PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

Globe, Volume XXI, Issue 1798, 25 November 1879, Page 3

PARLIAMENTARY ITEMS.

[from oitb coeeespondents.] WELLINGTON, November 24. I see that your Grey organs, as well as the Grey organs here, are attempting to make their readers believe that the figures laid on the table of the Homo by the Minister of Works contradict the statement of the Colonial Treasurer as to the total liabilities incurred on the new loan. There is not the slightest foundation for such a statement. Mr Macandrew asked for a certain part of the liabilities which ho got, being contracts only, not including even the authorities given by himself, and which are just as binding on the colony as the contracts. I will send you Major Atkinson’s figures, which are tested in each case by the heads of departments, and have never been disputed by anyone. Macandrew was, no doubt, ignorant of them to some extent, and perhaps unable to understand them, as figures are not in his line and he never cares to look before he|leapp. Total liabilities for railways and public buildings, inclusive of colonial contracts, English contracts, and grants to local bodies. Authorities, salaries, &c., £1,031,652. Included in this amount ia £666,561, showing the return called for by Mr Macandrew. Immigration, £97,063. Land purchase, £164,500. Telegraph, £70,250. Marine, £2OOO. Works on open lines, £224,296. Wages of unemployed, £65,610. Contingent defence, £60,000. Expended to 30th September, £504,733. Total, £2,220,104.