GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

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

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

"Wellington, July 15th.

Mr. Fitzherbert said that Mr. Fox's speech had entirely removed any doubts he might have had with regard to the sincerity of the Government in their proposals, and he would give his best aid in maturing them. He was not at all frightened at their magnitude, and would endeavour to modify the details so as to render the scheme workable. He fully endorsed Mr. Vogel's statement that the colony was not living beyond its means. He unhesitatingly approved of charging war expenses to a loan, as was the practice of all other countries. He would not abolish the provinces, but would make them subordinate to the colony in administering the scheme. He approved of a capitation grant, but advocated a further reform in the abolition of what were termed provincial charges. The proposed Road Boards grant was quite inadequate, as the district roads would be required to feed the railways. He approved of protective duties, and the colony would sooner or later find them absolutely necessary, but they formed no part of the financial policy of the Government, and he regretted their introduction into the Financial Statement. A continuous stream of immigration was absolutely necessary. It would not reduce, but, on the contrary, would raise the rate of wages. He would not bring people out under a promise to find work for them. The only way to induce the people to settle was by means of liberal land laws. We must have a uniform system of land laws and administration. He would not give land free, but would induce settlement by a system of deferred payments through the agency of companies or an association. The colony was now in a perfectly solvent condition, and was quite justified in borrowing largely to increase the productiveness of its splendid estate. It had ample security to offer to satisfy lenders. The Government and the Assembly must keep the expenditure in their own hands, but they might be advised by the Board of which the Superintendents should be ex ofjicio members. He complained of the want of a proper basis of calculation of the practicability .and probable cost of the proposed rail-

ways Professional aid Bhould have been called in, as lenders of money would look narrowly at the details. He did not care for the railways paying directly, as an indirect return would be ample. The colony could afford a continuous stream of immigration and a complete system of railways, but the whole question was really one of administration. He would join heartily with the Government in endeavouring to give a practical reality and practical shape to the great scheme which they had brought down, and which he envied them the honour of having proposed. Mr. Birch, Mr. M'lndoe, and Mr. Peacock supported the proposals in all the essential points. Mr. Brandon made a cautious speech, rather antagonistic to the proposals.

To-day Mr. Kelly and Mr. Howorth supported the Government.

Mr. Mervyn, while objecting to the details, approved of the main principle, but urged the delay of their consideration until next session.

July 19th.

Mr. Macandrew has given notice of a resolution in favour of the San Francisco mail steamers calling at Auckland, and then proceeding to Otago and back, instead of to Sydney. Mr. Curtis resumed the financial debate. He spoke very briefly, and approved of the colony undertaking immigration and public works, but opposed the extent of the proposed borrowing.

Mr. Barff opposed the Government scheme in toto, and announced his intention to divide the House on the motion.

Mr. Kerr thought the Government scheme was not a bad one, if due precautions were taken to prevent the money being wasted.