BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7956, 5 February 1906, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

MR BALFOUR LIKELY TO BE OPPOSED, Received February 4, 4.39 p.m. LONDON, February 3. The Daily News says that there is a stronu prospect of the Liberals contesting the City of London seat against Mr A. J. Balfour. (The City seat referred to was rendered vacant by the resignation of tho Hon A. H. Oibbs (Conservative), who resigned in Mr Balfour's favour wheu the latter was recently defeated in the contest for the.Manchester seat). MESSRS BALFOUR AND CIIAM- , BEELAIN. Received February 4, 4.39 p.m. LONDON, February 3. Messrs Balfour and Chamberlain dined together and 'discussed the Unionist Party's future. MR CHAMBERLAIN'S PROPOSAL ■ I MORE CRITICISMS. Received Fobruary 4, 4.39 p.m. LONDON, Februarys. The Standard says that the Right Hons. Asquith aud Morley, addressing a meGting in ton Town Hall, declared that Mr Chamberlain's pro-' posal sought to create a new bond of Imperial uniou, consisting of a network of fiscal cohwebs, while the Liberal idea implied self-govern-ment, self-devolooment in fiscal matters and in all other matters. TARIFF REFORMERS AND BALFOURITES. HEATED DISCUSSIONS. Received February 5, 12.47 a.m. LONDOiN, February 4. There is evidence of extreme tension between the Tariff Reformers and Balfourites as the outcome of the uncertainty as to the relative strength of the parties in the Houses of Lords and Commons. Throughout the country there are heated discussions in the daily and weekly newspapers concerning the leadership. The Chamberlainites are threatening to decline party whips. Mr W. H. Long is suggested as a possible leader. WILL MR BALFOUR ADVANCE? Received February 4,"4.39 p.m. LONDON, February 3. The Standard says that if Mr Balfour accepts the general tariff as part of the Unionist polioy, it is possible to re-unite the party on a constructive basis of harmony, but it depends upon Mr Balfour's willingness to advance. THE HOUSE OF LORDS. A THIRD PARTY. Received February 3, 8.48 a.m. LONDON, February 2. The Duke of Devonshire proposes to form a third party in the House of Lords, consisting of Unionist peers favouring Freetrade. (The Duke of Devonshire, it will be remembered, resigned office and his position as leader of the House of Peers in consequence of the developments arising out of Mr Chamberlain's fiscal proposals and his devotion to the principles of Freetrade).