THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 128, 21 July 1870, Page 5

THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Following Christchurch, Nelson, and other cities, Dunedin has at last shown some signs of life on the Colonial Treasurer's Budget. On Thursday last a public meeting was held in the new postoffice building, for the purpose of discussing the financial proposals made by the Government. Between 200 and 300 persons were present. W. A. Tolmie, Esq., Deputy-Superintendent, occupied the chair. The speakers on the occasion were as follows :— Messrs. E. B. Cargill, Fish, Millar, F.S.A., Shepherd, M.P.0., Grant, Kent, and Graham. Mr. Cargill proposed the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. Fish :—": — " That this meeting, without committing itself to an approval of the details, is of opinion that the financial proposals of the Colonial Treasurer embody a scheme which is calculated to promote the settlement and permanent prosperity of the colony. The adoption of a general and comprehensive system of immigration and public works of a reproductive character, judiciously carried out, will tend to develope the great natural resources of the country, and raise it from that depression which at present exists in all its varied interests." Mr. Millar, F.S.A., having received the very able statement of the Colonial Treasurer, which Mr. Yogel sent to him by post, and having ascertained the feelings of many gentlemen on the subject, he at once telegraphed to that gentleman as follows :—": — " The Honourable Julius Yogel. Duly received by post your Financial Statement, and digested it line by line." — (Roars of laughter.) " I pronounce it to be, as a whole, the most able and statesmanlike measure that has ever been laid before any Parliament in the southern hemisphere — one that will give vitality to the dormant state of New Zealand affairs, commercially, professionally, and politically, and which will also be an effectual quietus to native affairs. Be firm of purpose ; the country is with you ; no adverse criticism or rhetorical exaggeration can damage so comprehensive a measure, making an epoch in constructive and reproductive colonial works, of which Imperial England may be proud." Mr. Shepherd, M.P.C., said the Colonial Treasurer's scheme was not sufficiently comprehensive, in that it did not provide for a thorough land policy. Mr. Grant moved as an amendment, " That this meeting has no faith in the Budget of the Treasurers, and no confidence in the present Ministry." Seconded by Mr. Kent. Another amendment having been moved and seconded, Mr. Grant disputed the decision of the Chairman, and stepping to the front of the platform called upon those who were in favour of his amendment to hold up their hands, when a forest of hands Avere held up amid shouts of laughter. A scene of confusion followed. Two or three gentlemen speaking or attempting to speak, when the Chairman wisely declared the meeting closed. The "Echo" of Saturday last, writing of the financial scheme, asks the question, Whose scheme is it ? and replies as follows: — "Millar, F.S.A., claims the merit of the scheme proposed by the Government for public works and immigration ; Mr. Stafford, on behalf of his late Treasurer, claims it for Mr. Fitzherbert; others state that it is Mr. Vogel's. Whose is it ? Strange that such a ' bantling' should have so many seeking to claim it as their own. Of course, if Mr. Millar were appointed Colonial Railway Engineer, he would no doubt, in conjunction with Mr. Yogel, be able to carry out the proposals in their entirety ; and sending such a telegram as he sent to the Treasurer, stating that he had ' digested the Statement line by line,' will make Mr. Yogel look very favourably on Mr. Millar's claims. After all, however, it is perhaps, of little moment whose scheme it is, for we do not think that the electors will be content to receive it because it has been propossd by Messrs. Millar, Fitzherbert, or Yogel, or by them all together. By its merits it must be judged." __________