CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1922, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

British Politics.

AUSTRALIAN ANti Rife. CAbLE ASSOhIAIWR,

IriSh Mee statM. LONDON, March (5. In the House of Commons the debate was continued in Committee on the Irish Free State Bill.

Mr Moles (Unionist) moved an amendment providing that the Crown’s representative in Ireland should not exercise any jurisdiction or authority whatever over Northern Ireland. Mr Churchill said that, while he. could not accept the amendment in its piesent form, lie recognised that if Ulster contracted out of the F ree State, th,eu ' separate arrangements must be made to meet Ulster’s views. Mr Churchill said the Treaty made separate arrangements for such an event as indicated by Mr Mole’s amendment, which was then withdrawn, Mr Churchill then moved the closure of the sub-section, which was carried, despite the Ulster members making angry protests against the gag. Later Mr Churchill refused to accept other amendments. Captain Craig said he would refuse to take part in any other discussion while the Government refused to alter a single line of their Bill at the request of the Ulster members. He declared that when Sinn Fein in Dublin passed resolutions necessitating changes in the Bill, the Government had immediately agreed, All the Ulster members thereupon walked out of the House crying: “We will debate the Bill elsewhere 1” An official amendment was carried, extending the tinie to fOur months for the South Irish elections. after several Unionist members Avh'6 uad given notice of amendments declined to move them,- as a protest against the action of the Government regarding their previous amendments. The Bill was then passed.

BRITISH POLITICAL CHANGE. NEW PARTY FORMING. The London “Evening Standard!” understaiuds that Mr Lloyd Gdcrfgdj Mr Chamberlain, Sly A; Balfoiit, Loid Birkenhead, Lord Ourzoii, Sir ft; Horne, and Mr Worthington ftfahs,at a private meeting -unanimously agreed that instead of the Coalition breaking tip, steps will be taken to form £ Centre National Party with a policy whi6h Sir A. Balfour will outline to-morr6w. It is understood, the paper that Mr Lloyd George, oh assurances that his leadership will be guarded. has agreed to postpone his resigimtidfi; h® being especially influenced therein b£ Mr Balfour’s pleadings not to resign prior to the Genoa Conference, in view of the serious international situation ‘Hid the delays which the French-Ital-un crisis has already produced. Despite the House of Commons “Die IJards” irreconciliatory attitude, it is believe that the majority of the Unionist Commoners are willing to support the Ministry.. .-

THE POLITICAL TROUBLE. LONDON, March 6. The “Daily Express” says a definite scheme has been agreed to by the Conservative leaders for the patching . up of the Coalition, and, at the same time, for giving the Premier the guarantees of loyalty demanded from the Conservative Pary. Mr Chamberlam a ill wrie a letter to Sir Geo. Yourigej Unionist Whip and Die-Hard Leader? instructing hi n r to conform in future to the policy of his own chiefs, and to see that the Conservative Party marine does riot move independently of the front bench, and therefore, of the Cabinet ns a whole. In order that there may appear to be nothing invidious in selecting the Tory Party manager for this veiled rebuke, a similar letter has been ed to Mr McCurdy, by Mr Lloyd

George. A speech by Mr Balfour to-day will be directed toward reinforcing this decision. The Premier has expressed himself as satisfied with these steps and has withdrawn his resignation.