BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 203, 1 October 1909, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE IRISH LAND BILL. IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS. By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright London, September 29. Tlie debate on the second reading of Mr. Birrell's Bill has begun in the House of Lords.

Earl Crewe, Secretary of State for the Colonies, explained that the compulsory purchase proposals were intended to be of limited application. The Earl of Dunraven moved for tae rejection of the Bill on the ground that its financial basis was disastrous w> Ireland.

Lord Lnusdownc severely criticised the Bill, but offered to join with tlie Government in making it a reasonable measure by substantial amendments in committee. He denied the need of cjiii pulsion, adding the commissioners already "had more land than they could handle or pay for. "AN AGRARIAN REVOLUTION."

LORD CURZON'S • MISGIVINGS. Received 31); 10.10 p.m. London. September 30. Mr. Birrell's Irish bind Dill was read a second time in the House of Lords without division, amendments being withdrawn.

Lord Curzon urged careful examination of the Bill in the interests of British taxpayers, upon whom an enormous financial responsibility was thrown. The passing of the Bill meant an agrarian revolution, as important as any revolution that might be expected in the Budget. The underlying principles were socialistic and could not be confined to Ireland. Events had not detracted from the value of the Wyndham Act, which was the almost solitary Instance of legislation by agreement. Ho was a great believer in roundthc-tahle conferences, which might usefully be applied to such questions as education, the liquor traffic, the extension of the suffrage and re-distribution. The Government had not maintained continuity owing to the exigencies of the Irish Party. It was not in the interest of the latter to see tbc land questions settled amicably and easily. A vast system of expropriation was introduced. He foreshadowed the scattering of evicted landlords broadcast over Ireland. Xhe Wyndham Act could be properly worked if the requisite sum were provided. He hoped the House would alter the Bill with no trembling hand. Lord MacDonncll considered the introduction of compulsion would terminate in amicable dealings. If sent to committee the Bill could be made useful and would supplement the Wvndhan Act.

After other speeches. Earl Crewe (Secretary for the Colonies) rcmark"d that to increase or diminish or vary the charge of public funds had not hitherto been considered to fall within the province of the House of Lords. Lord Loreburn said the Government were willing to define in the Hill the limited exercises of compulsion.

. TAXATION OP MINERALS. London, September 29. The House of Commons adopted .Mr. Lloyd-George's new clause of a shilling in the pound on the rental to all rights to work minerals, and the rights to all minerals. Mr. Wayleaves, an Oppositionist, emphasised that minerals were frequently worked by owners who, under the Bill, pay a tax on what they would hnve been receiving as royalty 'in ease someone else had been getting minerals. Suc/i men would be at a disadvantage compared with rivals who leased minerals. In response to appeals on behalf of the building trade, Mr. Lloyd-George decided to exempt common clav, gravel chalk and sand. ' Mr. Bonar Law contended that the claim on behalf of coal and other raw material was equally just and urgent. COLONIAL NAVAL DEFENCE BILL. Received 30, 10.40 p.m. _ London, September 30. The Colonial Naval Delence Bill was read a third time in the House of Commons. THE WORD OP THE REAL TORY LEADER. Received 30, 11 p.m. London, September :«l. Mr John Gorst, speaking at Corsham. defended tlie Budget, ffi added that the word had gone forth from the real ioj (Party and the Lords to reject the