The curse of our present advanced, and in many respects, beneficial, legislation, is the number of unpatriotic and selfish men it has given an opportunity to pester, nay, demand, billets from the Government of the day. The Seddon Administration has done more for the toiler and artisan than any other ministry in modern times, but unfortunately a section of those so benefited resemble the horse leech ; are never satisfied ; and will, unless a firm front is shown, ultimately place their benefactors in a tight corner. This difficulty Mr. Seddon with keen foresight has already referred to, and we doubt not will—strong man as he is - not only boldly face, but firmly stamp it out of existence.