VICTORIAN RESOURCES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 266, 27 October 1862, Page 5

VICTORIAN RESOURCES.

(communicated.) In ouv issue of Monday last we took a rapid survey of the springs whence Victoria derived her resources, and against each item of i*evenue we placed the charges which would reasonably be connected with it ; and, moreover, we engaged on a future occasion to indicate the manner in which the surplus was disposed of. We now propose to resume the subject, and lulfil our engagement.

-Before so (loins, however, it would be as well to mention that in the receipt side we introduced rather an euphonious heading, therein designated " Odds and Ends." One material item in the amount so described, of L 134,000, is the sum of L 60,000 derivable from water rates. We cannot trace the mode of realization ; but on the expenr diture side we find the sum of £.33,480 charged as interest on Water and Sewerage Debentures, and a principal sum of L 50.000, payable during the year on the same account. It might be useful to ascertain to what extent this transaction has been a remunerative one. The sooner the good folk of Dnncdin take up the questions of-supply of water and drainage the better, for it would be unwise by neglect of sanatory precautions, not only to lay the foundation of endemic disease, but of a vast expenditure to procure those reserves lor reservoirs and water-courses, which will inevitably be necessary. But to return. The recognition of science and intellect in the appropriation of the surplus, is worthy of adoption. The Public Library—an institution distinct from trie library of the Legislative Council—pie fers a claim for nearly LO.UOO, of which L 3.000 is applied to procuring books, and L 1,600 to the necessary establishment. With a far-seeing liberality, provision is also made for the establishment of local libraries throughout the colony to the extent of L 2.000, on the principle of assisting the initiation of such institutions by supplementing the local contributions by an equal sum to the limit of IslOO. We trust that while the Provincial Council is dealing with a liberal hand towards the material prosperity of the province, it will not forget to embody in a resolution the principle enunciated and acted on in Victoria -. There are large centres of population where such liberality would be appreciated. The Museum next demands assistance, in the shape of L 3,500, including the expense of the necessary establishment; and we shall be glad to learn that the Government, in connection with the Geological Department, will not forget to provide a sufficient appropriation for the museum— as should the West Coast Exploration take place, there may originate some entirely new contributions to science, to say nothing of remunerative result*. The Botanic Garden receives no less than L7.ooo—of which L.0,800 goes towards establishment. This is certainly a luxury, adapted to-the palate of a colony, which has not only passed its infancy, but is approaching the maturity of manhood. We must be content at present, with our recreation grounds. An appropriation of L2OOO for institutions of a similar ehann ter in the country, tends to show that in the opinion of the Assembly—"True science hath no locality." The Local Agricultural Societies are deemed, and wisely deemed, worthy of support to the tune of L6OOO. Would it be unwise to go and do likewise ? These are grants in aid—a wise precaution. The Acclimatization Society receives its tribute of recognition, in the form of LIOOO, and when we consider the extent to which a country may be beneu'tted by the judicious introduction of foreign animals or plants, we may consider the expenditure under the head of " reproductive." Municipalities throughout the country are assisted to the amount of L 75.000. This is a peculiar grant, and embraces a number of different objects. The intention is 10 foster the efforts of centres of population throughout the whole country, and is a step in the right direction. Ie is probable that some of the objects contemplated by the grant come under our Koad and other Ordinances, but it would be as well to ascertain the exact eh racter of the grant and its past efficacy. The grant of LSUOO for Cemeteries, evinces a foresight which stretches beyoud the wants of the living, and we very much doubt whether it would not be wise to aid the exertions of sparsely peopled districts, by a small donation towards enclosure. Public pounds receive LISOO. Under the head of Public Worship, we find no less a sura than L 50.000. To this we altogether object. We incline to the opinion that such giants have a tendency to make " Jeshurun wax fat and kick-" Every congregation, or congregation of congregations, knows best what diet is particularly adapted for peculiar constitutions. The lazy might be made apoplectic by too generous a diet, while the hard-working minister would require a feast of fat things,—of wine on the Ices. Kducation claims, and justly claims, a foremost place in the Colonial Expenditure. No less a sum than Ll 10,000, or one thirtieth of the whole revenue, is appropriated for the purpose. There is a danger of excessive liberality. The responsibilities of parentage are liable to be ignored ; and a people trained up in the notion that the State should educate the rising generation, may at length reach the conclusion, that it should feed them also. The assistance should be strictly supplementary. The Maiotainance of Deserted Children is assisted by a grunt of LSOOO, while Charitable institutions have their worth acknowledged to the extent of £75,000. This is doubtless a step in the right direction, but it should be carefully teen to that the Government do not have the privilege of supplying the funds, while the public revel in the delight of being themselves remarkably benevolent. We cannot be too cautious against extinguishing philanthropy by assuming its responsibility. We bare now done what we proposed. The seed is now cast on the water, but we must remember that periods of depression follow periods of excitement. It is beyond a doubt, as evinced by returns, that Victoria has passed her zenith as a gold-producing country, and she is now retrenching her expenditure. Calilornia too, speaks ot her impoverished mines, and looks forward to oilier resources of revenue. Let us then be on our guard, and should our own star be approaching its zenith let us so arrange that when it sinks below the horizon, our property will not pass away with our gold, but throughout the lenuth and breadth of our land may be heard the lowing of cattle and the bleating of sheep on a thousand hills, while the plains wave with joy under the easy burthen of rich and luscious crops.