BRITISH POLITICS

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 267, 1 April 1911, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

TEE REFERENDUM BILL. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, March 30. The postponement of Lord Laiisdowne's Reform Bill was due to the unfavorable state of his health, lie will take a month's holiday in Ireland. Lords Cromer and Northcote supported the Referendum Bill. Lord Weardale said that he believed the referendum, in a limited form, would be an advantage to the democracy.

In the House of Commons the Government, by a majority of four, negatived Mr. L. Evans' motion against the use of the closure on a minor amendment to the Revenue Bill. The division was 180 to 176.

Received 31, 11.50 p.m. London, March 31. In the House of Commons, the Revenue Bill was read a. third time.

LORD LAXSDaWXEfS', PETITION". London, March 30. Lord Morley, in the House oif Lords; said, that the Government would advise, the King to assent to Lord Lansdowne's petition. LORD LANSDOWNE'S RESOLUTION ADOPTED. Received 1, 12.30 a.m. London, March 31. Lord Lansdowne's resolution in favor of an address to the King was unanimously adopted. Lord Lansdowne explained, that a reformed House of Lords might consist of an element chosen by their lordships; a second element nominated; and a third popularly elected, the scheme altogether ensuring a better balancing of parties. Lord Morley said assent to the introduction of the resolution did not affect tlie Government's future freedom of action. A MEMBER FIXED. _____ London, March 30.'' Mr. niingworth, member for Shipley, who is the Government whip, has been mulcted in £SO damages in connection with the alteration-of a Unionist poster at Shipley depicting poverty and misery, the title of "Free Trade" having been altered to "Tariff Reform."

A VOID ELECTION. London, March ?0. The election of Mr. Matthias 'Mberal) for Cheltenham has been dec'.:', red void. THE LICENSING BILL. Received 31, 10.40 p.m. London, March 31. The Premier (Mr. H. H. Asquith) gave a sympathetic reply to a temperance deputation, and said that when the question of the veto was settled the Licensing Bill of 1908 would be reintroduced. It would not necessarily be identical therewith, but would be as comprehensive and as far-reaching.