DOMINION FINANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 22 April 1927, Page 4

DOMINION FINANCE

j XHKD FOR ECONOMY. WELLINGTON. Ai.ril .’O. WiLlii 11 (lie next fortnight the Minister of Finance (the Hon. \V. Denvnic Stewart) is expected to make a survey of the financial year ended at March 31. and to indicate in a general way the altitude of the Government towards future plans, in which the allimportant factor is the amount of money available This ministerial statement will be the preliminary to further pnliey announcements. which are beginning to be demanded by a public somewhat impatient of an administration so silent on affairs, except when prodded into utterance under such emergencies as the failure of dairv control.

The critics of lack of policy speeches are likely to be satisfied in the near future, though there is not much room in the present financial situation for anything spectacular. Inquiries into the condition of the consolidated fund at the end of the financial year have so far produced nothing but a request for patience until the Treasury completes its routine of cheek and countercheck. This, however, is nearly complete. and there were Cabinet meetings also daily prior to the Faster holidays.

It seems that the 192 G Budget predictions of a very modest surplus are to be realised, but the balance is said to be so small that the announcement will be accompanied by an economy warning which the State Departments will have to take seriously. The Government. it is well understood. is going in for reduced expenditure, be-

cause there is no prospect of a buoy-

ant revenue during the current linan cial vear.

That the Minister of Finance lias not been caught napping bv the seriously reduced Customs receipts of the year just—ended is shown In- the fact that in predicting a possible balance at

March 31. 1927. of £279,000. lie suggested that for that year it would bo nnadvisable to expect any increase in the gross revenue, “in fact.” lie added, “the preparation of this Statement is based on the expectation of a possible