THE FEDERAL BUDGET.

Northern Advocate, 3 October 1913, Page 5

THE FEDERAL BUDGET.

REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.

MELBOURNE, Oct. 3.

The Federal Budget shows estimated revenue for the year of £21,462,000 and an estimated expenditure of £24,115,000. The loan expenditure on new works and buildings was £3,----080,000 and the public debt on June, 1912, was £292,256,000. The Estimates of expenditure for the curren year include £15,500 towards the cost of the visit of the British Association, £5000 for the relief of the Mawson Antarctic expedition, £3700 for an aviation instructiton school and £1,092,000 towards construction of the fleet.

The Treasurer proposes to float a loan of £3,080,000 to cover cost of the Kalgoorlie-Port Augusta railway.

No fresh, taxation is proposed. The Government intends to introduce a Bill to take over the State debts relieving the States of all liabilities as they mature.

The sugar industry is to be assisted in every possible way including an effort to induce cultivation in the Northern Territory.

The Budget shows 82,943 old age and 13,739 invalid pensions in operation and 85,226 maternity allowances having been paid. It is proposed to amend the last-named Act so as to only pay those in need.

During the past twelve years the savings bank deposits increased from 31 to 73 millions, the average per head increasing from £8 3/ to £15 6/. The total trade of Australia in 1912 amounted to £157,254,000, having practically doubled in ten years.