BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1050, 18 November 1903, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright

London, Nov. 16.

Mr Chamberlain declines to enlarge at present on his speaking programme, but promises a fresh tour next autumn. A colonial section of tho Tariff Reform" Leaguo has been formed, including Sir Johu Cockburn, Sir Westby Percival, and Sir Montague Nelson, to secure co-opera-

ticn, consolidation, and distinctively colonial interests in order to support tariff reform, Imperial reciprocity, and union. Branches will be promoted throughout tho Empire. Sir J. Brunner, a member of tho House of Commons, iu a letter to the Timos, says Mr Chatnberlaiu’s opponents ought to offer something more thau a simple negative. Every country but Great Britain gives direct aid to trado. Ho suggests the nationalisation of canals, if made free from tolls, would be a greater benefit to manufacturers aud agriculture than Mr Chamberlain’s 10 per cent protection.

MR SEDDON’S PROPOSALS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Received 1.50 a.m., Nov. 18. London, Nov. 17. Mr Chaplin, speaking at Stoaford, said’ he was prepared to support Mr Balfour aa far as cousisteut with Mr Chamborlain’s larger proposals. If he intended to propose protective duties on manufactures alone, to tho exclusion of agricultural products, ho would not support it. Tho agricultural class were williug to help tho industrial and manufacturing classes provided they were not forgotten or ignored. Lorn George Hamilton's constituents express discontent at his opposition to tho Government.

The Times says that Mr Soddon’s proposals aro pretty thorough-going, while Mr Deakin’s are not far bohiud.