WELLINGTON NOTES.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1919, Page 4

WELLINGTON NOTES.

(Our Special Correspondent)

THE BUDGET.

A CAUTIOUS MINISTER.

Wellington, Sept 24,

The figures contained in the Budget Sir James Allen, the new Minister of Finance, submitted to the House of Representatives last night had been anticipated by the Treasury returns published from time to time up to the close of the financial year. In this respect Sir James had no fresh announcement to make. Nor were his proposals for the future of a particularly startling character, except perhaps the one concerning the disposition of the accumulated war surpluses, a nice little nest egg of some fifteen million. This amount Sir Joseph Ward had proposed to apply to the reduction of the war debt, but his successor is going to*use it in purchasing land for soldiers’ settlement.

PRUDENCE AND PROGRESS. The Budget overflows with appeals for prudence and frugality and even the “ Dominion ” thinks its tone a little too shaded. After declaring that Sir James has furnished a “ creditable contrast to some political pronouncements that have been made lately with an eye rather to electioneering effect than to the practical necessities of the time,” the Reform journal suggests that “if anything, the Minister has dwelt too exclusively on the note of caution.” But though Sir Jamies iterates aud reiterates the need for going slow in the matter of expenditure he fully recognises the still greater need for the progressive development of the country’s resources, and the Estimates, if not actually lavish, will be found at least as generous as those of the war years.

CRITICISM. The lobby critics of the Budget are devoting much of theifr attention to the chauge in the disposition of accumulated surpluses. The majority of the Reformers hold that the Minister is following a wise course in employing the money in settling soldiers on the land instead of using it in reducing the war debt and then raising another loan to meet the needs of the returned men. Apparently it is a question of method rather than of principle, but the Liberals contend that the allocation of fourteen or fifteen millions for the purchase of land will lead to a further inflation of prices aud to further burdens upon the soldiers themselves.

THE DERATE. The opening of the debate on the Budget is set down for Tuesday next and, notwithstanding the anxiety of both Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward to reach the end of the session as speedily as possible,- it_is likely to extend over the best part of a fortnight. Private members have had few opportunities to address their constituents from the floor of the House since their election nearly five years ago, aud they Would be more than human to allow this chance to slip by without speaking their little pieces. But it is highly improbable the debate will bring about any serious conflict between the parties or even retard Ministers in the work they are pushing forward.

TO DJR WEST COAST FRIENDS—WE DESIRE TO CALL YOUR SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE EXTRAORDINARY CONDITIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT IN THE CANTERBURY SHEEP MARKETS BY REASON OF SHORTAGE OF FACTORY SPACE AND CONTINUED DRY WEATHER, ESPECIALLY THE LATTER. Farmers here have in many cases been unable to fatten their stock, and | there has been no feed. Canterbury has not enjoyed the antumn rains which were reasonably to be expected, and in consequence there is a great dearth of feed. Hard frosts are now prevailing here and it is obvious that it will be a I matter of the greatest difficulty to i Canterbury farmers to have fat stock to supply our markets during winter. CANTERBURY'S MISFORTUNE ...is surely... YOUR OPPORTUNITY. We have confidence in recommending West Coast producers to consign their fat stock, both Cattle and Sheep, and j this market during the coining winter ' mouths. Supplies here will -be short and the demand considerable, especial--1 ly in view of the fact that the pressure ; of factory space has now been relieved. HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY DO NOT MISS -T! ! Upon receipt of instructions we shall be glad to order trucks to load at l Arthur’s Pass, and where desired we cai arrange to take delivery of skee or arrival of the train at Otira. Owing to limited railway facilities it is wise to give as as much notice as possible of your requirements of trucks to load at Arthur's Pass. Clients may rely upon us insuring that there will be no hitches or misunderstandings.

WOOL. SKINS, HBDES AND FAT! For highest prices and prompt returns consign these commodities ,to us either by rail or by boat. In f i caso please send advice as to the quantity being sent forward, ahd uken and how consigned—then LEAVE THE REST VO USI YOU WILL NOT EE DISAPPOINTED

MANURES AND SEEDS! We anticipate a considerable amount of spring sowing may be done on the Coast this year. The War is over, and a more settled feeling permeates the mind of the settler. For all supplies of this description you cannot do better than communicate with us. For first class quality and lowest market prices you cannot do better. We want your business! 1 YVhen we have got it we want to hold itl Hence, we cannot afford to do other than render you our best services. We are the oldest private firm in the trade uow in existence. Our principal have served the apprenticeship of a lifetime. Our staff in all department consists of experts. We confidently assure you that p.n business entrusted to us will be handled in such a manner as will not cause you to feel disappointed.