He was of opinion that the position of the colony was becoming very serious indeed. The exports were showing a rapid decline, and although these were assessed on values instead of quanti ties, yet there was undoubtedly a gradual falling off. Wben it was considered that our national debt was about 50 millions, and the private indebtedness to Home institutions brought the total up to close on 100 millions, it would be at once seen the huge amount which had to be provided for interest. This interest had to come out of our produce, and in the event of a farther decline in exports, which appeared to be highly probable, it would be apparent what a serious position they were coming face to face with. It might be possible to keep on borrowing to pay interest, but there must be an end to such finance as that. He quite agreed with the mover of the motion that an increased producing population would be the best cure as it wonld help to increase the wealth of the colony, and at the same time help to distribute the colony's indebtedness. Mr B. Vickery said the great mis take with regard to the national debt was that money was borrowed freely enough, but there was no provision made to pay it off. People in the past had borrowed and spent the money and had since died and left the full debt on the present generation. This he thought was a great wrong done to the people now living. He had a scheme which would do away with the national debt. It was, for the Government to make up how much of the debt each man owed. Then when any one died deduct hi 3 share from whatever property he owned and by this means it would not be long until the debt was paid off. Mr Limbrick, who was present by invitation, said he was quite in accord with the motion and had been making inquiries with a view to getting infor mation on the introduction of agricul tural laborers. When in Wellington recently he made inquiries from the Shipping Coy. 