OPPOSITION CRITICISM.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIII, Issue 115, 13 May 1909, Page 8

OPPOSITION CRITICISM.

REPLIED TO BY THE PRIME

MINISTER

[press association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, May 13. The Prime Minister replied last night to criticisms by Messrs Massey, J. Allen and W. Eraser on the finances of the Dominion, and answered the arguments of what he called the "budding Treasurers." He scouted the idea that widows were to be taxed for "Dreadnoughts." The succession duties were not. high enough, but he had not suggested ' taxing widows. Despite all criticisms, the facts were that the country had a surplus of £184,000, and that £792,000 had been paid off the debts arid put into the sinking funds. '