LATE GABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 844, 19 March 1903, Page 2

LATE GABLES.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received JO.IO p.m., March 18. London, March 18. In the House of Commons Mr Arnold Forster, in reply to Mr Gilbert Parker, said that lie was not aware that Canada had decided to establish a naval reserve independent oi Imperial authority. Received 11.58 p tn., March 18.

Berlin, March IS. In rhe Reichstag Barca von Richthofen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, stntcd that China recognises the obligation to pay the indemnity in gold, but declared it was unable to do so unless the maritime customs duties were paid in gold. London, March IS. Reuter’s Ageucy states ibat France and Russia support China’s request that Customs duties bo paid in gold. Washington, Mar. IS. Senate, by 13 to 5, rattuod the Panama Canal treaty

Capetown, March 18. The Customs Conference at Bloemfouieiu, attended by Sir A. Milner aud representatives from the various South African colonies, proved a failure, the views of Transvaal and Rhode=ia differing from those of tho Cape, Natal, aud (Jrangia.

Itoceived 12.1 a.m., March 19,

London, March 18,

New South Wales is placing six hundred thousand 4 per cent. Treasury Bills at par, with a currency of four years. According to Mr Tim Healey, the King desiros the Irish Laud Questiou settled speedily, hence \fr Chamberlain, though hostile to the grant, will not oppose it. Calcutta, March IS,

The Indian Budget shows a surplus of two millions and three-quarters. The Estimates provide for a sacrifice of a million by reduction of the Salt Tax, a quarter of a million in raising tho exemption from Income Tax. The economic progress in India is declared to be satisfactory. Received 1 a.m., March 19. Sydney, March IS.

Sir John See entertained Sir Joseph Ward at a dinner to-day. Sir E. Barton, Senator O’Gouuor, and State Ministers were present.

Sir John Seo states that the Treasury Bills being floated in Loudon are part of

the four million loan authorised last sea' sion intended for public works and genera! purposes

Melbourne, March 18.

A conference on the .Reform Rill is proceeding with good hopes of a compromise. Received 12.44 a.m., March 19. London, March 18.

On St Patrick’s Da.v the annual distribution of the Queen’s shamrocks was made to the Irish Guards stationed at The Tower.

Mr John Redmond, presiding at a St. Patrick’s Day banquet in London, submitting the toast of " Ireland, a nation,” dwelt upon the unprecedented and hopeful prospects which claimed the duo organisation and unity and sacrifices ol Irish people. In the House of Lords Lord Dunraven’s Bill making St Patrick’s Day a bank holiday in Ireland was read a second time.

Received 12.1 a.m., March 19. New York, Mar. 18.

Whitaker Wright offered to roturn voluntarily if extradition proceedings are dropped. He deeiarts that public inquiry proved his hands to be clean. After statements made in Parliament he was legally advised that an application for a summons against liim would not succeed. If ho had been told he could be prosecuted he would have met the charges. He denies stating that he relied ou powerful friends, and says he never sought to screen himself.

DEBATE ON THE NAVY. -Lumiijn, March IS. In the House of Commons Mr La bouchere.s amendment to reduce th

navy vote was negatived by two hundred and lifiy-two to twenty-seven. The main topic of debate was Great Britain’s Durden. it was generally agreed that it must avail itself of the oner of the colonies to contribute to Hie navy ; if was impossible for the Motherland to press T.neiu. .Sir Joint Column sa'id tie did not doubt, that when the navy was organised to protect ail Britishers the colonies would willingly contribute.

Mr E. Robertson declared that the colonies were strongly wedded to the naval heresy of a localised squadron, and equally to the economic heresy of protection. He was afraid that Parliament must expect both. He bel.eved the colonies could be induced to establish independent fieets, adding “> We make an alliance with them ana thus indirectly get a contribution.

Mr Arnold Foster said there was a danger lest the persistent apathy of tile colonies would produce in Britain a feeling that it was impossible to bear the burden longer. If a reaction came it would be a serious day lor the Motherland and the colonies. There appeared to be an impression in the colonies that naval warfare could lie made a matter of limited liability, and that it was only necessary to provide a naval force sufficient to defend the shores against a squadron in the neighborhood. That was a delusion, inasmuch as that a colony would find that it was contending against the enemy’s whole maritime power. He did not believe that the,idea of separate navies would be accepted. A separate Australian navy, on the most economical lines, would cost a million a,year. Mr C. Wason said that the question of a contribution had not been definitely submitted to the colonics. He was sure that they would ultimately pay their,- fair share. The vote was then agreed to.