THE ESTIMATES.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 35, 2 September 1867, Page 3

THE ESTIMATES.

u The Estimates, or the wav the money goes,” would not be a bad title for the document now before us. It professes to give in detail the amount which the Government propose shall be appropriated for the public service of the colony for the present financial year, and also the amount appropriated last year; but this list is calculated, if not intended, to mislead. There is a material difference between the amount actually expended last year, and the amount proposed to be expended this year, which is not shown on these published Estimates, but which we shall take the trouble to make clear before dismissing the subject. The first thing which strikes the reader, who has ever read the “ Black List ” which used to be published before the colony had Representative Institutions, or has ever seen the Estimates which were printed only a few years ago, is the enormous increase in the rate of salaries whieh has taken place, amounting in many instances to upwards of 50 per cent, and in but very iew instances, in the higher offices of State, to less than 25 per cent over the rate which formerly prevailed. We are quite sure that a general reduction of 20 per cent on all salaries, exceeding £2OO, could, with few exceptions, be effected without detriment to the public service. There is an excellent opening for any member now who wishes to prove himself a worthy member of a House which holds the purse strings of the colony; and while* we fully expect that Hansard will introduce him to our notice, we feel quite sure that that publication, by making known the division list, will secure for him the support of such members of the House who nave a wholesome fear of their constituents. TS T o wonder that no reduction can be made in our enormous indirect taxation while there are so many officials receiving such extravagant rates of pay. The following table will show the difference between the actual ordinary expenditure last year and that proposed this.

We have left out the shillings and pence, but these totals give a more accurate idea of the expenditure last year, and the proposed expenditure this, than would either be gathered from the Colonial Treasurer’s statement, or the published Estimates. It ■null he seen it is proposed that the postal service shall cost upwards of £30,000 more than it did last year, and it cost then enough in all conscience. Public departments are also to cost upwards of £IO,OOO more ; and £IO,OOO is a sum not to be dealt with lightly. The sum of £5,000 for the reception of the Duke of Edinburgh appears moderate, and it has already been unanimously voted by the House; but there are other sums put down in the Estimates which require some consideration before they are disposed of. For instance, the Printing Department is swelling beyond all legitimate limits, while £IO,OOO for stationery is an enormous sum which we are quite sure is not required for the purpose. A stranger who did not know the amount realised by our indirect system of taxation, but who knew the amount of our population, would, on looking over these Estimates, wonder where all the money was to come from.

"Civil List Last Year £ . 27,500 . This Year £ Permanent Charges.. .. 282,472 . 4,366 Public Buildings . 2,846 . do Departments, 42,468 . Law and Justice . 59,409 . Postal .. 142,435 . 155,241 Native . 23,751 . 24,058 Customs 40,884 . 44,819 Miscellaneous . 35,544 , 39,403 £637,428 £716,033