SOUTH AFRICA.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1920, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICA.

A LABOR SPLIT, MAY DAY DEMONSTRATIONS. By Telemph.—Pren Asah.—Copyright. Received May 2, 5.5 p.mi Capetown, May I. May Day was generally observed for the first time throughout the Union as Labor Day. Factories and workshops were closed, and there were demonstrations in all the larger towns. At Capetown the demonstration was characterised by the significant split between the moderate and extremist sections. The latter organised a procession and a mass meeting, and prepared resolutions affirming the impending dissolution of the present system of society based on private ownership, and pledging the workers to prepare to carry on production during the period of collapse entailed through the transforma- ( tion from a dictatorship to a co-opera-' tive commonwealth. Most of the Labor members announced that they would speak from the various platforms', but learning the terms of the resolution they withdrew from participation in the demonstration, and none appeared on the platforms. Owing to a downpour of rain the resolutions were merely put, no speeches being made.—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BUDGET STATEMENT. AN INCREASE IN REVENUE. Received May 1, 210 p.m. Capetown, April 30. Introducing the Budget in the Assembly, Mr. Burton said the revenue for the current year was estimated at 23% millions, but had actually realised 262 millions, an increase of sixteen per cent, largely due to the phenomenal rise in diamonds and the heavy increase on importation of luxuries. The expenditure amounted to 24% millions, leaving a surplus of 2J millions, which, according to law, would be devoted to the redemption of debt. Mr. Burton described the expansion of trade as startling. Referring to the coming financial year, he said the estimated revenue was twenty-eight millions, and the expenditure 27% millions, leaving a surplus of a little over half a million. Since 1914 the cost of the public services had risen by four and a half millions. The post office was not paying its way, and it was proposed to raise the letter postage from one penny per half ounce to a penny halfpenny for 1% ounces- The telegraph rates would also be increased, and the revenue from these charges would increase the surplus to £488,000. It was proposed to apply this in reducing the difficulties for the poorer classes, lie estimated that the surplus would disappear, leaving a tielicit of £37,000, which would look after itself— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.