BUDGET PRESENTED BY MR NASH

Southland Times, Issue 25747, 10 August 1945, Page 6

BUDGET PRESENTED BY MR NASH

MINIMUM WAGE PROVIDED FOR ADULT WORKERS

(Special) WELLINGTON, August 9 No changes in the existing rates of taxation are provided for in the Budget, which was presented in the House of Representatives tonight by the Minister of Finance, Mr Nash. However, Mr Nash promised that certain adjustments in the basis or income taxation would be made during next financial year. Legislation is to be. introduced to provide for a minimum wage for all adult workers. Sickness, 1 unemployment and invalidity benefits are to be provided on the basis of £2 for each father and mother and 10/- for each child, and age benefits tor those who qualify are to be at the rate of £2 a week at the age of 60. The amended benefits will operate from October 1. The war expenditure for the current year is estimated at £105,400,000 compared with £130,000,000 in the past year and £152,900,000 in 1943-44, the peak year. The national development programme involves the expenditure of £5,590,000 on housing and £4,000,000 on electricity supply. “As mentioned in his Excellency’s speech at the opening or the session,” said Mr Nash, “legislation will be introduced to amend the Superannuation Acts, particularly in relation to the £3OO limit, also the necessary Bills to take over and expand the national airways system and the acquisition of the privatelyowned shares in the Bank of New Zealand.