Plenty Of Money
p. 31 · Read in the full issue
In Fiji
High Imports are Reflected In Colony's Revenues
From Our Own Correspondent
Suva. Nov. 3.
CUSTOMS and income tax returns in Fiji have been so much higher than the 1947 Budget estimates that a surplus of £369,388 is shown in the re vised estimates, instead of the original estimate of £62,022, said the Acting-Gov ernor (Mr. J. P. Nicoll) in his address at the opening of the Budget session of the Legislative Council.
Customs revenue alone, said the Act ing-Governor, is now expected to produce no less than £430,000 more than was originally estimated, because imports have been greater in quantity and higher in price than was anticipated, while the re vised estimate for income tax is about £130,000 more than the original estimate because of the high level of business activities in 1946.
There were some substantial increases in the estimates of expenditure, but on the other hand the continued scarcity of materials and machinery, and delays in the fulfilment of orders placed overseas, have made it impossible to carry out the full programme of works for which pro vision was made.
These deferred items amount to about £lBO,OOO and in consequence the esti mated surplus of £369,388 can be regarded as inflated by that amount.
The Government is budgeting for a small surplus of £5,661 in 1948—revenue at £2,307.944 and expenditure £2,302,283. It is anticipated that imports will shrink considerably, but that income tax col lections will increase.
There is increased money for health, education and public works, including £114,000 for road and bridge construc tion. and £llB,OOO for maintenance.