IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 234, 11 February 1911, Page 5

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

PREMIER FAVORS ONE MAN ONE VOTE. PAYMENT OF MEMBERS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, February 9. Replying to a deputation from the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Asijuith said that he hoped to introduce the Payment to Members Bill during the present session. Speaking on the matter, he said he was unable to mention any particular figure as to the proposed salary. He approved of each citizen having a vote, and favored transferable registration. He was of opinion the election should be shortened, even if one day was impracticable, and public houses should close during voting hours. COLONIAL PREFERENCE. London, February 9. In the House of Commons ,Mr. Asquith taunted Mr. Balfour regarding his action over colonial preference after Mr. Chamberlain's campaign in 1903. THE DECLARATION OF LONDON. London, February 9. Replying to questions, Mr. Asquith stated that the ratification of the Declaration of London was not a matter for Parliament but for the Crown. The latter, however, would not be advised to ratify it if the Honse of Commons voted adversely. The second reading of the Naval Prize Bill will not be dealt with until the Imperial Conference has discussed the Declaration.

CANADIAN RECIPROCITY. London, February 9. Several Ministerialists, amid vigorous Opposition protests, declared that the debate on the Canadian agreement would cause a mischievous reaction in Canada, as Mr. Austen Chamberlain's speech implied censure on Canadian statesmen. Sir Gilbert Parker, Unionist member for Gravesend, said he believed the Canadian people welcomed the discussion. Mr. A. Birrell, Secretary for Ireland, is introducing a Bill to provide another million for the laborers of Ireland under the Act of 1906. Mr. Haldane, Secretary of State for War, has informed Major Archer Shee, M.P. for Finnsbury, that General lan Hamilton's military memorandum on Britain's unpreparedncss for war was unofficial, and only contained his personal views. The War Office approved the publication. v Mr. Winston Churchill, Secretary for Home Affairs, says that the Government is bringing down legislation in connection with the Aliens Act. The Laborites are not contesting the Forest of Dean seat, rendered vacant by the death of Sir Charles Dilke. COLONIALS AND THE NAVY. Received 10, 11.33 p.m. London, February 10. In the House of Commons, Mr. Lyttelton declared that colonial Ministers would have an easier task in asking taxation for naval purposes if they could show that the ships were destined to protect trade fostered by mutual preference. SPEECH BY THE PREMIER. IMPERIAL PREFERENCE DEAD. "GREATEST MODERN POLITICAL " IMPOSTURE." Received 10, 11.35 p.m. London, February 10. Mr. Asquith said the United States did not place the same interpretation on the most favored nation clauses as Britain. British goods were not as a matter of ' treaty right entitled to enter America on the same favorable terms as Canadian. Nevertheless, the Canadians at present have so small a share of trade in manufactured articles affected by the agreement that the probability of Canada competing with Britain was infinitesimal. He denounced the present incurable sloppineas which characterised the tariff reform agitation from its inception. Protection was not. dead, but he believed they were about to celebrate the obsequies of Imperial preference, which was one of the greatest political impostures of modern times.

MR. BALFOUR OBJECTS. FISCAL AMENDMENT LOST. Received 10. 11.35 p.m. London, February 10. Mr. Balfour objected to the accusation of imposture against Sir Wilfrid Lauricr and other colonial statesmen. The fiscal amendment was rejected by 324 to 222. UNIONIST ORGANISATION. Received 10, 10,5 p.m. London, February 10. Mr. Balfour nominated Messrs. Akcrs Douglas, and W. H. Long. Lord Selbourne and others to enquire into the Unionists' organisation.