THE DOMINION'S FINANCES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 205, 6 February 1915, Page 5

THE DOMINION'S FINANCES.

*> 3(7 1 STATEMENT BY MINISTER. 1 By Telegraph—Per Press Association. j Dunedin, Last Night. ; The Hon. Jas. Allen informed a reporter to-day that the revenue for the ' ten months "ended January 31st was £9,854,3-25, including the balance of £420,905 on April Ist, 1914. The ex- , penditure was £9,832,132, including the transfer of £2t),<)oo to the Public Works Fund, leaving a balance of £22,003 in favor of receipts. In the Public Works Fund, the receipts to January 31st were £2,411,08!), including the balance of £1,178,584 brought' forward. Expenditure was £1,766,207, including the charges arid expenses in regard to loans (£35,179). The balance available on January 31st for public works was £044,881. Mr. Allen added that, in addition, there was the bulk of the Public Works loan authorised last year, and untouched yet, Considering the position with the war in progress, public works were in a" satisfactory position. Customs returns for January, showed a decrease of £108,069, as compared with January of last year, but he did not think that represented the position accurately, because in all probability last vear'there was a very large amount of Customs duties received, owing to the recovery of trade after the strike. However, the total revenue from all sources for the ten months ended 31st January showed an increase of £240,051, despite the decrease in Customs for ten months of £138,829. The increase in revenue for the ten months on railways was £131,885. In stamps there was an increase of £34,000 on last year. Post and Telegraphs showed an increase of £30,879, and land tax an increase of £24,117. There had been an increase in every item except Customs, marine, and other receipts. Marine showed a drop of £1330, and other receipts of £533. The position of the war expenses account on January 31st was:—Receipts- Treasury bills, £1,700,000; contributions, etc., £197,449; total, £1,897,449. The expenditure amounted to ' £903.424, leaving a balnnce of £994,025, represented by cash £213,529, advances outstanding in the Dominion £373,088, advances outstanding in London £406,817. These Treasury bills were now paid off by the loan which , had been raised with the Imperial loan, i at a. rate which cost New Zealand a t trifle under 4 per cent. A further i £300,000 was available out of the war loan.