DEBATE ON THE BUDGET.

Grey River Argus, 27 August 1917, Page 3

DEBATE ON THE BUDGET.

LABOUR MEMBER'S VIEWS Resuming the debate on the Budget Mr. A. Walker said that at such a time as the present the bonus to Civil servants could be very well dispensed with but as £400,000 would be provided for that purpose he hoped that Parliament would see that it was devoted exclusively to men receiving salaries of £300 and less. The profits tax should not have been abolished but amended in the direction of .ncrcasing.it, as many firms could >yell have paid more than 45 per cent lie thought that in future war taxation would have to go in the direction of direct conscription of wealth. In connection with the cost of living the Government might at the outbreak of the war have gone in extensively for commandeering foodstuffs. The Premier was too busy a man to give the necessary attention to the business of the Board of Irade, and the speaker suggested a change in the presidency of the board. Indeed a general reshuffling of Ministerial portfolios wab necessary for efficient administration of the Government Departments. The graduation of the amusement tax was most inequitable. At least sixpenny tickets should be free. Failing a readjustment of portfolios then the air should be cleared by a general election -at the termination of the term of Parliament. He felt confident that the people were not satisfied with the administration of the Government and an appeal to the electors was the only way to clear up the point.