BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8051, 17 February 1906, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

■ ■ ♦ LABOUR PARTY LEADERS. Received lli, 10.52 p.m. London, February 16, Enoch Edwards is chairman, and Hull rice-chairman of the separate Trade Unionist group in the House of Commons. Messrs Fcuwick and Ward are tho Whips, representing the miners and railway men. MR. BALFOUR'S SEAT. Received 16,10.52 p.m. London. February 16. The City Liberal Association is reconsidering the question of opposition to Mr Balfour's election. TRADES UNIONS' BEQUESTS. REPLIES BY THE PREMIER AND MB ASQUITH. IMPROVING THE FINANCES. Received 10, 10.25 p.m. London, February 16. The Premier, Sir H. Cairipbcll-Ban-ncrman, and the Rt. Hon. H. H. Asquith, Chancellor of the Exchequer, received a committee .from the Trade Unions' Congress, who urged the recognition of the right of public servants to combine, and the instituting of a scheme for old age pensions. The Premier, in reply, said it would be much safer to frankly and honestly recognise these Associations. Where grievances of a class existed, great advantage would be received by representations to proper and trusted officials. Ho was in sympathy with the deputation regarding Old Age Pensions, but, he asked, where were they goin g to find the money 't Mr Asquith said it was not a question of aims. He saw no reasonable prospect of creating such a fund. The only way this nud other reforms could be brought about was by firstly reducing extravagance, reducing their debit, and bringing the country's finances into a healthier and sounder condition, which was the Government's fixed intention.

THE PREMIER-ON THE UNIONISTS. Londos, February 15. Sir H. Campbrll-Banncrtnan, iu n speech at the National Liberal Club, criticising the Unionists' tactics at the end of 1905, said they had proved a IrapH'or their opponents. Such machinations had redounded to the benefit of the Ministry, but had been attended with great inconvenience, the estimates having to bo examined under circumstances of difficulty and high pressure. , The result of the election was not a . swing of the pendulum, but a revolt against a method of Government abhorrent to the eouseieiicc and heart of the . nation. They had given protection its 4 quietus. He anticipated a time of strenuous friiilfn] action for the benefit , of the country. ' A LABOR CAUCUS. Received 17, 12.1 a.m. E London, February 10. Arthur Henderson, presiding at a ■ labor representation conference, said the party'* attitude to the Government was the same as it had been to their predecessors. They would support them when possible, and would oppose them when necessary The Committee recommended that credentials lie given to enable visiting delegates to Australia in the autumii L lo carry good wishes and a desire to . co-operate with their colonial brethern ; in establishing a basis of international . peace and goodwill. , REPORTED CABINET 1)1S- , SENSIONS. Received 17, 1 a.m. London, February 10. The "Daily Telegraph" states that dissent ions exist iu the Banncrniaii Cabinet over the manner of dealing with tin* Chinese labor question.