IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2166, 15 April 1908, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

COMMENTS ON THE CABINET. GOVERNMENT MUCH STRENGTHENED. Unitod Press Association—Copyright LONDON, April 13. The Chronicle states that apart from tho loss of Sir H. CampbellBannerman the reshuffling of offices in the introduction of new blood have undoubtedly strengthened the. (Government. The Times states: The Cabinet is distinctly stronger and moro compact. The Earl of Grewo’s appointment tends to secure harmonious relations with the colonies, but since lie is unable to make concession for preferential treatment his tenure of office is unlikely to be a conspicuous success. Mr Churchill' lias yet to win tho confidence of business men, since brilliant rhetoric does not go (far. The Times states that Lord Elgin declined a Miarquisate. Tho Earl of Crowe leads the Houso of Lords.

Tlie Telegraph states: “Mr Asquith is no Little Englander, but bis uncompromising Cqbdenism will bar the way with regard to the paramount problem of oversew nations with tlie Motherland.” Tho Daily News states: “Mr Asquith has a 'great opportunity, but needs great courage.” The Daily Mail' states that Mr McKenna’s promotion has aroused a storm of criticism, even in Liberal circles. He is suposed to be a “Little Navy” man. The Mail thinks the Earl of Crewe is likely to >act on fairly safe and cautious lines: ’ . _ The* Standard rejoices at Mr Churchill’s removal from the Colonial Office, since he contrived to irritate the statesmen of every self-governing colony except two, which lately fought against their sovereign. Mr Asquith will introduce tho Budget. THE LICENSING BILLa BOARD OF TRADE RETURNS United Press Association —Copyright (Received April 14, 9.40 p.m.) LONDON, April 14. Earl Carrington states that if tho Licensing Bill is defeated it is nearly certain there will be no further licensing legislation this generation. Sir Robert Gift'en presides, over a committee appointed to report on changes desirable in tho form of the Board of Trade returns regarding countries whence imports are received and whereto exports are sent.

MR. CHURCHILL’S OPPONENTS.

United Press Association— Copyright (Received April 14, 11.5 p.m-) LONDON, April 14. Mr A. G. Hales, war correspondent, proposes to contest the A orth-West Manchester seat as a Labor, Tariff, and Army Reformer, although Mr. Joynson Hicks opposes Mr. Churchill on behalf of the Unionists. [Mr. W. Joynson Hicks, who stands in the Conservative interest, was Mr. Winston Sr. Churchill’s opponent at the 1906 general election. The voting was: Churchill, 5639 ; Hicks, 4398.]