Provision will be made lor enabling gold-mining companies to claim in their assessment for Income tax a deduction for depreciation in tbe value of tlie mine con sequent on fche extraction of fche gold which enabled dividends to be paid. This will give them the relief they are fairly entitled to. CIVIL SERVICE INSURANCE. The Government is of opinion thafc a scheme in accordance wifch modern ideas should be brought into operation whereby not only those dependent on Civil servanta would be immediately provided for in the event of the deatb of fche bread-winner, but Civil servants themselves would have an assured, income to look forward to in their old age without any anxiety as fco investment. Ifc is anticipated that under such an arrangement claims for compas sionate allowance would cease. The Government, however, thinkß that such a scheme should be self-Bupportinf- — thafc is, fchafc the contributions necessary should be provided for out of the salaries of the persons concerned in ifc. The Government Insurance Department has been consulted, and I am informed there would be no difficulty about ita undertaking the work. Tho Government is of opinion that pro-

vision under certain restrictions Bhould be made so that the benefits of the scheme might be extended to the police forco, school teachers, personß permanently em ployed in the Government Printing Office, as well as to other persons permanently employed by the Government; outside the ordinary Civil Service. THK LATK CRISIS IN AUSTEALIA. I feel it incumbent upon me to say a word or fcwo in connection with fche recent; financial disasters that have unfortunately overtaken our friends in the adjoining Colonies. The regret those disasters have caused me is, I feel sure, shared by all classes in this country, for when such an untoward event has to be chronicled, it cannot fail to elicit our sympathy. During the height of the crisis a fear was entertained that its ill effects might reach our Colony, and this occasioned the Govornment & greafc deal of anxiety. We were, however, ready to meet any emergency, should decided action have been necessary. 