DOMINION FINANCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1760, 4 December 1917, Page 3

DOMINION FINANCE.

THE NENT -INSTALMENT TO THE LOAN. Auc Ida nd, Y es ler day . A statement regarding the’finances of the Dominion was made by Sir Joseph Ward. He stated that the next instalment of the War Loan of £26,000,000, authorised last session, would probably be placed upon the market about March. The amount of the issue would not exceed £ll,000,000; in all probability it would be about £10,000,000. “When this, further sum has been obtained,” said the Minister, “it will be sufficient to make full provision for all the Dominion’s requirements up till the end of next July. By that time Parliament will again be in session, and we will be in a position to know what further money is needed if the war continues for the succeeding twelve months.” In regard to the financial situation generally, Sir Joseph said the figures for the period ended 30th November were not available, but he was able to say the position was satisfactory. In reference to post-war possibilities, he reiterated his previously expressed opinion that money will not be dear after the close of hosu tilities. Much more money, he considered, wopld fie available for investment after the of peace than was provided before (he war from Great Britain, the United States, and Japan. A great deal of commercial and industrial development work would need to be undertaken after the war in all parts of the British Empire, but it would he impossible to carry out this work on the basis of higher rates of interest. It would act as a serious deterrent to progress if there was any attempt to keep up the high rates now ruling. He did not think there was any ground for apprehension on this account.