BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 7964, 15 February 1906, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

SPEECH BY MR BALFOUR. THE NEED OP RETALIATION. Receiver! February 14, 8.3 a.m. LONDON, February 13. Mr A. J. Balfour, ex-Premier, speaking at a complimentary dinner to Sir E. Clarke and the Hon Anthony Gibbs, said the City declined to regard the result" of the elections as any reason for modifying its attitude towards fiscal reform. The need for retaliation was increasing, not diminishing. He would refuse to admit that it was impossible to realise a policy of retaliation unless the general tariff were necessarily part of the scheme. His policy was designed to diminish the burden of hostile tariffs imposeci on British industries to aid in preserving neutral markets still remaining to us and to preserve in the self-governing colonies some branches of industrial enterprise where we may be allowed to compete on equal terms. TARIFF REFORMERS SOMEWHAT DISAPPOINTED. Received February 14, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, February 13. Opinions expressed by the supporters of *;ariff reform show that they are somewhat disappointed with the ex-Premier's declarations, but they accept Mr Balfour's leadership of the party. The Daily Mail says the speech is by far Mr Balfour's clearest utterance and removes all danger of dissension. MR BALFOUR'S CANDIDATURE. POSTAL SERVANTS' ASSOCIATION. THE NEW PAHAMENI. Received February 15, 12.15 a.m. LONDON, February 14. The City Liberal Association has resolved not to oppose Mr Balfour's candidature. The Postal Servants Association has been officially recognised. The new Parliament will be opened by Royal Commission. The Right Hon. J. W. Lowther has been unanimously elected as Speaker. The Labourites have taken seats below the gangway on the Opposition side, and near the Nationalists.