APPROPRIATION BILL

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 140, 10 December 1918, Page 8

APPROPRIATION BILL

PRINCIPAL PROPOSALS.

Proposals in the Appropriation Bill introduced in the House of Representatiyes this morning include the follow, ing:—

TheiCommissioner of Taxes may exempt sporta grounds from payment of land tax and income tax if satisfied' that the revenue from such grounds has suffered to such an extent because of the war that payment of the taxes would he a hardship. \ With respect to the regrading of the Public Service it is provided that such regrading shall be made as soon as possible and shall,take effect from Ist April, 1919. The'salaries schedule for the clerical division is repealed' as from that date, and will be replaced by a schedule to be established by Order-in-Oquncil For the purpose of facilitating the regrading, the Governor-General may whenever' there is a vacancy appoint an acting AssistantCommissioner to hold office while his services are required for'{he purposes of the regrading. • ■ .

Authority is given to local authorities to contribute towards funds for celebrating peace. The advances of £600,000 to butter and cheesQ companies are validated. Building Societies are authorised to assist subscribers to the War Loan.

•Tho payment of advances not/exceeding £75,000 for Waimarino bush fire relief! is authorised.

Increased salaries and allowances to teachers are authorised, and power is taken for the Governor-Geneial-in-Coun-cdl to make regulations as to staffing. Authority is taken to borrow additional moneys for lands for settlement (£750,000 instead of £600,000).