IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2244, 16 July 1908, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

t THE NAVAL INCIDENT. United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, July 14. In the House of Commons, Mr. McKenna, in reply to Lieut. Bellars, said tho Admiralty considered the ini cident relating to Admiral Scott s signal in November, 1907, was closed. Mr. McKenna, in reply to Mr. Lee, '“"said It woidd be the work of the Government to compose any alleged existing differences in the Navy. These appeared to have been more emphasised by tho press than the cases called for, and as far as the ’ Admiralty were concerned, were based on unverified rumors. Ho added that the circumstances had already yielded to a more satisfactory state of things. . . ‘ The statement was received with cheers. Lord Lansdowne complained that the delay in sending measures to the House of Lords was certain to pro- . duce a worst legislative scramble than ever. DUTY ON TEA. GROWTH OE TARIFF REFORM. United. Press Association, Copyright (Received July 16, 12.43 a.m.)

LONDON, July 15. In the House of Commons Mr. P. Snowden’s amendment to reduce the duty on tea to threepence as an instalment of the abolition of indirect taxation-was negatived by 230 to 191. Mr. Snowden could not see the difference between the duty on corn and the duty-on tea. He" warned the Government that tariff reform was making headway, and it was difficult to oppose taxation on manufactures while that on tea and sugar was retained. PENNY POSTAGE. - ' -AN EXTENSIVE LOSS. : . United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, July 14. Mr. Asquith, accompanied by Mr. Lloyd-Georgo and Air. Buxton, informed a deputation of members oi the House of. Commons that financial /considerations prevented the adoption of penny postage with France. The initial loss would be £82,000 a year. Extension to other European countries, which would inevitably follow, would involve a loss of £32,000 a year., - - .