IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2547, 26 August 1893, Page 1

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London, August 22. In the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain contended that only one quarter of the Home Rule Hill had been discussed.

Mr Hogan gave notice to bring in a Bill amending the Postage Act, and fixing the rate at M for Australian papers with offices in London.

August 23. The amendment, prohibiting the Irish Parliament suspending the Habeas Corpus A.ct, or passing a Bill of attainder, was rejected by a majority of 14. Another amendment, designed to protect absentee Irish landlords from differential taxation, was also rejected. During the debate, Mr Morloy, Chief Secretary for Ireland, dwelt on the policy

of taxing absentees recently adopted in New Zealand,

Mr Gladstone said that the principle was not unsound, and that they must permit the Irish to decide for themselves how to deal with a gigantic evil which had afflicted the country for a hundred and fifty years. The division on the third readiilg of the Home Rule Bill will be taken on September Ist, and the debate in the House of Lords will begin on September 11th.

August 24

Sir H. James’s amendment making it compulsory for the Irish legislature to meet once a year was accepted. During the debate, the Speaker ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to eject an occupant .from the distinguished strangers’ gallery for applauding. ; Mr Parker Smith moved an amendment that the Viceroy of Ireland should summon and prorogue the Irish legislature instead of the Government doing so, : Mr Morley said that this would rob the Executive of an important power. The Premier said that the colonies possessed this privilege. Mr Balfour retorted that the example of the colonies was quoted only when it suited.

: A meeting of the Australian party in the House of Commons was held to-day at which fifteen were present. Sir J. Gorst presided. It was decided to urge the Government to endeavour to stop the transportation of convicts to. New Caledonia ; to take steps to prevent foreigners dominating Samoa; to promote the Pacific cable; and support Huddart Parker’s Canadian steam line. Sir Charles Dilke, addressing the meeting, urged them do unite with the Canadians and Africans. It was decided to include in the party all members of the House connected with the autonomous colonies, and call it the Colonial Party. Mr J. Curran, member for Sligo, and formerly of: Sydney, urged that the party should give its aid to the programme of the party which is agitating for the separation of North Queensland. Mr Hogan was appointed secretary.