30 MARCH 1872, Page 2

Mr. Lowe's comparison between the estimates of revenue and the

actual receipts (allowing for the unexpired week of the quarter the proper proportional receipt) was as follows :—

Difference. Gain of £200,000 Gain of £880,000 Gain of £1,000,000 No balance. Gain of £240,000 No balance.

No balance.

No balance. Loss of £100,000 Gain of £2,220,000

But as the actual expenditure was 271,720,000, and the actual revenue turned out to be 174,535,000, the surplus for the financial year just expiring was 12,815,000. Mr. Lowe explained the great gain in the Excise as due to the great advance in the con- sumption of British spirits,—a result no doubt due to a high rate of wages which a year ago, just at the close of the great war, Mr. Lowe could not venture to anticipate ; and that the great gain on stamps was partly nominal,—due to a transfer from the fees included in the " miscellaneous " revenue to stamps,—and mainly the result of the great stimulus to business caused by our prosperous commerce.

1871-72.-14.v 1C2,TUE.

Estimates. Receipts.

Customs £20,100,000 £20,300,000 Excise 22 420 000 23,300,000 Stamps 8.750,000 9,750,000 Assessed Taxes 2,330,000 2,330,000 Income-Tax 8,820,000 9,060,000 Post Office 4,670,000 4,670,000 Telegraphs 750,000 750,000 Crown Lands 375,000 375,000 Miscellaneous 4,100,000 4,000,000 Total .£72,315,000 £74,535,000