He contended that the financial discussion should have first, taken place. The Treasurer had received a great deal of adulation for his Financial Statement, but he (Mr Hutchi son^ considered that the statement was mis leading and not calculated to show'the true state : ; of the colony's, finances. He quoted figures to prove that according to his showing they would be £171,000 to'the bad at the end of the current year—Mr Tatlok wished to know what position they would be in if they passed the Estimates, and if. the House next week decided against the property tax so that it would involve the resignation of the Ministry.— The Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson said nobody ex pected that the Estimates would be passed that night, or even in a week. As to the question about theproperty tax, he wonld prefer to reply to that when the contingency arose.—After lengthy discussion in' which several members objected to the vote being passed without J details being ; given, Sir H. A. Atkinson .'explained that the Speaker of the Legislative Council had con sulte^d him and suggested that as there was no one'in'-the House now to take charge of the Council estimates, those estimates should be ; passed- in; a lump sum. There was only an in-'. crease of £50 from the' vote of last, year, which' ■ was for the salary of examiner of private bills, who was also an officer of this House.—Mr Monk strongly objected to any increases being given, J and , prophesied ,a heavy*.deficit next year.—Mr Saundebs also protested against the enormous cost of*the civil service, and said that notwithstanding, all the. economy prac tised by the Government there was still gross extravagance going on especially when-, the country was - being starved ih the "matter of school; expenditure. *' He should advise; the Premier to visit his (Mr Saunders') district and see the destitution amongst the poor fanners. If he did so he thought he would be willing to reduce the. heavy expenditure onT those big buildings in Wellington.—Mr Smith hoped the Premier would carry the small increases he pro posed to Post Officeofficials and telegraphists. 