MACKENZIE MINISTRY'S EXIT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 481, 10 July 1912, Page 5

MACKENZIE MINISTRY'S EXIT.

THE FINANCIAL POSITION.

[DY TELEGRAPH.—I'RESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington Tuesday. The House met at 2.30 p.m. The Speaker reported that he had, with members, presented the Address-in-Reply to the Governor's speech with the additional amendment carried by the House. In reply his Excellency intimated he was now taking steps to ensure the formation of a Ministry which would have the confidence of the House. The Hon. A. M. Myers read a letter from the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, intimating they had decided to abandon the petition which was placed before Pariament in 1911. The letter was signed by the general secretary. On the Minister's motion that it should be laid on the table, Sir Joßeph Ward asked for an explanation of the causes that had led up to a withdrawal of the society from its previous attitude. The Minister replied that when he entered office as Minister of Railways he found the Society of Railway Servants had 96 grievances. As a result of a number of conferences between the executive of the society and himself he had seen his way clear to acquiesce in the demands on a number of matters. He had not found justification for acceding to other requests. On the whole tha executive had been satisfied that an earnest attempt had been made by the officials of the department and the Minister to bring about a better feeling between the society and the Railway Department. The society had therefore decided not to proceed wjth its previous intention of presenting a petition to Parliament similar to that which was before the House last session. The Hon. G. Laurenson mentioned in connection i with another paper presented to the House that Cabinet had authorised a light to be placed either at Kerp Point or Cape Terawhiti. A final decision had been deferred for the inspection of the respective positions. On the application of the Premier three days extra were granted the Privilege Committee, set up in connection with the McAllum letter, to report to the House. Hon. A. M. Myers laid before the House a statement showing the state of the country's finance as at June 30th, 1912. The balance in hand on March 31st, 1912, was £807,286. Since the close of the financial year the revenue waa still increasing as the following figures demonstrated:— Consolidated Revenue Account balance March 31st, £897,275; revenue from April Ist to 30th June, ordinary £2,388,387, Territorial £29,696, National Endowment £59,413, total £2,477,497; grand total £3,284,773. Expenditure Permanent appropriations £1,199,407; annual appropriations £1,302,818; total £2,502,226; balance at June 30th, £782,546. It iB a pleasure to point out there has been no necessity to issue treasury bills this year. The Minister estimated the revenue for present financial year at £11,014909, made up as follows:—Customs, £3,200,000; Rail ways, £3,745,000; stamps £898,800; Post and Telegraph, £1,141,000; land tax, £650,000; Income Tax, £45.000; Beer Duty, £119.000; Registration, £95,165; Marine, £47,000; Miscellaneous, £369,530; Territorials revenue, £24,000; Endowment revenue, £59,414.

The expenditure is estimated at £10,737,958, compared with actual expenditure of £10,340,368 during the last year. There will be an increase of £159.8,387 in permanent charges, and £239,204 in departmental charges. The position at the end of the year is estiamted as follows:—Balance from last year, £808,076; estimated revenue, £11,149,909; total, £11,821,285. Estimated expenditure, £10,738,968; surplus, £10,84,227. From the latter amount must be deducted the amount to be voted on the Supplementary Estimates. This will allow the transfer of £BOO,OOO to the Public Works Fund. They had every reason, the Minister said, to congratulate themselves upon the buoyant state of the affairs oft he country. Bis successor would rejoice in the satisfctory state of matters. He did not consider it would be necessarv to go on the London market for some time. He regretted it had not been his privilege to present to the House a Financial Statement indicating the thoroughly satisfactory, and flourishing conditions existing in the country. Sir Joseph Ward rose to congratulate the Hon. Mr Myers on the very interesting review just presented by him. The satisfactory conditions should fill Mr Myers' successor with confidence. It was the sequence to the harshly criticised financial methods of the Liberal party. He would look for ward to Bee what items would be reduced by their successors in office. The statement was indicative of the prosperity of the Dominion, and he would defy any one to produce anything like the state of affairs now existing in matters financial of the Dominion. He called attention to the fact that the incoming treasurer was starting on a "magnificent wicket." He was certain they would find that altered political conditions would not deter some members from asking for a full supply for the backblocka. The Statement should enthuse the worst pessimist, inside and outside the House. He congratulated the Minis- | ter. especially in connection with the figures relative to the first quarter of the year. The Prime Minister then rose and said, "In consequence of the vote which was come to on Saturday morning. I placed my resignation in the hands of the Governor and recommended him to send for Mr Massey. I understand that Mr Massey haß seen his Excellency and now move the House to adjourn until the usual hour to-morrow. I do this after having consulted the leader of the Opposition." Mr Massey said: "I don't think it iB necessary to add anything to what has already been stated. It has been indicated that bis, Excellency has done 1 me the honour of sending for roe, and

asking me whether I would undertake the formation of a Ministry. I promised to do eo, and am now in communication with my friends. I hope' to meet the House at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow when the names of the new Ministry will be announced. The House adjourned at 3.30 p.m.

NEW MINISTRY ANNOUNCED. Wellington, This Day.. The official announcement of the new Ministry was made just before noon as follows: " HON. W. F. MASSEY: Premier, Minister for Lands, Agriculture and Labour. HON. J. ALLEN: Minister for Finance, Defence and Education. HON. W. H. HERRIES: Minister for Railways and Native Affairß. HON. A. L. HERDMAtf: Attorney-General and Min'ster fur Justice. HON. W. FRASER: Minister fur Public Works and Mines. HON. F. M. «. FISHER: Minister for Customs and Marine. HON. H. RHODES: Postmaster-General. HON. H. D. BELL: Minister for Internal Affairs and Leader of the Legislative Council. HON. DR. POMARE: Representing the Maori race on the Executive. The following portfolios remain in abeyance: Health, Commerce and Industries, and Immigration. The Ministry was sworn in this morning.