THE IMPERIAL BUDGET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2491, 3 May 1909, Page 5

THE IMPERIAL BUDGET.

SUM TO PROMOTE AFFORESTATION. REBATE ON PETROL. United Press Association —Copvright. LONDON, April 30. The Budget includes the sum of £200,000 to -promote afforestation. There is a similar sum for a new Agricultural Development Department, and £IOO,OOO for a Labor Exchange building. The rebate on petrol is three halfpence, not a halfpenny per case. On commercial vehicles it is stated that the tax represents £7 16s on a taxicab per annum, and £ls 12s on a motor bus. .Private cars will hereafter • pay from twice to twenty times the former, license. • ______ PROJECTED UNIONIST AMENDa _ A4ENT. FAVORABLE AND UNFAVORABLE CRITICISM. (Received May 2, 4.45 p.m.) LONDON, May 1. Owing to "the Budget proposals in regard to liquor licenses, the price of beer has been increased by a half-penny a pint, and that of spirits by a penny a glass. There is a heavy fall in omnibus and motor shares. The Unionists in Parliament have appointed four committees to. prepare a report and an amendment to the Budget. . It is considered that Mr Lloyd-George lias utterly ignored the balance between direct and indirect taxation in order to serve a party purpose. There are several complaints that the Budget is conjectural as to yield. It is persistently reported that Mr. Lloyd-George anticipates a large surplus in 1910, thereby enabling'the removal of considerable taxation, and that tile Government will then appeal to the country. Mr. C. F. G. Masterman, Liberal member for Vest Ham, Noitli, speak ing at Stratford, said that the Budget; was the- biggest instrument of social reforrrt ever devised and a triumph., foi Socialism. Every glass of whisky drunk would add a half-penny for a Dreadnought.