CURRENT TOPICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 218, 3 February 1913, Page 4

CURRENT TOPICS.

THE HOME RULE BILL. The Home. Rule Bill came in for some very depreciatory criticism at. the handof the House, of Lords, prior to its inevitable rejection on the .second reading, out this was anticipated when the nieasuie went forward. What people are most interested in now is what will be the late of the. Bill. Under the provisions of the. Parliament Veto Act the Rouse of Lords may reject the Home Utile Bill in three successive sessions after the measure has been passed by the House of t omntons. \fter a third rejection the (Jovei'iimcnl " v present the Bill to the King tor the Royal assent, and it will then become law in despite of the Lords. I.lns provision, however, is 'subject to the stipulation that not less than two years shall have elapsed between its first acceptance bv the House of Commons and its presentation for the Royal assent. The Lords have thus the opportunity of delaying the Bill for a corresponding period. THE OEKEXCE SCHEME. The. Prime 'Minister is literally sticking to his giins where, the Defence scheme is concerned, and lie is speaking his mind upon the subject with no uncertain voice, whilst completely ignoring the violent protests of a small body of irresponsible agitators, who are more concerned in shrieking for indefinite personal rights than they are for the defence of their hearths-ami homes. Speaking at Hastings. Mr. Massey said: "The Government of this country intends to stand by the main principles of the Defence Act. Anvoue who looks at what is going on in other parts of the world will understand the reasons for placing it on the Statute Book. T am strongly of opinion that the great majority of the people are in favour of getting the country into a position to defend itself if occasion arises." This is the attitude of a strong politician and Mr. Massey deserves every credit for liis outspoken utterances.

THE FTXAXCTAL POSITION 1 . Speaking to a Southland News reporter on the views on the financial position expressed by Mr. Massey at Rotcrua, Mr. J. A. ITanan, M.P., said the Prime Minister was endeavoring to make an opportunity to discredit the previous Government when lie declared that his Ministry had inherited difficulties The C 400,000 referred to by Mr. Massey, said Mr. llanan, is for four years ahead. As .£150,000 would lie sufficient up to March 31. why not temporarily borrow the amount from other branches —:is lias always been done —and keep faith with local bodies? The authority to borrow at present exceeds £BOO,OOO, and on April 1 it will be £1.800,001). "'lf our credit is so good," added Mr. llanan, ''it is only natural to ask why we should refrain from borrowing and allowing ne-\ cessary- ptthlio . works to be'proceeded with. Mr. Massey is apparently desperately anxious for an opportunity to place bis predecessors in a false position in the eyes of local bodies and people."