BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1701, 17 March 1906, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

old-age PENSIONS.

By t<fJ#grapK, Pres* A'm% Copyright Loudon, Maroh 15. Mr Grady's resolution that a measure is urgently needed to provide ior old ago pensions out ot the funds from taxation, was sympathetically received and carried without division. Mr Asquith, in aooepting the pnnoiplo of tbo resolution, pleaded for patienoo and prudence. The Government were pledged to a paoifio policy abroad, and would lake substantial stops to reduoo the army and roiuoe the shipbuilding programme. Ho hinted at reductions in other departments a widened basis of taxation for revenue purposes, making the burden fal r With greater justice and equality on all sections of the community. Mr Burns considered it was best, I simplest, and fairest to give everyone a I pension of five shillings a week at sixty- I five, perhaps iuoluding military, naval, I oivil, and munioipal pensioners. The Government would take the matlor up when I th Poor Law Oommfssion report was re- I oeived. I

ARMY RE ORGANISATION. By telegraph, Press Ass’n, Copyright Received 11.32 p.m., Maroh 16. London, Maroh 16. nel oTtKeirfmy by 10,000. Mr Balfour depreoated any redaction in the regulars before the projected aupplomentary organisation was created. Mr Haldane asked for time to effect economy. Perhaps ia a year on soientific lines, and with due regard to all parts of the large aubjeot something must be done. Subsequent discussion showed that some reduction was expected as the result of the feeling in many electorates. , Sir fl. Campbell Bannerman nppoaled to the more impatient followers. They should, be said, allow Mr Haldane a free hand in studying the intricate problem. He I reminded the Honso of the Government’s polioy of peace abroad. The Btcength of the army depended largely on the external polioy. He hoped the amendment would not be pressed. Mr Selby insisted on the amendment, I whiob was negatived by 296 to 56. The Opposition supported tbo Government. Many Radicals would not vote for Jhe 204,000 men. The proposal was carried.

Received 12.7 a.m., March 17. The Limited Partnership Bill has been read a second time in the House of Lords.