THE COMING ELECTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 69, 22 March 1910, Page 5

THE COMING ELECTION.

EAGER PREPARATIONS MADE. ANTICIPATIONS FOR APRIL. NATIONALISTS AND. THE BUDGET. (By Cable.—Press Association.— (Received 8.5 a.m.)

LONDON, March 21. The newspapers of both parties refer to the eager preparations for an election, which some now anticipate in April. Many inquiries were made in the House of Commons to-day on various phases of finance. Mr. Asquith refused all information. except that at present it was not intended to have two Budgets rolled into one. It was still intended to pass the Budget before the spring recess. Newspapers report that Mr. Wm. O'Brien and Mr. T. Healy recently visited Mr. Lloyd George, Chancellor of the Exchequer. ■ Mr. O'Brien writes that there is good reason to hope that the extra spirit duties, the land burdens, and general revaluation will be dropped, otherwise the Budget and its authors and their accomplices are doomed. l The "Star" asks why Mr. Asquith and ! Mr. Redmond do not meet for the purpose of coming to an arrangement immediately. The "Westminster Gazette" is unsympathetic towards any arrangement with the Nationalists. THE FINANCIAL EMBROGLIO. INCOME TAX REFUNDS, (Received 8.5 a.m.) LONDON, March 21. The Bank of England, in view of the Government's decision not to secure legislative sanction to the collection of income tax, has informed the London County Council that the bank intends to refund the amount deducted upon the applicai tion of owners of stock. i The announcement refers to 74_ million London stock, whereon the income tax totals £120,000 sterling. . The Council hitherto held this at the Government's disposal, but the Treasury never applied for it. The Council agreed with the bank's decision. SIGNIFICANT. (Received 8.30 a.m.)' LONDON, March 21. Those who" expect that Mr. Asquith will shortly retire-from Downing-street, the official residence of the Prime Minister, have drawn attention to the fact that his old residence in Cavendish Square is being cleaned and prepared for habitation.