IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2187, 11 May 1908, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

the budget. NEWSPAPER COMMENTS. United Press Association— Copyright LONDON, May 8. Tho Times remarks that the Budget marks an epoch in the national policy. It declares that 'Air Asquith is reckless and improvident in disposing of the whole surplus in the face of the admitted requirements for larger shipbuilding to keep pace with the development of the German Navy. 'Several newspapers comment on the absence of a. sliding scale, and the fact that those with incomes under 10s receive a pension, and those just above arte deprived of pensions whereto they contribute. The Afail emphasises that the mortality return says that tho workers are unlikely to be satisfied. It adds: “The scheme cannot be final. The future is heavily mortgaged. Tqrilf reform alone will be ahlo to discharge the obligations.” The Standard says: ‘The Budget seals .the doom of free trade.”

The Alornin" Post states: "Free trade has .pi'jayed its part and must leave tlie stage.” The Daily 'Chronicle states: “The great Budget keynote is sound finance and social reform.

The Daily 'News comments: “Air Asquith has declared and .ploughed the rough (ground. It will be Air LloycEGeorge’s task to draw -from the ready furrows the ,full harvest -of i‘eforms.”

The News adds: "The rapid expansion of pensions is (possible from a super tax on large unearned incomes, and taxation of site values.” (Received Alay ,10, 4.2 p.m.)

The “Spectator” says tho Budget discourages tho working classes from making adequate provision for old age. So complicated, harassing, and unpopular a pension scheme would not last two years. Mr. Asquith’s Budget is unabashed Micawberism. Such juggling only deferred the passing of the Bill. Both as regards pensions and the increased naval expenditure, a succeeding Government was certain to have recourse to tariff taxation, thus destroying freetrade. The “Telegraph” says the Budget is a huge evasion, and an immense effort to deceive the nation, while the cost of introducing the policy was of stupendous weight. Apparently tiro cost was only £1,200,000 for the first year, but the second year the cost would be £6,000,000, and would ultimately be nearly £30,000,000.

IRISH AFFAIRS. THE CRIMES ACT BILL. (Received May 10, 4.8 p.m.) LONDON, Mav 9. In the House of Commons, Mr. E. N. Burke’s Bill to repeal tho Crimes Act, 1887, wa,s read a second time by 201 to 77, and was referred to a committee. The Bill is not expected •to pass. ' , , „ . , Mr. Birrell declared that the Act was intolerable. It repealed only thirteen cases of cruel, vindictive boycotting and a hundred of a lesser degree. He denounced cattle-driving as reprehensible and illegal. He relied on the great land purchase scheme as a remedy, and did not anticipate terrible things for Ireland. Mr. W. H. Long said that while the Government was sitting a serious uprising was possible. It was better to keep the existing weapon ready.