FINANCIAL DEBATE.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 200, 30 August 1901, Page 2

FINANCIAL DEBATE.

MEMBERS WANT TO PUT THE BRAKE ON..

MR HORNSBY WILL CONTEST EVERY INCREASE.

By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, last night. In the House this afternoon Mr Gilfedder resumed the debate on the Financial Statement. The greater part of his speech was devoted to an exhaustive review of educational matters, arising out of tho investigations of the Teachers’ Commission.

Mr Buddo thought that the Crown lands in the North Island should be settled for the purpose of taking away that particular part of labor of the colony that must in the near future be dispensed with from our public works. Mr Laurenson counselled a halt in regard to public expenditure, and moved as an amendment that in the opinion of this House the Government should introduce a Bill for the purpose of establishing a, State bank of issue, or an issue department in the Colonial Treasury.

In reply to a question. Sir Joseph Ward said that the Government would not support the amendment. The time had not arrived for practical consideration of the question. The amendment was then put, and negatived by 30 to 10. Mr Millar said that it was time the House found out how the country really stood in regard to its finances. It was absolutely impossible for the colony to go on at the' rate it had been going on during tho past ten years. The debate was interrupted by the 5.30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 p.ui.

Mr Millar, continuing his speech, pictured the results of ono bad year, when all sources of revenue would fail, and .lie declared that if members themselves did not effectually put on the brake the country would compel them to within a couple of years. Mr Fowlds thought that the colony had been living somewhat in a fool’s paradise, and also counselled the putting on of the brake. lie considered it would he to tho benefit of tho colony if tho land tax were increased and customs reduced. Mr Hornsby announced his intention, when tho estimates woro under consideration, of contesting every one of tho increases. He protested strongly against the military caste and system which was growingup! and said that when the defcnco vote came on ho would move for its reduction by ono half.