BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8101, 22 March 1906, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE COLONIAL CONFERENCE. MATTERS OP IMPERIAL INTEREST. Received March 21, 8.29 a.m. LONDON, March 20. In the House of Commons, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, the Prime Minister, stated that the Colonial Conference would be open todisoussany matter of Imperial interest. Asked if fiscal arrangements would be regarded as matters of Imperial interest, the Premier replied that it depended upon what wsb included in the expression "fiscal arrangements."

MR CHURCHILL CRITICISED. "GUILTY OF VERY BLUNDERING STATESMANSHIP." Reoeived Maroh 21, 9.30 p.m. LONDON, Maroh 21. Mr Ramsay Maodonald, in a letter to the press, says that unless the Cabinet "muzzle" Mr Winston Churchill, they will involve themselves in a disastrous oonfliot with the Colonies. Mr Ohurohill ebtained office far too soon, and spoke like an irresponsible person. He had been euilty of very blundering statesmanship. The Government ought to appoint a Commission to enquire into the mining conditions of South Africa, and make no obange in the political conditions of the country until the Commission made its report. MEALS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN. Received Maroh 21, 8.30 a.m. LONDON, Maroh 20. Mr Augustine Birrell, President of the Board of Eduoation, in reply to a question, said a penny free meal for school children would impose 3>.<d in the £ on the London rates. THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Received Maroh 21, 9.5 p.m. LONDON, Maroh 21. The Committee, appointed by the House of Commons to deal with the questions of free meals for scholars, resolved that the official reports on the physical deterioration of children show that it is unnecessary to oall evidence to prove the need of providing for scholars suffering from malnutrition and Inok of food. The Committee throw the responsibility upun the local educational rates.