STATE REVENUE.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20097, 28 November 1930, Page 15

STATE REVENUE.

. » PERIOD OF j i I ADMINISTRATIVE ECONOMY. (PBES3 ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) , ; WELLINGTON, November 27. Speaking on behalf of the Acting-" Prime Minister (the Hon. E. A. ;Ran--som), the Acting-Minister 'for -Finance: (the Hon. Sir Apirana' Ngata) ? to-day-confirmed' the - rumour that a special meeting of Ministers of the Grown and permanent Heads of Departments had been held this morning- for the purpose of discussing administrative efficiency and economy. "The statement contained in this morning's newspaper," remarked Sir Apirana, "does not accurately set out' the position. In the-first place the Government budgeted merely to balance the Rational ledger, and not for a sur-'; plus of £246,000, as is stated. Reference to the Budget will show that the £246,000 referred to was at -that- stage of events estimated -to be- available for supplementary estimates and -contingencies. The latter item includes -unauthorised expenditure which may accrue after the Parliamentary session has ended. Further, reference to the speech in the House by the Acting-" Minister for Finance on the Appropriation Bill will, show that at that stage there had occurred evidence of a. falling off in the Customs revenue, which it was estimated would amount to at least £250,000 for the year. Steps to be taken to meet that position were in-; dicated and it was then hoped that by. careful administration and a close con. trol over expenditure : for - the. second lialf of the year accounts would be balanced at March 31st next.' Subse-.. quent events have confirmed the belief that not only the estimated shortage in Customs revenue would accrue, but; in addition that there is a probability, of a serious • revenue shortage in- rail-way-interest compared with the amount allowed for in the Budget. "The position now reached is.therefore due to contracting revenue andnot to the possibility .of expenditure proving' greater than was expected. Inso far as expenditure is concerned the figures for the period - ended :Oetober .Slst, including outstanding imprests as compared - with'- a proportionate -part of the year's appropriations, show a total reduction for the whole of the Consoli-' dated Fund of £664,776. Whereas jt is not contended that this basis is sarily a reliable guide to the year's expenditure results, '.owing -to-; the.ineir deuce -of -payments', '-itshows that the. BtatemenfLth,it th 6 Government -.13, now -faced With.. thS possiy bility of expenditure proving-'- -greattf?"" than was expected has no foundation ifL faet, and ig puie imagination.