BRITISH POLITICS,

Hokitika Guardian, 13 March 1924, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS,

SCENE IN COMMONS. [ R euters Tin ,eo n a ms . ] LONDON, March 11. In the Commons, questioned as to whether, in the event of the Post Office conducting the wireless services with the dominions, they would adhere to the fixation of rates at one third less than the cables. Mr Hartslmriie (Post-master General) replied the Post Office was prepared to cooperate in a reduction provided the net rate per word was divided equally between the stations in this country and the stations in South Alrien and Australia parlicapating in the communication. Lively scenes were witnessed during the committee stage of ihe Best ra - tions Bill. That the Government did not intend to back the measure was indicated by the withdrawal of Mr Wheatley and Sir Patrick Hastings from the committee, which evoked a protest. The Conservatives demanded the adjournment, hut were ruled out of order. The Labourites angrily interrupted the speeches of the Conservatives which they described as dilatory and obstructive. They noisily defied the Chairman’s ruling that the committee adjourn. The uproar continued alter the Chairman left the eha ir.

LABOR ,M 10A1BEKS' FIRST LEVEE (“Sydney Sun" Cables). (Received this day at 10 a.in.) M)\!)OX. .'.larch Hi'. Wearing a heavily cold braided levee dress Messrs MacDonald and ( iyues altended the [vine's first levee since t lie 1 .abull rites came into power. Messrs Griffith and I’aikin-on were similarly attired and in the opinion of the "Observer" they creditably carried nut their duties. The niaioritv n! them were a modified form of dress. A LIBERAL AMENDMENT. [Received this dav at 10 a.tit.) LONDON, Marcli 12 The Liberals arc moving an amendment to I lie Army estimates, challenging the (.'ovennnent’.s refusal of a pension to ex-rangers holding temporary commissions in wartime on the scale of the permanent officers, this costing thirteen millions annually. The Government is leaving the motion free, tints eliminating the danger of defoal.