BRITISH POLITICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8366, 23 February 1907, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE TIMES COMPLAINS. Received February 22, 7.50 a.m. LONDON .February 21.

The Times complains that Mr Balfour, by merely negatively declaring himself opposed to high protective duties on foodstuffs, and by not speaking clearly in relation to preference, exposed himself to the raillery of his opponents. .. CAST OUT BY HIS PARTY. Received February 22, 8.16 a.m. LONDON, February 21. Owing to his attack on Mr Balfour, Mr Rowland Hunt, member for the Ludlow Division of Shropshire, has been omittad from the official list of Unionist members. A MINISTER IN DENIAL. Received February 22, 7.50 a.m. LONDON, February 21. Mr Lloyd-George, speaking on Mr Hills' amendment, denied that the colonies need any preference. MR DEAKIN'S ATTITUDE. Received February 22, 9.14 a.m. MELBOURNE, February 22. Speaking in the Federal House of Representatives with reference to the Colonial Conference, the Premier, Mr Deakin, indicated that he would advocate preference, and that Britain should give as well as receive under preference.

A COLONIAL CRITIC. / Received February 22, 9.14 a.m. LONDON, February 21. At a dinner given by the United Empire Club, Sir H. Tozer (AgentGeneral for Queensland) regretted that the Government had decided to close the door against discussion, at the Imperial Conference, of one of the most important questions affecting the mutual interests of Britain and the colonies. He declared] that the colonies were anxious to share the responsibilities of the Empire. It was absurd to suppose that the giving of some preference to the colonies would necessitate the imposition of undue burdens on the British working classes. ADDRESS-IN-REPLY AGREED TO. Received February 22, 7.50 a.m. LONDON, February 21. Mr Will Thome, Labour member for West Ham, moved, an amendment to the Address-in-Reply regretting that the question of unemployment was not mentioned. The amendment was .rejected by 207 to 47.' ■"'■"'.;' " ~■ Mr John Burns, President of the Local Government Board, protested against any attempt to add a link to the pauperising chain. The Address-in-Reply was then agreed to. A LIBERAL FOLLOWS MR BRYCE. Received February 22, 8.16 a.m. LONDON, February 21. . The by-election for South Aberdeen to fill the vacancy caused by. the appointment of the Right Hon. James Bryce as Ambassador to America resulted: — Mr Estemont, Liberal ... .3,779 Mr M'Neil, Unionist ... 3,412 Mr Bramley, Labour ... 1,740 (Mr Bryce's majority at. the general elections was 4,444, but then there were only two candidates!)

WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE,

Received February 22, 8.55 a.m. > L'ONDON, February 21.

In the House of Commons, Sir Charles Dilke, Liberal member for the Forest of Dean, introduced a Bill providing for a single franchise at elections for men and women of full age, whether single or married. The Bill also provides that there shall be no disqualification as to sex or marriage when voting for members of Parliament, or in connection with any public function.