APPROPRIATION BILL.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 December 1918, Page 3

APPROPRIATION BILL.

PKOTISION FOE OIL IKDy,SXBY. (By Wire—Own Correspondent.)) Wellington, 'Last Night. i ie Appropriation Bill passed )w Parliament to-d;iy contains some clause's of general interest in addition to the usual provisions. The services of the Stale Minister for iinan.ee is authorised to malce advances liy way 0 f loan to the amount of £OOOO '" T t » e encouragement of the oil induscry. The Commissioner of Taxes may exempt. sports grounds used for cricket, tocthall and other athletic sports from payment of land tax and income tax, if satisfied that, owing to the war, the payment of the taxes would be a Iwdship. Provision is made for the re-grading of the Public Service? "Tht new grading will take effect as from April 1, 1913. For the purpose ef the re-grading, the Government may appoint an acting As-sistant-Commissioner. The Bill validates expenditure made oy local bodies in assisting recruiting and providing reasonable entertainment for departing and returning soldiers. Local bodies are authorised to expend money for the purpose of contributing towards funds for celebrating peace. The Minister may make advances not exceeding £75,C00 for the relief of the Waimarino settlers who suffered from the bush fires. Building societies are authorised to make advances to persons for investment in the war loan A clause authorises increased salaries and allowances to public school and other teachers The annual appropriations are extended to December 31, 1919. Provision is made for the payment of a salary of £7OO a year as from April last to a Maori member of the Executive Council. The Legislature Act is amended to provide that a member of Parliament shall draw his salary as member during the period between the dissolution of one Parliament and the election of another The Post Office takes authority to deliver mails by air. The Bill appropriates £9,925.553 out of the Consolidated Fund. £2.473,023 out of flu. Public Works Fund, and £1.327.000 out of separate accounts.