LORDS AND COMMONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 35, 11 February 1892, Page 3

LORDS AND COMMONS.

OPENING OF THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

February 10. The ceremony of the opening of Par liament was of an unusually sombre character, everybody appearing in deep black. In the House of Commons Mr Lowther moved an amendment to the Address-in-Reply urging the Government to terminate treaties which prevent differential treatment of ihe colonies by England. He argued that if some change were not made the colonies would" be tempted to act by themselves. Mr Howard Vincent seconded the amendment. Sir M. Hicks-Beach in reply said the Government was better able to take a broad view of the commercial relations of the Empire than any of the colonies. They would go a Ions; way to secure a Zollverein embracing England and her colonies, but such an amendment at the present juncture was injurious. When a favourable opportunity offered, they would try and get the treaties revised, but the occasion was not opportune. The amendment was negatived without a division. Sir W. V. Harcourt said the Opposition Vi'ould support a genuine and honest measure of local government for Ireland. The debate on the Address-in-Reply was adjourned. It is probable an amendment to the Address-in-Reply will be moved in favour of the disendowrnent of the Welsh Church. Notice was given of the introduction of a Female Franchise Bill and an Eight Hours Bill. Mr Balfour gave notice to call upon Mr De Cobain, member for Belfast, to attend in his place within a fortnight. Lord R. Churchill expressed himself in favour of an eight hours' limit for work in mines, and of labour members in the House. Mr Redmond gave notice today to iTJOve for an amnesty to political prisoners. In the House of Lords, Lord Lamington urged a close federation with the colonies. Lord Salisbury, replying to a speech by Lord Kimberley, declared that England would never surrender Egypt to the supremacy of another Power, or leave it to destruction by itself. He alleged that the Newfoundland dispute was due to the colonists themselves. 1 he Address-in-Reply was agreed to in the House of Lords. LATER. Both Houses of Parliament passed a vote of condolence on the Duke of Clarence's death. Sir W. V. Harcourt during the debate on the Address-in-Reply said Lord Salisbury's speech at Exeter Hall showed how Ireland would be governed by the Orange mob. Mr Balfour defended the Premier. Mr Curzon, Political Secretary for India, announced that the Government of India intended to take measures to curtail the opium traffic. -