BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1795, 28 June 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE EDUCATION BILL.

Bju telegraph, Pseaa Aaa'n, Cotyriglr London, June 26

A conference of Nonoonformiste almost unanimously urged the withdrawal of clause 4of the Education Bill. The Bev. Hirst Hallowes said the Government should reconsider the question and produoe a better Bill.

’ A debate is proceeding in tho House of 1 Commons on Lord E. Cecil's amendment to make clausa 4 of the Eduo&ton Bill l mandatory. Mr Birreli said the olause was an exorosoenco on tho Bill. His . amendment was an exception grafted on an exooption. He predicted that tho looal authorities would prove reasonable in most cases. Messrs Paul, McNamara, and Bella, Nationalists, preferred Lord Cecil’s amendment. Mr Chamberlain said tbe Bill was drawn on wrong lines and was not amenable. The logical sequence of Lord Ceoil’s amendment would be assimilation of the oountry and urban schools. What would tbe passive resisters then say ? Mr Churchill intimated that the Government was considering the desirability of altering and amending the Transvaal coolie proclamation. Mr Chamberlain presided at tho in- j augural banquet of the Nineteen Hundred Club, formed to commemorate tbe last Parliament and further Unionist interests. He urged tho need for a united definite policy of social reform. Preference was not tbe least important part of constructive work. He paid a tribute to Mr Seddon, hia last task having been tbe establish. [ ment of closer intercolonial relations. He referred to Mr Churchill’s reemt - letter, which approved of the oolonies devising treaties for intercolonial commeroe. Why should the Motherland be omitted ? Be predicted that when the colonies had accomplished this work and had led where we ought to have led, tbe Motherland would not allow it to rest there. She would not allow us to be exiles from our Empire. We must follow whore our obildren teach us the way.

THE DIVISION.

REDUCED LIBERAL MAJORITY.

Bjj telegraph, Frees Aeb’h, Copyright Reoeived 10.36 p.m., June 27.

London, June 27.

Lord Ceoil’s amendment was negatived by 340 to 207 amidst loud Opposition oheers, this being the lowest Ministerial majority on any important division this session. Tho minority consisted of Unionists 68, Nationalists 20, Independent Labor 27. Tbe Liberals’ majority included two Catholics, Colonel Herbert and Mr C. O’Donnell.