BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2438, 11 January 1881, Page 3

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[Reuter’s Agency.j The Debate on the Address In Reply. London. Jan. 8. In the House of Commons to-day, the debate on the Address in reply to the Queen’s Speech was resumed. Mr Parnell moved an amendment of which he had given notice, to the effect that peace in Ireland would not be promoted by suspending the existing laws. He addressed the House at some length, but only spoke in moderate terms in defence of the Irish Land League, the object of which, he explained, was to force landlords to reduce their rents. Mr Porster, Chief Secretary for Ireland, also spoke, and in strong terms defended the decision of Government to apply coercion as the remedy for the agitation in Ireland. The debate now stands adjourned to Monday, the 10th.

Irish land legislation.

The Irish Land Bill, which has been brought in by Government is not generally approved of by the Liberal party, several Liberal members of both Houses having expressed considerable discontent with the provisions of the measure. Political Washing: Powder. A Bill to repress corrupt practices at elections has been introduced in Parliament* It contains clauses fixing heavy penalties for bribery or other corrupt acts. Trade Returns. The Board of Trade returns for the last month have been published. The imports amount to £33,187,500, being a decrease of £2,125,400 compared with last year. The exports amount to £18,187,500, being an increase of £1,625,000. Undecided Belligerents. In consequence of continued demands on the part of the Great Powers, the Ottoman and Greek Governments have

consented to re*consider their decision in refusing the proposed arbitration of the Powers for the settlement of the Turco-Greek frontier question.