IMPERIAL BUDGET. THE CAPE GARRISON INCREASED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2253, 6 May 1897, Page 13

IMPERIAL BUDGET. THE CAPE GARRISON INCREASED.

A CHANGE IN FISCAL POLICY FORESHADOWED. London, April 29. In the House of Commons Sir M. HicksBeach introduced the Budget, which shows an additional expenditure of L 200.000 foi the South African garrison and half si million for increasing tha navy. . April 30. In his Budget speech Sir M. Hicks-Beach said the revival of trade had been well maintained dnriDg the year. The receipts totalled L 103.950.000 and the expenditure L 101.477,000. The expenses in connection j with the navy bad increased 40 per cent. j duriDg the last five years, and education 43 per cent. He was doubtful if the elementary j education system gave the best value for tho expenditure inourred. Daring the year the I national debt had been reduced to the I extent of L 7.584.000. The estimated receipts j for the coming year were L 103,360,000 and j the expenditure L 101.791,000. The garruon at the Cape would be materially increased, but this was beicg done in no aggressive spirit. Great Britain intended to fulfil all her obligations, and expected others to do tho same. The proposed increase of postal and telegraph facilities, a reduction of parcel rates, and a reduction of tha foreign and colonial rate to 2d — if the Poßtal Union would consent, — would absorb L36G.000. The balance of the surplus would go to provide improved education to Ireland and Sootland and a generous reception to the Diamond Jubilee guests. Sir M. Hicks-Beach stated that a great change in the fiscal policy might becoma neoeaaary.