SOUTH AFRICAN BUDGET

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160641, 3 May 1920, Page 4

SOUTH AFRICAN BUDGET

GREAT EXPANSION OF ‘LUXTTRT

TPADKS

Association.—May 3, 8.20 a.m. CAPETOWN, April 30. Introducing the Budget in th© As. nembly, .Mr Burton said the revenue for the current year was estimated at 23 J millions, and the amount actually realised was 26-J millions, an increase of 16 per cent., largely due to the phenomenal rise in. diamonds and the heavy increase in the importation of luxuries, Tho expenditure amounted to 24-i millions, leaving a surplus of 2J millions, • which, according to law, would be devoted to the redemption of the debt. Mr Burton described the expansion of trade as startling. Referring to the coming financial year, ho said ho estimated the revenue at 28 millions and the expenditure at 271 millions, with a surplus of a little over half a million. Since 1914 the cost of public servicee had risen by 4J- millions. The Post Office was not paying its way, and it was proposed to raise the letter jwstage from Id per half-orr.ee to lid for 1J ounces. Telegraph rates would also be increased. Tho revenue from 1 hose charges would increase the surplus to A 488,000. It was proposed to apply ■this in reducing the difficulties for the poorer classes. The estimated surplus would thus disappear, leaving a deficit of ,£37,000, which would look after itself.