PAPERS PRAISE INDUSTRIAL BUDGET.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18448, 26 April 1928, Page 4

PAPERS PRAISE INDUSTRIAL BUDGET.

(United Prei«s Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received April 26, 12.30 p.m.). LONDON, April *25. The newspapers are practically unanimous in describing it as an industrial Budget in conformity with present needs. The “Daily Telegraph” says: “The deplorable plight of - the basic industries has compelled the Government to take up one of the most urgent problems of the day, namely the revision of relationship between national and local taxation. They have recognised that this can only be done in stages, the first of which has been entered with a due sense of the gravity of its farreaching and immense reactions. This is the real heart of the Budget and it is hoped that the British democracy will grasp the essential purpose of the scheme. If a heated discussion arises, as it may on the petrol tax, let the disputants remember that the primary object is to help to create a pool for 4:he relief of sorely-smitten industries and the reduction of the number of unemployed.” The “Daily Express” says: “The heavy impost of'fourpence a gallon on petrol may not be oppressive owing to the present low price, but should petrol rise it will be burdensome. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that the Government should use its power as a majority stockholder in the AngloPersian Company to maintain the price at the present level.” The “Morning Post" states: “Mr Churchill realises that his financial polirv must be made to suit, industry and not vice versa. It is known that out of the now chronic population of 1.000.000 unemployed, nine-tenths are from the staple industries, which formerly'maintained the greatness and strength of the country.” The "Daily Herald” congratulates the

Government on awakening to the plight of the necessitous areas, but questions Mr Churchill’s scheme. It points out that the tax on petrol affects not only the private motorist, but the growing national transport services. It complains that the Budget will mean a general increase in the cost of living, while landowners will benefit enormously from the rate on free farms.— Australian Press Association.