The Vernier’s Speech.

Manawatu Herald, 19 February 1903, Page 2

The Vernier’s Speech.

On Tuesday night the Premier spoke at a Social given by the Liberal and Labour Federation, . During which, coming to the financial position of the colony, he said, our caedit never stood better. There was an all-round increase of revenue, more especially in Customs and railways. The following were some of the, increases for the past ten months of this year as compared with a similar period of the previous year : —Customs £B4,’ 326, railways £125,587. stamps £3 6 »' 188, income tax £2176, registration and other fees,£9*29, marine £727. There was, however, a falling-off in the land tax of £9862, bear duty £690, and territorial revenue £18,750. Roughly speaking, the excess for the ten months was £228,646. The surplus this year would be at least a quarter of a million. He would like to know what the croackers would say to this, in tacd the remissions which bad bees made in taxation. It had been alleged that in consequence of the prosperity of the colony and its increasing revenue, the Government were somewhat lavish,, but this was not true, as it would be seen at the end of the year that, through economies instituted by the Government, the under-spending would probably reach £5®.«00. Consequently the cry of extravagance would-be falsified. Our loan bad been underwritten at 94L which, in view of the fact that the English Government, the Continental nations, and of her colonies, were bn the market, or wished to be there, was highly satisfactory. • .By the 3*st March, said Mr Seddoa, the Government would throw open for selection under the Lands for Settlement Act 732,000 acres. This area was either now ready or in course of preparation. Of the acreage men* tioned, 400,000 was first and second class land. He believed in advertising, and he would see that the fullest information was I given to the people receding this land. He dwelt on the fact that the land north of Auckland and in the Tauranga district was admirably suited for wine-growing, and the information which had been placed before him during the last few days proved that such culture would be a source of great wealth. The Govern' ment had done much to foster the \

wine industry, and already there were a number of viticulturists who were doing well out of their vineyards. As much as £zoo profit had been realised annually from a single acre, which was not exceptional. Speaking of population, Mr Seddoo said that the increase last year was no less that 20,000. The excess of arrivals over departures for the months named were ;—October, 1842 ; November, 2059; December. 2775; January, 2369. We wanted increased population bat he would not assist it by an immigration scheme subsidised by the Government. We should, however, do our best to attract persons'to Settle in the colony, and be felt that the workers here would welcome cousins from Australia who were now coming in considerable numbers. Mr Seddon’s speech made an immense impression on his audience, and his progress was occasionally hampered by the applause with which it was received.