The Loan Bill.

Manawatu Herald, 2 September 1899, Page 3

The Loan Bill.

■» On Thursday evening the Premier moved the second reading of the Aid to Public Works and Land Settlement Bill, otherwise known as the Million Loan Bill. There was, he said, nothing in the measure except that foreshadowed in the Financial Statement. He oould understand that there were too many works in the schedule and not enough money, bat it was not wise to go in for expenditure beyond their present rate, because the country was now in a safe and prosperous oondidion, Which might be seriously disturbed if they went in for a more lavish expenditure, the result of which might be that they would attract people to the colony who would leave again as soon as the money was expended. The usual debate took place and Mr George Hutchison moved as an amendment, "That the second reading of the Bill be postponed with a view to the Government re-allocating the amount appearing against the several works and purposes in the schedule to the Bill." After a further discussion the amendment was negatived on the voices, and the debate on the second reading was adjourned until this evening. - THE BILL, 1. In -respect of railways. — The construction of the following railways : — Eawakawa-Grahamstown Paeroa-Waihi, Gisborne-Karaka, Helensvill Northwards, North Island Main Trunk, Rimtaka deviation, Waipara Cheviot. Mdland (Spring-field-Otira-Belgrove-Tadmor), Blen* heim-Awatera, Otago Central, Heriot extension, Catlins extension, Seaward Bush, Forest Hill, Orepuki Wairau Ferry, £800,000. Additional rolling-stock for open lines and such other works and purposes in conoeition therewith as may be authorised, £320,000. . Total, £525,000. 2. In respect of land settlement and goldfields development. — The construction of road?, tracks and bridges for the purpose of opening np back blocks and such other works and purposes in connection therewith as miy be authorised, £150,000. The like for the purpose of opening up Crown and native lands, £150,---000. The like for the purpose of developing the goldfi^lds, £50,000. Total, £850,000. 8. Public and technical school buildings, £50,000. 4. Purchase of native lands, £50,---000. 5. Contingent harbour defence £25,000. Grand total , £1 ,000,000.