MAKING UP THE REVENUE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIII, Issue 8817, 13 March 1914, Page 5

MAKING UP THE REVENUE.

MR WADE'S CRITICISM

(Received March 13, ,10.45. a.m.) ■■. The Budget estimates that the income; tax amendments will bring in £495,570, and the probate and stamp duty ,£113,000, a total of' £608,570. This gives a surplus of £38,853 on the years-transactions, but owing to last year's deficit there will tsiill remain a debit balance of '£1,128,164. on June 30 next. j ' . As an alternative'means of revenue, the Government contemplates taking control.of the sale of petrol or a tax on motor-cars and lorries.

Despite the deficit, the abounding prosperity experienced indicates an expansion of business. , : ; , ' In the Sayings Bs£nk, t the balance -to credit of depositors was increased, by £2^000,000. ' • :' >■,;■" The loan expenditure in the current year will be at the same rate as last year—£B,7oo,ooo. » Of this sum £6,700,000 was spent on railways and waterworks.. The most important work now in progress is the duplication of the main trunk lines.

Mr Wade (leader of the Opposition), criticising the Budget, said the Premier's whole speech was devoted to a miserable confession that year after year he was compelled to acknowledge a deficiency. The Government, after its financial debauchery, had not the moral courage to put its hands to the plough of reform and adjustment, for vfear of losing ft few, votes. -' The debate was adjourned till next Thursday.