BRITISH PARLIAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 9 February 1928, Page 2

BRITISH PARLIAMENT

PREMIER’S EXCUSE FOR Al EAGRE PROGRAMME. .Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, Feb. 7. Mr Baldwin said lie was glad of Air Lloyd George’s and Mr McDonald’s endorsement regarding China, as it made the Government’s policy a national policy. The Foreign Secretary would deal with the question of arbitration with the United States tomorrow. Referring to the. Franchise Bill tho Premier emphasised line point that nearly all enfranchised persons would l.e enabled to vote at the next genera! election. Regarding the small amount of business outlined he said the Government had decided to wind up the session at the end of July, ami to begin the new session in October or November. It was impossible to deal with a controversial matter like the Factory Bill, before August.

All- Baldwin read a letter from Sir .1 < l l l ii Simon to the Viceroy, proposing a joint free conference consisting of seven British commissioners, and a corresponding body of representatives chosen by the Indian Legislatures. The letter pointed out that the conference besides giving recognition of equal status, provides an opportunity for the tree exchange of views, and mutual i till nonce, best calculated’ to promote the largest possible measure of agreement The letter emphasised that the Commission was in no sense an instrument of either the British or Indian Governments, hut an independent and unlettered body, approaching Indian legislaiions u> colleagues. The Commission was neither an executive nor legislative liody. It was only authorised to report and make recommendations. It was hoped to include in the report a faithful account of the opinions and aspirations of Indians. If preferred an Indian joint committee’s report could be annexed to the Commissions and both presented to His Alajeisty and published simultaneously.

The Labourites tabled an amendment to the Ad<lrcss-i n-Reply. expressing regret that there was no mention of measures t > grapple with the pressing .urgency of unemployment, especially in coal and other basic industries, and its menacing effects in many areas where industrial enterprise was being crippled, and local government was breaking down. Several members of all parties welcomed a scheme of credits lor farmers. Air Hardie complained that reservists from China were not being reinstated in employment. Tho House adjourned.

GORGEOUS spectacle: IN LORDS LONDON, Feb. 7. Today's spectacle at the House of Lords, oil the opening of Parliament, was the same as has been for centuries. The actors, both great and small, change, but the ritual is unchanging. The peers, in scarlet and ermine, were seated on the floor of the Chamber, while bejewelled and gorgeously gowned peeresses ere arrayed at the sides. The Bishops were ranged in a row, and diplomats sat tier on tier in their •space. Lawyers, in great wigs were grouped around the Woolsack. The most magnificent pave of stage management in Hie world was here to be seen. Rays of light from the great chandeliers picked out the dazzling coronets and ropes of pearls worn by the peeresses. Then suddenly, without warning, the lights were extinguished, and a lovelier dimmer radiance fell over al! through the stained glass windows. While the entire assemblage awaited the King, five minute:-. elapsed, the 'Chamber being filled with subdued conversation. Then the lights at half-power glowed softly. like golden oranges. On the very stroke of mid-day. the King, wearing a massive crown and royal robes, and surrounded by great officers of State, slowly entered the Chamber. Tho lights Hashed up, and the Chamber was flooded with unrivalled magnificence. everybody standing. The King bowed slowly and took his seat on the throne, and said ‘‘ AI v Lords, pray fie •seated.” The pages of honour draped the tarin like a red cascade over the steps, and pomp and majesty was at its height. There was no hurry or hustle, and everything was in place: and in silence the brilliant gathering sat awaiting the arrival of the faithful Commons at the Black Rod's summons. When the Commons had filed in ami taken their places, the Speech was handed to His Majesty, who sitting. read it in a clear voice which echoed through the Chamber. LORDS DEBATE. Tlie Lords ended the debate on the Address in Reply at a single sitting. The Address was moved by the Duke of Montrose, and seconded by Baron Cranworth. The latter described the extension of votes to young women a.s wise and statesmanlike. Lord Haldane attributed the cryptic nature of the King’s Speech to the approach of the General Election. He and Lords Fitzahm and younger, all condemned the omission of reference to reform of the House of Lords. Earl Beauchamp demanded that the Franchise Bill should include electoral reform, to prevent a repetition of minority Governments, like the present. He was disappointed that the Government had taken up the position of Iveing a drag upon the activities of the League of Nations.

Lord Salisbury, replying, said the Government favoured arbitration to the utmost length to which it could carry the Dominions, and the British Government’s support. The Government would keep its pledge and deal with the reform of the Lords in the present Parliament. ROWDY COM MB XI STS. LONDON'. Feb. 7. A group of Communists nourishing a red flag in the gallery, created scenes in the Albert Hall last evening, when Mr Ramsay MacDonald addressed a Labour rally on the King’s sl’eoch.

Eventually the interrupters were rejected after a free fight with the stewards for a considerable time.