IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 87, 21 July 1910, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE TERRITORIAL ARMY. By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright London, July 19. In the debate in the Lords on the territorial army it was contended on behalf of the Government that the force was continually progressing in efficiency. Lord Esher declared that London had raised 83 per centum of its alltcaUd number, but was not likely to raise more. He did not believe the country was able to increase the existing total, which was 26,000 short. Lord Crewe replied that expansion was possible if the country was prepared to spend more.

THE VETO CONFERENCE. London, July 19. The World asserts that the Veto Conference has established a lwsis of agreement without loss of priui-iple on either side. Negotiations are progressing smoothly. NEXT IMPERIAL CONFERENCE. THE SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION. Received July 21, 0.5 a.m. London, July 20. In the House of Commons, Mr. ITamersley enquired whether Mr. Asquith would assent to the appointment of a committee to report on what subjects should be proposed for the Imperial Conference, and in the event of the House approving them, that a list be forwarded at the earliest moment to the oversea dominions. Mr. Asquith replied in the negative, saying the Imperial Government must remain responsible for the subject:; submitted, just as the Governments of the dominions were responsible for their resolution-. The subjects would be arranged by a date allowing full circulation as between the Motherland and the dominions.

PROHIBITING SALE OF PLUMAGE. Mr. P. Alden's Bill prohibiting the sale of the plumage and skins of certain wild birds was read a first time. The aim of the Bill is to prevent the extinction of rare birds. Mr. Alden mentioned that a thousand emu skins, all smuggled out of Australia, were catalogued at last year's sale in London; likewise the skins of 25,000 humming birds. Colonel Carlyle declared that the only remedy was an international agreement, otherwise the prohibition would divert the trade to the Continent.

LORD KITCHENER. Received July 21, 1.15 a.m. London, July 20. Mr. Asquith informed Mr. Bowles that when Lord Kitchener declined the Mediterranean command, the conjoint ofler of a seat on the Imperial Defence Committee fell to the'ground. Mr. Asquith added that the Government placed the highest value on Lord Kitchener's abilities, but it was undesirable to give undertakings regarding who was to be invited or who should not sit on the committee.

PLENTY OF CORDITE. Received July 20, 10.55 p.m. London, July 20. During the naval debate in the Commons, Mr. McKenna declared that the Admiralty was not a pound of cordite behind the late Unionist Government's standard, and the reserve was sufficient.