II

8.—6

I think it will be admitted, in view of the above facts, that the handsome surplus which has been announced is proof of the soundness of the liberal and progressive legislation which has been endorsed by Parliament, and also of careful administration on the part of the Government. REVENUE. The revenue for the year was estimated at £11,789,602, but the total collections amounted to £12,224,339, or £434,737 in excess of the estimate, made up as indicated in the following table :—

From the comparative table furnished hereunder it will be seen that an increase of £490,317 over the revenue of the previous financial year is recorded. £ Revenue, 1913-14 .. .. .. .. 12,224,339 Revenue, 1912-13 .. .. .. .- 11,734,022 Increase .. .. .. .. £490,317

Consolidated Fund Revenue for the Financial Year ended the 31st March, 1914, compared with the Previous year.

Difference. Receipts. Estimated. Actual. More. I Less. -evenue Account — Customs Railways Stamps Postal and Telegraph Land-tax Income-tax Beer Duty Registration and other Fees Marine Miscellaneous • .. Territorial Revenue National Endowment Revenue £ 3,250,000 4,200,000 1,000,000 1,230,000 750,000 470,000 124,000 92,000 51,200 360,000 190,000 72,402 £ 3,426,744 4,028,739 1,221,971 1,257,537 767,451 554,271. 127,041 100,635 53,037 424,067 190,444 72,402 £ 176,744 £ 171,261 221,971 27,537 17,451 84,271 3,041 8,635 1,837 64,067 444 605,998 171,261 171,261 Totals 11,789,602 12,224,339 434,737

1913-14. I 1912-13. Increase. Decrea.se. lonsolidated Fund, — Ordinary Revenue , —■ Customs Stamps (Stamp Department) Postal and Telegraph Land-tax Income-tax Beer Duty Railways Registration and other Fees Marine Miscellaneous Territorial Revenue National Endowment Revenue £ 3,426,744 1,221,971 1,257,537 767,451 554,271 127,041 4,028,739 100,635 53,037 424,067 190,444 72,402 £ 3,407,538 1,052,347 1,167,977 728,636 462.994 124,223 3.968,350 93,930 . 52,765 361,339 254,509 59,414 £ 19,206 169,624 89,560 38,815 91,277 2,818 60,389 6,705 272 62,728 £ 64,065 12,988 Totals .. 554,382 64,065 64,065 12,224,339 11,734,022 490,317