OUR RECORD YEAR.
Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 76810, 4 April 1903, Page 3
About this newspaper
OUR RECORD YEAR.
Increases All Round.
Absentees to be T Doubly Taxed. .
Threatened Bank Legislation
Levels Estate Purchased
Thanks and Welcome
Press Association
Gore, Friday. Mr Seddon, addressing a large public meeting, said last year's revenue had increased approximately by £275,430, increases being shown in nearly all branches. The excess estimated revenue was £302,500, and the surplus this year would be about £250,000 or £300,000. The imports for the year just ended were approximately £11,484,000, and exports £15,083,000, a record year. The margin would pay interest on the public and private indebtedness, and still leave cash to come into the colony. It was intended to double the absentee land tax next session.
In regard to the Bank of New Zealand the Government would consider three propositions :—(1) A State Bank; he saw no harm in Government issuing notes ; (2) Leaving behind the Bank of New Zealand a portion of the sum given as guarantee, that portion to be interestbearing and the Government retaining some control over the Bank; (3) Withdrawing altogether, and leaving the Bank to the shareholders and itself. The last idea was not favored by the Government.
The Premier contrasted the amount received for last loan £91 14s with the amount gained for the previous loan £91 4s, showing that the colony should be congratulated rather than criticised. He announced the purchase of the Levels estate, Tlmaru, at a satisfactory price. He supported an increase of tho colony's contribution to the Imperial Navy to £30,000 so as to ensure up-todate ships. A hearty vote of thanks and welcome was passed to the Premier with great enthusiasm.
