The Wairarapa Daily. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1892.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XIII, Issue 4045, 23 February 1892, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1892.

We learn that the Agent-General has cabled to tho Premier that the substance of Lord Onslow's remarks at the Chrislchurch banquet, as to the attitudeof the Colony towards capital, lias been published in London, and has had a re-assuring effect in financial circles, As far as it goes this is very pleasant reading, at the same time it means, we think, a great deal more than this. There is no question but that the capitalists id England have been thoroughly frightened, and the Government must at length be realising this. Capital at all times is very timid. Beady enough to launch out on the most hazardous speculations, it always measures the risk by the prospective gain. But where, as in New Zealand, the gain is by no means extraordinary, capital will not risk itself. Small wonder then that such statements as " the thin end of the wedge" and "only the beginning," of n sweeping system of taxation specially directed at capital coming as they did from the Premier of the colony, should completely scare oapitalandcauseasudden and alarming withdrawal of money. Certainly Mr Seddon has on a public platform expressed himself opposed to any such attitude, but it requires the Premier to positively declare the intentions of the Government before all doubt will be dispelled and confidence restored, The Agent-General has evidently realised two things, and that is, firstly, that a scare in financial circles does exist, and secondly that it is the attitude of the Government that is causing it. This cablegram may well be read in the light of a mild hint to the Premier. It would be one that he, if he has any desire for the security of bis Government, might take, for we are convinced that there are many who, although desirous ol giving the Government their support, are wavering simply on account of this withdrawal of capital from tho colony,