BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8741, 15 February 1907, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

Resumption of the Debate. Defence of New Hebrides Convention. Press Association—Copyright. London, February 14. Sir E. Grey yesterday resumed the debate on the Address-in-lleply. He said the New Hebrides Convention with the French Government deliberately contemplated subsequent modification as a result of experience, and was a great improvement on the previous state of things. They must remember as a factor in the case that the proportion of French settlers was two-thirds to the British one-third. Since it had been found impossible to secure exclusive British possession of the country, the best possible bargain was made. If partition between France and England had been mooted, he said it was by no means certain that we would have got the best of the bargain at a time when British interests had been unduly depressed in the New Hebrides by the high protective duties imposed by the Australasian colonies, while the French granted more liberal treatment. Fear of outside complications had induced Britain to propose a joint protectorate, with a view to continuing negotiations at leisure. The French, however*, had declined for good reasons, and, therefore, the best course was to ratify the Convention, deferring further amendment until later.

Sir E. Grey also declared that it would have boon criminal if they had not regulated labour in the Islands. In fact, a stop forward had been taken, but the working of the system must bo carefully watched. If abuses wore discovered Franco would bo approached with a view to their amendment. Amendments to the Address. London, February 14. The Times states that Mr Balfour will move an amendment to the address, emphasising the importance of tariff reform in connection with the Colonial Conference. Nearly thirty amendments to the address have been tabled. Mr Barnes, a Labour member, proposed an amendment regretting that there was not provision for old age pensions. Mr Asquith, in a sympathetic reply, said he was anxious to make a beginning, but must proceed tentatively by stages. The question was how to find the money. Government ardently desired to start a pension scheme on lines socially and financially sound. Mr Burns said the matter would bo taken up when means and time allowed. Mr Austin Chamberlain estimated that tw'enty-eight millions vrould be required. The amendment was rejected by 213 to 61. Mr Keir Hardie has given notice of a Suffragette amendment to the Address in Reply.' Mr Birrell has given notice for a Bill to establish an Irish Council.