ENGLISH POLITICAL NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 265, 9 November 1888, Page 3

ENGLISH POLITICAL NEWS.

MR GLADSTONE AND IRISH

AFFAIRS,

THE QUEEN'S ECONOMY,

London, November 8.

Mr Gladstone's meeting in Bingley Hall was attended by 19,000 people. He spoke for two hours, his speech being confined to Irish matters. The meeting was most enthusiastic, and the excitement was unprecedented in Birmingham. Mr Gladstone said tbe Government, aided by cruel and insidious laws, had entrapped many offenders, while they themselves showed unblushing and unscrupulous contempt for law. He fieicely denounced the Crimes Act. Referring to labour representation in Parliament he said it was inadequate and he advocated the payment of members. Mrs Gladstone was presented with an address of welcome, signed by 20,000 women. Mrs Gladstone made a lengthy and eloquent reply. The meeting ot the Liberal Federa-1 lion League at Birmingham yesterday was attended by 3,000 persons, when resolutions in favour of Home Rule for Ireland were adopted. It was also resolved to advocate single voting, and agitate in favour of all elections for Parliament taking place simultaneously. The shortening of the session of Parliament was favourably commen'ed upon.

At tbe Women's Federation League a resolution, claiming female franchise, was carried. Lady Aberdeen and Lady Sandhurst supported the proposal.

The Select Committee of the House of Commons appointed to inquire into the alleged irregularities in the Metropolitan Board of Works censures Messrs J. C. Saunders (City of London), and F. H. Fowler (Lambeth), and exonerates the other members of the Board. The report adds that the laxity displayed in the management permitted the misconduct to be carried on.

In the House of Commons Mr Gladstone is resisting the extension of Lord Asbbourne's Act, which provides for the Government advancing money to enable tenants to purchase estates.

Enormous economy is being exercised in the Queen's household, and the Royal Hunt has been abolished. "Truth" says that the sum saved is to be devoted to making provision for Her Majesty's grandchildren.