LORD LANSDOWNE'S BILL.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10235, 11 May 1911, Page 7

LORD LANSDOWNE'S BILL.

THE MEASURE CRITICISED

OPINIONS OF THE PRESS

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.

(Received May 10. 5.5 a.m.)

LONDON, May 9

' Lord Morley, in his speech, stated that Lord Lansdowne's Bill was no alternative to tho Parliament Bill. Nothing must obstruct tho latter. He protested against tho idea of creating a now body until they had settled within what limits it should work. The Government's plans had been fully before tho electors. The policy has withdrawn an absolute veto from the Lords, whether reformed or unreformed. The Government would proceed with the Parliament Bill till tho Statute Book gave security to the supremacy of the Commons, unimpaired and unimpairable. Lord Lansdowne's proposals were inadequate, illusory in many respects and did what was unnecessary—destroyed tho House of Lords. The Bill was unlikely to advance the question, -and the Gove: - ment can commit themselves to no approval of any portion thereof as yet. Lord Lansdowne, in the course of his speech, said that he calculated that his schcrao would leav-j the Unionists an apparent majority of eighteen, which was subject to fluctuations, and might disappear altogether. The press generally is surprised at the far-reaching character of Lp-;.-downe's proposals. The Unionists hope the Government will accept the Bill as a basis of compromise. The Morning Post says the proposals are suicidal, and tho outcome of

panic. The Westminster Gazette estimates the Conservative majority at 32 under Lord Lansdowne's schema

The Times says that yesterday will remain a remarkable date in the history of mr political evolution. The constitutional question enters on a new phase wherein the stubborn reticenco of the Government must giveplace to definite proposals.