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Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2486, 16 June 1888, Page 2

Tiik report of the committee of the Auckland Political Financial Reform Association ou the fiscal proposals of the Government, contains the following declaration of opinion : —'' That the revenue estimated as likely to be collected from the increased duties proposed, is not likely to be realised within a very considerable amount of that calculated upon, while they add seriously to the burdens now borne by the people, in a time of prolonged and universal depression. The public generally as well as the members of this Association do, however, strongly object, and protest in the most forcible manner they are able, that the Government should resort to the infliction of heavier sacrifiees by the impoverished tax-payers of the colouy until further and greater efforts are made to reduce the ruinous expenditure for carrying on the government of a population a trifle over 000,000 people." The report further states that the House should first insist upon larger retrenchment which has stopped far short of the requirements of the country. It is opposed to the system of pensions and is in favour of raising the school age to six years, and considerable reductions in the cost of education. The report is signed by Mr J. M. McLachlan, for the committee, and is framed in a firm and earnest spirit, Mr John Buchanan is chairman of the Association.

The debate on Mr Beetham's amendment to the motion for going into Committee on the Customs Bill came to a conclusion on Thursday and was lost ou a division by 50 to 27. Major Jackson voted with the Government and Mr J. B. Whyte for the amendment. Sir George Grey voted against the Government on this occasion. The Bill was then committed and progress reported. It is generally expected that important alterations will be made in various items when the Tariff is in Committee.