IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1858, 26 February 1889, Page 1

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

London, February 21. A forecast of the speech from the Throne on the occasion of the opening of Parliament, says that a largo extension of the defences of the empire is necessary, owing to the great increase ot foreign armaments. The relations with foreign countries have been uniformly friendly. The colonies and India ore stated to be in a prosperous condition. A local government measure for Scotland is promised, and it is probable that subsidiary measures dealing; with local government in England will be introduced. The condition of Ireland has improyed, and its prosperity is increasing. Assistance to extend railways and improve drainage is promised. Parliament will be asked to‘ratify tbe Sugar Convention, and propositions will be laid before it by the Chancellor of the Exchequer for improving gold coinage. England consented to the proposed Conference on Samoan affairs at Berlin. Although foreign relations were friendly, it was not right to assnme that such conditions were secure from tha possibility of a change. February 21. Parliament was form a! 'y opined today. In the Honso of Commons, the Right Hon. John Moriey gave notice of an amendment to the Addruss-in- Reply, to the effect that the harsh, oppressive, and unjust government in Ireland was viewed with aversion by the people of Great Britain, and urging (hat conciiatory measures should bo adopted by the Government for that country, Mr Gladstone in the course of his speech adverted to the danger of largely increasing the Army and Navy, The debate was adjourned. In the House of Lords tho Address-in-Reply was adopted. Lord Salisbury, in making reference to Samoan affairs, said that the proposed Samoan Conference to be held in Berlin, would be a renewal of the Washington Conference. The attempt to sustain a native Government in that country by a tripartite Council of Advice of coequal powers had been a failure. Referring to Irish affairs the Premier said that peace and order were steadily returning, and that agrarian outrages and boycotting had greatly decreased. February 23. Mr F. S. Hunt, member for Marylcbone West, gave notice in the House of Commons to-day ot his intention of introducing a Bill to legalise in England marriage with a deceased wife’s sister legally contracted in the colonies, February 24. In the House of Commons yesterday, Bkron de Worms replying to Mr Redmond, said that the Chinese question had not advanced in the direction of satisfactory settlement.