THE SURPLUS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 10638, 14 April 1906, Page 4

THE SURPLUS.

OVER THREE-QUARTERS OF A

MILLION.

SPEECH BY MR SEDDON,

Tho Premier in his speech at Rangiora on Wednesday dealt with results of the financial year just closed. He stated that old age pensions last year had amounted to £254,300— £30,700 less than was anticipated. The number of * pensioners had decreased by 200 since 1902. He still thought the colony might "come to a system of voluntary contributions, subsidised By the State. He then went on to refer to the finance of the past' year. The revenue was as follows :— ' A.— Approximate results for the year 1905-1906— Surplus, say, £750,000, made up as follows: — Receipts for year, £7,828;300, expenditure £7,189,300, '• excess of receipts over expenditure, £489,000 (?). Balance from last year £761,000, less transfer to Public Works Fund £500,000, £261,000. Balance,, March 31st, 1906 (approximate), £775,---000. The figures were only approximate, for the imprest accouaits were outstanding. . B.— Approximate revenue results 1905---1906.—Estimate for ine year, '£7>09,600,; I actual receipts £7,568,300. Excess of revenue over estimate £160,700 ; . com- j pared with previous year's ... revenue 4 , (£7,282,870), an increase of £280;436. ? He thought he was safe in. saying that when aU the returns were made, the credit balance would be a record for the colony. \ He would give it that night at £775,000. , A comparative statement of the estimated and actual receipts and expendi-; tore. of the Consolidated Fund (revenue; accorait) for the financial year ended March 31st, 1906, showed :-!-Receipts,* estimated and actual: Customs, £2,662,-* 000 and £2,697,400 j railways, £2,240,000! and £2,333,600; stamps, £1,171,500 and £1,199,100; land tax £365,000 arid' £385,700; income tax,, £262,000 and £261,600; beer duty, £97,000 and £98,---100; registration and other fees, £108,-^ 500 and £100,000; marine £38,500 ; and £36,700; miscellaneous, £200,000 and £190,400; territorial revenue £260,-; 100 and £280,700. He hoped those who professed to be anxious about the future of the colony would be satisfied.