The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1885. THE DEBATE ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 2028, 29 June 1885, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. MONDAY, JUNE 29, 1885. THE DEBATE ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

The debate on the Financial Statement was commenced in tjie H.ouse of Representatives on Friday ev.ening by Major Atkinsw, Sir JjJU.us YoflEL repjying,, Neither appears to have been in his best form, though the former made some telling hits, especially when he compared tbe promises to rediicft taxation permanently which were mads last session, with the proposals which are now before the House. Major Atkinson, however, had an easy task in this, because the promise was a most distinct one, and, ur.fortunalely for the country, the proposals for increasing taxation cannot be disguised. Judging by reports, Mr Wakefield, who was the ouly other sppaker. on Friday, made the most telling speech. His references to the question of freetrade versus protection were very trenchant, and, being in a position to declare himself an out-and-out freetrader, he stood on clearly-de-fined ground, whereas the two leaders areboth trying to.tako up a middle position. Probably the debate is, to a certain extent shorn of interest because it is pretty well known that the Government is not : likely to go out over it. Their policy is as elastic as india-rubber, and they are prepared to accept almost any amendment which a thoroughly dissatisfied ' House may agree to. It is unfortnnate that the

House is split up into so many parties, neither, of which is strong enough to j hold its own against a combination of the others, because it allows a weak Goyerntrent to retain office, A dissolution, though it would probably not prove acceptable tojmeuibers, would be hailed with delight by the country, Tho Pluenix Lodge 1.0. G.T., meets this evening. Letters of naturalization have been granted to Hermann Nitz, of Whareama, sheepfarmer. The electors have requested Mr Lawmice Marchall Grace to contest the Tauranga electorate, and he has consented to do so. The adjourned concert which was to have taken place at St. Matthews schoolroom several days ago will probably come ■off next week. The Loyal Masterton Lodge 1.0.0. F. M.U., have decided to move their Lodge into the Temperance Hall, and the next regular meeting, on the 7th July, will be held therein, Messrs Lowes and lorns held a large and successful sale of furniture, produce, and fruit trees on Saturday, the bidding throughout being animated, all lines selling under tho hammer. We have received from'"Caledonia" the result of tho drawing of liia : sweep on the Napier Steeplechase. It is too long for insertion ■in our columns, but subscribers may inspect it at our office.

The two men who were driving horses through the street at a dangerous pace the other day, fell into tho hands of Inspector Ingram, who took proceedings against them, The result was that they were fined 2s each,, with 4s costs. Gardeners seem to be having a busy time of it just now, a great deal of planting being done this season in and around Masterton, Weave informed that there is not a man who is able to handle a spade who is not engaged. ThebusinessintheßesidentMagistrate's Court this morning was confined to half a dozon unimportant cases. W. Ellis and W, Balls wero charged on the information of Inspector Ingram with driving horses through the public streots at an improper pace, and were fined 2s each. In the following civil cases judgment was given for plaintiffs :—Hiillenstem Bros v. Hatliaway £1 os- (Mr Beard for plaintiff), and Yates v Jaques £3 6s. A case of larcency is proceeding this afternoon. We again remind the public that the first performance of "Our Boys" ,vill be given by Messrs Foley and Berkley, assisted by amateurs, to-night. The piece jias been carefully rehearsed, and it is expected that it will prove a great success. The dresses to be worn are most expensive and appropriate, and will add to the general completeness o( the play. We expect to see a crowded, house. The Freethought Association Ijeld its usual weekly meeting last night, when a very interesting an 4 mslructiyo programme was gone through, and was evidently greatly appreciated by the audionpp, which nmnbered over a hundred persons. A collection was made at the conclusion of the meeting, and liberally responded to by those presont, who seemed highly satisfied by the manner in which they had been entertained.

The settlersof Alfredtonhave formed an Athletic Club, and intend to po in for practising football (Scottish Association rules) in winter, and cricket in summer. La crosse and lawn tennis are likely to be added. Tha hardy settlers of this outlying district should show up in games where strengthandendurancearerequired, P4'!)aps they will give the Mssterton Football Qm atrial during tho season. There would, howovev, l)p a difficulty, because tho two play undo'r' different rules, Another proof that a portion of theland in this district is of very recent formation has been brought to Mr R. Brown, Town Clerk, who is collecting for the proposed museum, by Mr Wilton. It consists of jjalf 'a jp}njt from the vertebra of the common whale,' The bqn.eis not quite petrified,and, loob as'ff it ))ad ken merely covered with clay, jt was fqunq by Mr Wilton in a yellow clay formation while making excavations m connection with a road.

A bavofaced robbery occurred on Saturday night, about 11 o'clock,, A man named M'Rae was walking alone; Queenstveefc, carrying § ppjfcmanteai}, when another jiauied King \yaljie4 pagt hjm and relieved him of his burden. Peine fleet of foot ho managed to get way witE it for the time, A description was, however, given to tho polico, and Constable Cullinane identified King yesterday morning and arrested him. At first King denied all knowledge of the affair, but lie ultimately confessed, and told the Constable whore the portmanteau, the contents of which aro'valuablo, was hidden. King is a respoetable looking man, and married. The case was called on in the Resident Magistrate's Court at 2 p.m. to-day, and was proceeding as we went to press. The following is the result of the poll of policy holders in the Government Insurance Association, on the question of establishing local boards : In favor of Local Against. Boards. Auokjand. ... 204 G39 Taraijakj' ~,9 157 Wellington •„'. fi| 973 Hawkesßay ,„ 21 810 Nelson 20 W Marlborough ~. 8 10? Westland ... 24 253 Canterbury ... i19(5 850 Otago 383 748 Southland ... 8 100 943 4361 Majority against, 3418. The policy holders have thus thoroughly ,vjndpted their representative!, in the positjon |hey ]}avo taken up.