NO BUDGET EXCITEMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1917, Page 2

NO BUDGET EXCITEMENT.

Ground for Thankfulness. London, May 2 There is little excitement over the Budget. It is an open eeoret that the changes are unimportant. Mr Bonar Law’s gigantic figures are not a subject for rejoicing but ate ground for thankfulness that we are able to bear the financial strain against the greatest act of madness and the greatest crime in the world’s history. The receipts exceeded the estimate by £71,153,000 of which the income tax and supertax accounted for £1,000,000 ; excess profits including the munition levy totalled £53,920,000, Revenue from all sources totalled £573,428, and expenditure £2.798,113,000. Excise and Customs had fallen by £9,069,000 owing to the restrictions on shipping. Excess expenditure totalled £372,000,000 over Hon R. McKenna’s estimate, due to the increase of muni> tious and advances to the Allies and Dominions.

Official Report. Wellington, May 4 The High Commissioner reports, London, May 3rd, at 1.30 p.m. General Haig reports there is heavy fighting all along the front of the exHiDdenburg line southwards of Ssns?e to Aohevelleviy road. We have already captured a number of strong hostile positions. A German Apology (Received May 4, at 8.40 a.m.) Buenos Atres, May 3 A Germun Note ro Argentina apologises and offers reparation for the siukiug of the Monte Protegedo. Appropriation Bill Passed Washington, May 3 The Army and Navy Appropriation Bill of over five hundred millions sterling passed by 362 to 1. The only voter against it was Meyer, a Socialist. An Amusing Story London, May 3 An amusing story is told in oar.-

[ nection with the sinking of the Balk--1 rat. It is stated that the man was a i stutterer who first saw the apprcaohl iog torpedo which struck before he • could give warning. ! German Kultur- , New Yoke, May 3 I Ackermann, formerly New York Tribune’s correspondeut at Berlin quotes the Tageblatt aa stating that three million illegitimates were born in Germany since the beginning of the ? war. He adds that the German Government is encouraging procreation, and may legitimatise and make them wards of the J3fate. Damaged. [EEOTEE’S BEBVICB.—COPYRIGHT.) New York, May 3 .The third seaplane damaged by the Genas’ fire was towed to land. Will Fight for Kaiserdom. ' Amsterdam, May 3 The Reichstag has reopened. The President in referring to the United States intervention said that President Wilson’s profession of friendship for the German people would not impress the latter, who would fight for Kaiserdom with their heart’s blood.

Admiralty Changes. (Received May 4, at 9.25 e.m.) London, May 3 The Daily Chronicle states further changes in the Admiralty organisation, are pending, notably the strengthening of the War Staff 'and rearrangement of shipbuilding work, for hastening construction. Sir Edward Carson dees not intend to resign. Chiii’s Attitude. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter), London, May 3 The Press Bureau states the Chilian Legation declares that Chili always followed a polioy of peace and American solidarity. Chili does not seek the supremacy of South America. Her attitude to Germany’s new blockade, accords with the policy of other American nations.