THE PITH OF THE BUDGET.

Otago Witness, Issue 3419, 26 September 1919, Page 41

THE PITH OF THE BUDGET.

TREASURY FINANCE

NEW PROPOSALS

Tho most important items in the Budget relating to the financial operations of the Treasury and the new proposals _ contained in the Budget are thus summarised: — War loan moneys raised in the dominion, as at June 30, had reached a total of approximately £43,761,655; approximate cost of raising, one-half of 1 per cent. Investments in London increased . to £16,804,384, as at 31st March, 1919. Ordinary, revenue reserve increased to £12,021,529, as at 31st March, 1919. Redemptions and renewals effected amounting to £1,705,265. Net surplus of year's revenue, £3,678,773. Total accumulated surplus on 31st March, 1919, £15,239,561. Total lodgments to publio account, year 1918-19, £72,440,211, as compared with £17,120,240 for the year 1913-14. Total disburssments from publio account, £74,184,737 for 1918-19, as compared with £17,106,489 for the year 1913-14. Customs revenue, £330,681 above estimate. Public works expenditure, £1,207,921. Income tax receipts increased by £599,775 Land tax reosipts increased by £126,985. Stamp revenue increased by £232,759. Excess of Post Office Savings Barak deposits over withdrawals, £3,162,263. Thirty-one estates purchased for discharged soldiers, making a total area of 507,890 acres thrown open for settlement. £831,420 authorised for soldier settlers by way of financial assistance. £318,752 authorised as advances to discharged soldiers engaged in town vocations to pnroha®3 homes. 34,071 war pensions granted to 31st March, 1910. representing an annual value of £2,289,333. Total payments to producers for supplies purchased on behalf of the ImDerial Government, £95,909.600.

War expenditure to 30th June, 1919, (including £4,096,911 imprest advances to meet commitments). £66.118.085. £50,000 additional subsidy to Railways Superannuation Fund.

£600.0C0 to be provided for Government hydro-electric schemes.. Increased payments to Government employees. Teachers' salaries to be increased. Additional provision to be made for school buildings, etc. Provision for workers' dwellings. £2.000.000 for war pensions.

£2.090,000 for public works. Loan for soldiers' land settlement, £l4 500.000.

Educational, curative, and vocational trn. ; Tiinjr to be provided for. "War gratuities to sobers, £6,050,000. War memorial, £IOO.OOO. Total additional amount required for Expeditionary Force, £29.325.000. Allowances to be granted to widows and children of epidemic victims.