8.—6

XX

The rebate in the rents of our Crown tenants will be appreciated. That it should have been given spontaneously by the Government, and not owing to pressure from the tenants themselves or from their representatives, redounds to their credit, and affords a complete answer to those who have said that the Crown tenants would become a political factor which could not be resisted in the future. The reduction in the mortgage-tax is warranted, and will be a great boon to many whose thrift for some time past has been unduly taxed. The large landowners of the colony have no good ground to complain, as, with the great majority this Liberal Government has behind it, widespread alarm has been manifested. The moderation of these proposals goes to prove a generosity that is problematical if positions were reversed. We must, however, have lands suitable for close settlement. Future action will depend greatly as to how large landowners meet the position. The provision made' for the more expeditious construction of our main trunk lines of railways will, I feel sure, be cheerfully granted. Had the moneymarket been more favourable the probabilities are that power to ask for more would have been sought, but all who understand how susceptible and delicate finance really is will appreciate the moderation of the borrowing proposals for this year. Luckily there was an unexpended balance on last year's loan, and, with the half-million surplus this year, the one million we ask for will fully meet the necessary increased expenditure, and thus providing for a much increased rate of construction as compared with the past year. It would be impossible in the concluding paragraph to summarise all the matter contained in the Statement. There is that most important question as affecting our relations with the Australian Commonwealth, reciprocity with the Islands, and the assured closer connection in the future. Eeference is made to preferential tariffs with the Mother-country, and the cementing thereby of that bond of union which is essential to the strength and well-being of the Empire. Land for settlements stands out in bold relief; and the necessity for acquiring lands so that our people may be put thereon on reasonable terms is of paramount importance. The demand for roads to give access to our settlers in the back blocks must be met. The relationship between capital and labour is all that can be desired, and I can safely say that a better feeling obtains to-day than hitherto existed in our colony. It is my earnest desire at all times to promote and maintain this good feeling, for it is essential and for the good of all that employer and employe should take a deep interest in each other's welfare, and work together for the good of both. Technical education and the general education of our children has not been overlooked, whilst the well-being of the teachers, who have a responsibility almost equal to, if not greater than, that of the parents themselves, has been seen to. Public health is a subject far-reaching and important. Our laws in this respect have proved to be defective. Acts of State have had to be performed for which there was no legal provision. Local bodies have been called upon, and yet the necessary provision for them to do what was required was wanting. The proposals may be considered by some too drastic; but, where health and life itself are at stake, powers are necessary, and the people may rely that these powers will only be exercised for the good of all. No one, not even the most pessimistic, can deny that our colony is prospering. This prosperity is in a great measure due to the energy, perseverance, and indomitable pluck of our sturdy colonists, assisted as they have been by just and progressive laws, which invigorated, and not, as in years gone by, crippled, their efforts. We here in this fair land have a bounteous natural wealth in our scenery, thermal waters, splendid land, moderate and beautiful climate, together with vast mineral deposits, equalled only by those of our Mother-land; and it is not boasting when I say that New Zealand will be the largest supplier of coal and manufacturer of iron and steel south of the line; whilst in respect to the precious metals we shall ever hold a prominent place. Members here in a pronounced degree represent the aspirations and ideals of the people; and seeing there is on these benches a stable Government composed of men whose only desire is to serve the people faithfully and well, who shall wonder that our country is prosperous and its inhabitants happy, comfortable, and contented ?