BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9135, 2 May 1908, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

Press. Association—Copyright. London, May 1

Sir John Brunner, presiding over an enthusiastic meeting of the Liberal Party, advised the Government to abandon the Manchester policy of laissez fairo since the Tory Party had absolutely convinced the mercantile community that they meant to make a big effort for the benefit of trade when they regained power. Sir John Brunner advised the Government to adopt a liberal's sane, wholesome and sound trade policy, because when a bad time came, the mercantile community would accept an offer from the other side if _the Liberals made none.

Resolutions were carried deploring Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman’s loss, and warmly welcoming Mr As-

quith. In the House of Commons Messrs Lyttelton, Long, and others sharply heckled Mr Asquith relative to Mr Churchill’s Manchester promises regarding Education and Home Rule.

Mr .Asquith replied that he was satisfied Mr Churchill’s statements were not inconsistent with the previous declarations of Government. SPEECH BY MR ASQUITH. Addressing a meeting of the Liberal Party, Mr Asquith expressed warm gratitude at the confidence reposed in him. He attached little importance to the Liberal ’reverses at by-elections. He admitted that it was a critical time in Parliamentary affairs, and it was still necessary to defend free trade. Ho hoped an education concordat would be possible but the Liberals were unable to abandon either their principles or their friends. Though the Licensing Bill hatTmet with an unprecedented i storm of misrepresentation and vituperation, nothing the Liberals had done for years had given them a more real foothold among intelligent people. The Government was determined rather to sink in attempting to solve the problem than not to attempt to solve it. THE DUNDEE ELECTION. Mr Churchill’s address to the electors of Dundee urges them to support great causes before local needs, thus helping to keep the levers of social progression in the grasp of the Liberal Party. The United Irish League of Great Britain has advised electors of Dundee to support Mr Churchill, whose declarations on Home Rule are entirely'satisfactory, and pronounced by Mr Asquith to bo the Governments policy. Mr Keir Harclie. referring to the Dundee election, declared that with Stuart as Labour candidate, the electtors were unlikely to welcome a slippery young gentleman with a fatal facility for making promises, whom Manchester bad turned adrift after a fair trial.

THE COLONIAL SECRETARY,

Replying to the congratulations of the Agents-General on his appointment as Colonial Secretary, Earl Orewe promised to do his utmost to promote the interests of the Colonies. AN ALARMING STATEMENT. Received May 2, 8.23 a.m. London, May 1. Mr Harold Cos, M.P., stated that the Civil Service and Revenue Departments cost five millions per annum more than under the late Government.