, 1876-04-01

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changes must be made to meet this state of
things, and we are now on the eve of changes;
we may soon expect Ordinances to be submit
ted for effeoting such changes, and before
they are discussed no change could be made in
the Budget; but when those Ordinances emanate,
in the course Of the year we have under con.
gideration, the effects thereof will at once show
themselves in theBudget and financial status.
Therefore he could not see the use Of postpon.
ing the Budget now. AS it is not yet decided
whether the Draft will be referred to a Com
mittee, be would now beg to make a few
remarks on some few items. We notice from
the Money Bill to item E that the Building
expenses are this year estimated at a very low
figure, viz 1895, the lowest sum be can
remember having seen proposed for that pur-
pose but we will notice further that for
covering possible excess of estimates and un.
%fOreseen expenses an almost equal amount viz
$500 is carried out. Tuis appears rather odd
and on two or three recent occasions the
Council agreed to reduce the item to 5000.
while here again it appears with that unneces.
sariIy high sum. In the Budget it will be
noticed that $50 are again carried out for a
Veterinary Surgeon, and in the remarks to
the Draft It is stated thati it might in the course
Of the year be requisite to procure veterinary
assistance, therefore the amount is proposed.
He would beg to ask if the Government had
taken, or intended to take any steps in that
direction. The presence of a veterinary sur
geon is often missed, and the country NAV
some time come to regret that we have no
skilled veterinary assistance.
The President would point out that the hon.
durable Bird Member for Christiansted (Hansonl
as we'll as the honorable End Member for
Frederiksted (Faber) had expressed than.
selves stronger than he, the President. had
when they spoke of radical changes that are
about to be made. What changes are to be-
made, cannot be discussed in the present
moment but be could not, and had not com.
mitted himself by such strong foreshadowings Of
radical changes, as the honorable Members had
alluded to so much the less at the present time
when the Governor in Chiefs absent, and Gov.
ernOr Garde, together with almost the whole
Community, is of the firm opinion, that before
thinking of any such changes, we must first see
the result of the Central Factory question. IF,
as We expect, the quantity of the produce from
the same amount of canes will be nearly doubled
with Central Factory, and the quality Of the pro-
dlce considerably improved, already the export
duty on that would cause an increase in the
finances of the colony. Besides that, from all
what he has proved ENTHUSIASTICALLY, with hard
figures, the Island has even hitherto, with ex.
ception Of the last few years, been able to
cover It's expenses we may hope for a cor
tinuance of the samo in future. 1t is with the
Public affairs as with any private party ; the
best plan is liable to be frustrated by ciroum.
stances but until we have come to some So
luton in regard to the Central Factory
matter, on which our plans are so much based,
1t is premature to think or speak of changes.
Governor Garde may be expected here
in about 6 weeks, and he will bring all
possible information on the subject, Of
course, If the Island be unable to bear is
expenses and no change can be made In the
manufacture of our Staples, then radical changes
will force themselves on the community, But
he would guard against bis remarks being
construed as conveying promise Of such changes.
As regards the remarks from the honorable
Member concerning 1t Veterinary Surgeon, be
fully agreed with him from the public point
of view, as We are not to know what calamities
might arise from not having skilled veterinary
aid IN the Island in the event of an epidemic !;
in times past there was one Estate he knew
of which was totally ruined by having no one
to attend to the cattle. But the amount
allowed from the Public funds Is totally In.
adequate to attract a man understanding bis
business to come here. The only way to
secure the services of d veterinary would be
by Estates agreeing to guarantee him q
certain amount yearly and for this pur-
pose he had, some time ago, sent cir
cuIars to planters asking if they would
engage themselves TO that effect but the
returns were in a singular manner negatived {.