IMPERIAL BUDGET.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2515, 31 May 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL BUDGET.

A SERIES OF MODIFICATIONS

INTRODUCED BY A FINANCE BILL,

United Press Association— Copyright

(Received May 30, 4.45 p.m.)

LONDON, May 29

The Finance Bill introduced in connection with the Budget proposals is of 62 pages and '74 claaises. Two or three concessions are granted, and others will probably be inserted in committee. The Bill allows for decrements without mentioning a scale, and also allows deductions in the increment of valuation for buildings, on land goodwill, agricultural improvements, and reversionary duties. It does not apply to leases below' 21 years. No duty for undeveloment is levied on public parks nor domestic gardens of less than one acre. A reduction is allowed for site values increased by the owner. The Bill slightly alters the original pro* posal as to hotel licenses, basing the charges on the liquor sales instead of making licenses equal to half the rent. The duties on petrol and motor cars are unaltered. No change has been made in response, to the protests from hanks and merchants. A fine of £SO daily is imposed on persons who fail to make an income return for super-tax purposes. Clubs ''are to make annual returns of the liquor sold on which dut-

ies are imposed. Critics consider the working of the Bill so l complex that its adoption will have to he left to- a staff of permanent officials. ,Tho land clauses amount to an alteration of the whole land tenure, and may possibly induce the House of Lords to demand separate Land Bills.

ANOTHER ATTACK ON THE BUDGET.

"MEMORANDUM BY THE SURVEYORS’ INSTITUTION.

(Received May 30, 4.45 p.m.) LONDON, May 29

The Council of the Surveyors’ Institution has issued an important memorandum against -the methods of making increment reversions on uncovered building land and ungotten minerals, and their effect upon enterprise and thrift.