BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 December 1915, Page 5

BRITAIN.

THE LIFE OF PARLIAMENT,

PROLONGATION CRITICISED. NEW ELECTION A NATIONAL CALAMITY. Received Dec. 15, 5.15 p.m, London, Dec. 14. In the House of Commons, Mr. W. L. Cowan (Labor) moved the rejection of the Bill extending the life of Parliament. The Government had not shown by their conduct of the war that they were worthy to continue in the confidence of the country. They had failed both in diplomacy and in war operations.

Mr. Bonar Law said that if the coalition was to continue an attempt should "be made to carry on the war with a united people. That was a clear case for a compromise, and the compromise, such as it was, of extending the life of Parliament, was the Government's own proposal. He thought the Unionists should be proud of the part they had played since the war began, and he that no one in the future would say that the party had sacrificed the nation's interests for party ends. If hn found that his party had lost confidence in him as a member of the Government he would instantly leave the CabiI net.

Mr. E. G. Hemmerde (Labor) said that the Government had done extremely well in difficult circumstances. Small talkative groups below the gangway did not represent the views of the Liberals. Mr. Asquitli said that when the appropriate time came he would be prepared to join issue with the critics, but at present such a course would be detrimental to the country's interests and the prosecution of the war. He and his colleagues did not desire to shroud themselves with a veil of secrecy, but, would like nothing better than to take the full House into full confidence. They sat still under implications that could easily be reported as "blown into the nir," not because their case was weak, but because of self-restraint and reticence, as a bounden duty as trustees of the national interests. An election in January would be a national calamity. The Bill was read a second time.

GOVERNMENT ATTACKED. A LOFTY SPEECH. London, Dec. 15. Mr. Bonar Law said he had not forgotten party interests, and when the time came he would do his utmost to prevent the Plural Voting Bill passing, "I can conceive that circumstances might arise which would necessitate our leaving the Government, but our party could not make a greater mistake than quarrel now ov«r this issue." Mr. Ronald McNeill (Unionist) said that Mr. Asquitli had exploited Mr. Bonar Law's patriotism, and it was now mean and despicable to triumph. He proceeded to hotly attack the Government, but the Speaker intervened. Mr. McNeill said the House ought to move a vote of censure on Mr. Asquith. Mr. John Dillon paid a warm tribute to Mr. Bonar Law, and said he had not thought him capable of such a lofty speech.

SALARIES OF MEMBERS. RECRUITING RETURNS. London, Dec. 14. In the House of Commons Mr. Asquith, replying to Mr. Cowan, opposed a suggestion to reduce by 25 per cent, the salaries of members of the House of Commons and public servants receiving upwards of £3OO per annum. Such incomes, he said, were taxed like every class of the community. He added, in reply to further remarks: "I take my salary and I mean to continue to take it."

At the recruiting conference in Downing Street general satisfaction was expressed at the figures submitted by Lord Derby, which were substantially better than expected. They are reserved for Mr. Asquith's forthcoming speech.

ARMY VOTE POSTPONED. EAST AiPRIOAX OPERATIONS. London, Dec. 14. In the House of Commons the Army vote was postponed for a week, awaiting details of the results of Lord Derby's scheme. Mr. Tennant stated that 32,274 civilians and 13,476 naval and military enemy aliens were interned in Britain. He announced that General SinithDorien had been appointed to the supreme control of the East African operations.

PROTEST FROM POLITICIANS. London, Dec. 14. Sixty Unionist members of Parliament met and objected to a year's extension of Parliament as over long, and condemned the preservation of the Plural Voting Bill and the Parliamentary Registration Bill, which were certain to be opposed. SIR C. H. REID. ENTERTAINED BY IMPERIALISTS. Received Dec. 15, 5.5 p.m. London, December 14. As the first of a. series of farewell banquets, Hon. T. Mackenzie (New Zealand), Hon. G. H. Perley (Canada), and Hon. H. R. Schreiner (South Africa) gave Sir G. H. Reid a private dinner, to mjrk the cordial relations that have prevailed among the High Commissioners. The occasion offered an opportunity for prominent Imperialists to express appreciation of Sir G. H. Reid's services to Australia and the Empire. The guests included Mr. Asquith, Lord Kitchener, Lord Bryce, Lord Crewe, Lord Milner, Baron Reading, Baron Buekmaster, Baron D'Abernon, Mr. Harcourt, Mr. Bonar Law, Mr. A. Chamberlain, Mr. Steel Maitland, and the Lord Mayor. DECORATED BY THE KING. Received Dec. 15, 8.5 p.m. London, Dec. 14. The King has conferred on Sir G. H. Reid the Grand Cross of the Order of