BRITISH BODGET.

Waikato Argus, Volume VI, Issue 423, 18 April 1899, Page 2

BRITISH BODGET.

DUTY ON COLONIAL WINES. [UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.] (BY ELECTEIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT). London, April 11. The imposition of increased wine duties is attributed to the action of France in disregarding British remonstrances in regard to her arbitrary actions in Madagascar. The Empire Trade League will deputationise Sir M. Hicks-Beach, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in support of the amendment moved by Sir Howard Vincent in favour of exempting colenial wines from the increased duties. April 15. A deputation is being formed to interview the Government and to protest against the injustice of adding the same burden to cheap wines as to ports and sherries; also to ask Parliament to make a concession where the strength is below 30. The Agents-General and the representatives of the colonial wine trade are negotiating with the view of taking united action. When the navy estimates were mentioned in the House of Commons, the Government intimated that they merely intended to erect coal sheds, magazines, and invalids' hospitals at Wei-hai-wei, and to improve the anchorage and fortifications. These works would be proceeded with slowly.