IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 179, 16 December 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

; THE TARIFF REFORMERS. SOME PERTINENT POINTS. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 15, 5.5 p.m. London, December 14. Sir John Simon, speaking at Leyton, criticising Lord Lansaowne's Albert Hail speech, asked whether the tariff reformers intended to tax colonial articles of food. Sir E. Carson had declared "yes." Mr. Bonar Law had more than once asserted that colonials would be better treated than foreigners. Everybody was thrilled by the Dominions' contributions to the navy. "Is it," be added, "the Unionist policy to tax colonial producers, causing a grievance to the British «onsumer by increasing food prices, and a grievance to the colonial producer who is denied free access to the .Motherland's markets?" SPEECH BY LORD LANSDOWNK. Received 15, 5.5 p.m. London, December 14. Addressing the Nineteen Hundred Club Lord Lansdowne said that the only legislation that had any chance, of success Mas that introduced for the securing of votes. This led to extravagance, which would soon make a normal expenditure of £200,000,000. A little care would make Irish pensions less comprehensive and less costly. When insurance was dangled before the country it was promised that it would not cost the country a farthing. Next year's cost would be £700,000, an in another year £1,500,000, to secure the doctors' cooperation. The Chancellor once said that the Cabinet had a financial conscience, but it had become the prodigal •on of the family. THE WELSH CHURCH BILL. London, December 13. Mr. France moved to abolish tithes and leave the Welsh Church all other funds. Mr. Gladstone supported this suggestion, as a compromise, to settle the strife. Mr. McKenna said that lie did not believe that the Opposition would accept it in that, spirit. If the amendment was accepted he would drop the Bill. Mr. Lyttelton frankly admitted that ♦he amendment was not acceptable. Mr. France's amendment was defeated by 265 votes to "215, amid Opposition eries of "Saved by the Irish vote!" Ten Liberals voted for the amendment, and many abstained from voting. Seventy-three Irish and 25 Laborites supported the Government. THE HOME RULE BILL. COMMITTEE STAGES. London, December 13. In the committee stage of the Home Rule Bill 212 lines have been discussed and 030 undiscussed;- 05 amendments liave been discussed and 088 undiscussed. The schedule has not been discussed. THE INSURANCE ACT. London. December 13. The district ballot of doctors on the Insurance Act so far shows a majority of five to one against the Act.