IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 254, 26 April 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE WELSH DISESTABLISHMENT BILL. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright London, April 24. Introducing the Welsh Disestablishment Bill in the House of Commons, Mr. McKenna said that the Bill was similar to that of 1909. The present income of the church from endowments was £200,000, and in future it would have a minimum of 087,000 a year. Existing incumbents would continue to receive their stipends. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners and the Governors of Queen Anne Bounty wc.ild also be permitted to contribute from England sources sufficient to make the income of the Welsh Church £IBO,OOO a year, including life interests valued at £82,000. The church would retain the cathedrals, churches and parsonages. Welsh commissioners would be appointed to distribute the church property, of which £26,700 would bo given to* the University of Wales and £175,000 to county councils in districts where tithes were levied. Mr. Lyttelton said the church was still the largest denomina ; on in Wales. The Government was dealing a deadly blow at Christianity. The Bill violated the principle of religious toleration. Sir D. B. Jones approved the Bill. The debate was adjourned. THE LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME. London, April 24. Mr. Lloyd-George announced that the second reading of the Home Rule Bill would commence on Tuesday, and extend over six Parliamentary days. The Welsh Disestablishment Bill would be read a second time on May 13.