BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9396, 17 March 1909, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

NAVAL ESTIMATES. i United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, March 16. Official, figures show that the batleship Vanguard cost £1,634,878, or at the rate of £B4 per ton, compared with the Dreadnought at £IOO aud the VII, £B9, the latest French battleship costing £ll4, and the German £lOl.

The "House of Commons Navy Committee, including Liberal Imperialists and Conservatives,‘resolved that seven Dreadnoughts were necessary during the coming year, another to be added if found necessary, and that the postponement of the building of four would place an undue strain on the 1910-11 programme.

The Reduction of Armaments Committee resolved that any increase in the Navj’lestimates was inexpedient. In the House of Commons, Major Seely, in justifying the vote ot £47,000 for the Somaliland expedition operations, said the Government was determined to pursue a cautious defensive policy. Mr Balfour suggested building a road suitable for motor vehicles, contending that the troops needed mobility. AN INVITATION FOR MR DILLON. Received March 17, 8.18 a.m. London, March 16. During the Somaliland debate in the House of Commons,it was stated that the | Mullah had invited Mr John Dillon to visit him in three months time. The Secretary of State advised him to keep away. • 1 INFLUENZA. Forty members of the House of Commons are ill from influenza, FREE TRADE. Liverpool Chamber of Commerce adopted a resolution by 113 to 49 in favour of freetrade. Received March 17, 8.18 a.m London, March 16. Letters show that the bomb attempt, on Mr Eingsford in London, was inspired by the propaganda of Hindus are holding meetings in the India House at Highgate, and whose doings were exposed by the Times of 13th February.