FEDERAL POLITICS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXIX, Issue 7251, 9 August 1907, Page 2

FEDERAL POLITICS.

A PROTECTIONIST BUDGET

MELBOURNE, August 8. Sir William Lyne delivered his Budget to-night. -He claimed that Australia, under Federation, had made a notable advance in trade. The total revenue was £12,832,266, Customs and c'xeise contributing £9,648,662, and the increase over the preceding year being £950,342. The total amount returned! to the States was £7,894,842., The States had received £805,000 in excess of the sum required to be paid under the Braddon clause. He expected that the revenue from sugar in the present year wonld be £47,000, compared with £122,000 in the previous year, while sugar excise "was- estimated to Produce £746,000, compared with £546,000 last year. An analysis" of'the-tariff'is not yet mlly available, but, gtnenilly speak-' ing, it is of a highly protectionist character . Increases . have been made in the majority of lines.' Clothing hasbeen raised to 40 and 45 per cent., ■ woollolis have been raised to 35 per .cent.,' and furniture to 40 per cent. THE COMMONWEALTH TARIFF. (Received August y, 11/34 a.m ) ■" _ MELBOURNE, August 9. • ; Altogether nearly 500 items are dealt with under the tariff. In very many instances there has been an appreciable increase, but a thorough analysis 'has not yet been practicable. The debate has been adjourned until Wednesday Politicians are very reticent until they have had an opportunity of more fully examining the taii/I'. The freeiradc Press characterises tho tariff as a return to tho old Victorian protectionist dut;<\s