IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8060, 9 March 1906, Page 3

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

IMPORTANT RESOLUTIONS. Loxnox, March 7. At the aunual meeting of the Associated Chambers of Commerce a resolution was submitted complaining of the injurious effects of foreign tariffs oil British trade, but it failed to obtain the necessary two-thirds majority. A "meeting of the Unionist Free Trade Club re-asserted its adherence to free trade, and opposition to a general tarriffi or a tax on corn. The Duke of Devonshire presided. The resolution i 3 interpreted to meau a final rupture between Mr Balfour and Mr Chamberlrin. WAR OFFICE POLICY. ABOLITION OP CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. Received 8, 4 p.m. Losdok, March 7. The Secretary for War (Mr R. B. Haldame) totally abolishes corporal punishment in military prisons. ELECTORAL REFORM. PAYMENT OF CANDIDATES FEES. Received S, I p.m. Lo.vdox, March 7. The .Government has accepted Mr Rowland's resolution to defray out of the Public funds. Returning Ofliecrs. and other official charges of Parliamentary elections. AUSTRALIA AND'HOME RULE. INTERFERENCE OF STATE OFFICIALS DEPRECATED. Received 8, t >.ni. '[iON'Dox, March S. William Redmond, speaking with reference to Cardinal Moran's eorresjKmdciice, asked whether, considering Chief Justice Darley's position, his expressions of partisan feeling was justifiable. Winston Churchill's statement, originally made in a private letter, was that Lord Elgin did not possess suQieient information of the circumstances under which the statements were published, to form an opinion of the whole incident. It was generally recognised ft* undesirable that ofliecrs of Slate, representing the Crown, should associate themselves publicly with controversial statements of party politics.

PAYMENT OF MEMBERS. CARRIED BY* A LARGE MAJORITY". Received 8, 10,10 p.m. London, March 7. In the House of Commons, Mr Lever's rcsolation in favor of the payment of members was adopted by 318 to 110. Mr Kimber's amendment allirmiug the undosirability of voting money to tlieir own members was- negatived by 363 to 110. Sit H. Cauipbell-Baniierimin cordially agreed with the principle of payment, but saidHhere was no money at present to give effect to this desirable improvement:'