BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9146, 15 May 1908, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

SOUTH AFRICAN UNION. Press . Association—Copyright. London, May 14. In the House of Commons a member moved a resolution expressing the opinion that the Imperial Government would welcome the ultimate inclusion of the whole of British South Africa in the federal union. Sir Chas. Dilke, in seconding the motion, said that federation or unification afforded a prospect of solving a grave question in regard to the position of native races. Col. Seely, Under Secretary for the Colonies, intimated that the Imperial Government was determined not to lead the movement, but to leave the colonies to decide for themselves. They still regarded due provision for native races as essential.

Mr Churchill said the Government wished to guide the movement towards unity, and . was prepared at every step to assist the colonies. He warned the House not to anticipate very rapid progress since there were still serious obstacles. At present the Government could only watch, and wait. The fesolution was carried unanimously. LAND VALUATION. Received May 15, 8.10 a.m. The House of Lords by 119 votes to 33 altered the Land Values (Scotland) Bill, from a compulsory to an optional scheme of valuation. CHINESE SAILORS. Mr Churchill, replying to a question asked by Mr Havelock Wilson, said that the recent-unusual increase in the number of Chinese seamen shipped at United Kingdom ports was a matter for serious concern, and was receiving prompt and searching attention from the Board' of Trade.

Chinese at Poplar have suffered great violence at the hands of British sailors to prevent them taking employment bn British ships. The men allege that Chinese are unable to pass the language test. Chinese have been hunted out of many East End streets. ■

Mr Bonar Law, M.P., speaking at Hackney, denounced Mr Asquith’s reckless finance and insisted that a pension scheme could only be properly worked out in conjunction with a complete overhauling of the poor law system.