BRITISH POLITICS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 384, 12 May 1908, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

*• London, May 8. The Times remarks that the Budget marks an epoch in national policy. It declares that Mr Asquith is reckless and improvident in disposing of the whole surplus in the face of admitted requirements for larger shipbuilding to keep pace with the development of the German navy.

Several newspapers comment on the absence of a sliding scale, and the fact that those with incomes under 10s receive the pension, and those just above are deprived oi that whereto they contribute. The Daily Mail emphasises the mortality returns, and says the workers are unlikely to be satisfied. It adds that the scheme cannot be final. The future is heavily mortgaged, and tariff reform alone is able to discharge the obligations. The Standard says the Budget seals the doom ot Freetrade.

The Morning Post says Freetrade has played its part and must leave the stage. The Daily Chronicle describes it as the most reckless Budget of modern times.

The Daily News says Mr Asquith has cleared and ploughed the rough ground and it will be Mr Lloyd George’s task to draw from the ready furrows a full harvest of reforms. It adds: “The rapid expansion of pensions is possible from the supertax on large, unearned incomes, and the taxation of site values.”