BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9088, 5 March 1908, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE NAVY ESTIMATES. jPress Association —Copyright. .Received March 4, 9.37 p.m. London, March 4. During the debate on the Nary .'Estimates, ‘Mr A. A. Lee complained that the Government’s modest constructive programme would not maintain the two-Povver standard. If the present policy were continued, Britain in 1910, in ships of the Dreadnought type, would not be superior to any two Powers, but only equal to Germany. Mr G. Lambert, Civil Lord of the Admiralty, affirmed that Eritian held a position of overwhelming strength. He viewed with great complacency the programmes of other Powers to 1916. He hoped the Rosvth naval base would he available for use in between five and ten

years. Mr Balfour declared that the Naval Estimates were illusory, and must rise enormously in furture years unless the two-Power standard is abandoned. THE EDUCATION BILL. The Free Church Council delegates, numbering 2000, unanimously resolved to support the education Bill after listening to Dr. Clifford’s passionate appeal on behalf of the Government. He declared that the Bill was a far seeing, broad-based, and courageous measure, while the Licensing Bill had never been surpassed for comprehensiveness, justice, and wisdom. THE PREMIERS’ HEALTH. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman passed a quiet day, but is suffering from weakness and depression. Received March 5, 9.8 a.m. ‘ London, March 4. .Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman _,has made a slight gain of strength. BYE-ELECTION. Received March 5, 8.25 a.m. The bye-election at Hastings owing to the resignation of Mr Harvey DuOros, resulted in the election of Mr Arthur DuOros, son of the retiring member. The voting was Dn•Cros (unionist), 4495 ; R. Vernon Harcourt, (Liberal) 3477. Mr DuOros attributes his victory 4o his attitude on Tariff Reform, particularly towards Colonial preference.