BUDGET ANGERS PEOPLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 750, 24 August 1929, Page 11

BUDGET ANGERS PEOPLE

BURST OF INDIGNATION IN AUSTRALIA INCREASE IN TAXATION CANBERRA. Friday. The new customs duties which were announced in his Budget speech by the Federal Treasurer, Dr. Earle G. Page, yesterday, became operative today. They are expected to yield an addition to the revenue of £2,750,000. Foreign and intermediate duties on motor chassis are raised 10 per cent., and spirit and wines will pay an additional 2s a gallon. The excise duty on local and imported beers is raised by 3d and is now 2s a gallon. The tobacco duty is j

raised by Sd. The Treasurer stated that the increased revenue would be obtained from luxuries, without adding to the cost of living. The new customs and excise duties, with the extra taxation on incomes and amusements, have caused an outburst of indignation throughout Australia. The newspapers generally severely condemn the Federal Treasurer’s announcement. Theatre managers and those engaged in the motor industry predict severe losses and trade disturbance, with a repercussion in rural districts. It is reported today that the increased duties on liquors, picture films, motor chassis and petrol have caused a slump in shares on the Stock Exchange. The “Evening News” says the Government cannot regard the reaction on the electors xvith anything but misgiving. LONDON COMMENT A London message says the “Financial News” describes the new Australian taxes as the price the public has to pay for the Labour disturbances. The most favourable features of the Budget are the continuance of British preference and the provision for the redemption of debts.