THE POOLED CONSCIENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 41, 17 February 1910, Page 5

THE POOLED CONSCIENCE.

AND THE PARLIAMENTARY MACHINE. INDEPENDENCE AND GRIT. (By Cable. —Press Association.—Copyright) (Received 8.5 a.m.) LONDON, February 16. Lord Rosebery, presiding at a dinner in honour of the political independence of Mr. Harold Cox, the defeated Independent candidate for Preston, made a witty speech, during which he said that under the party system each party pooled its conscience, and anyone declining to do so was expelled, as grit hindering the oily working of the machine. The silent voters whom Mr. Cox reprepresented were ineffectually represented in Parliament, because they were unorganised and indolent. He concluded by suggesting that the Free Trade and Tariff Reform issue be entrusted to a Royal Commission. LABOUR PARTY. MR. BARNES CHAIRMAN. LONDON, February 16. In view of the large increase in Unionist members of the House of Commons, the Labour party has accepted the Speaker's suggestion to sit in the front benches below the gangway on the Government side, instead of the opposite side. Mr. G. N. Barnes has been elected chairman of the Labour party for the session, Mr. J. B. Clynes vice-chairman, and Mr. G. H. Roberts Chief Whip. SUFFRAGETTE PETITION. LONDON, February 16. The Women's Freedom League has sent Mr. Asquith a petition demanding a Government declaration that women's suffrage legislation will be undertaken in the session of 1910. NATIONALIST TERMS. CONFERENCE WITH LLOYD GEORGE. LONDON, February 16. After a Cabinet meeting to-day, Mr. John Redmond, Mr. John Dillon, and Mr. T. P. O'Connor spent an hour with Air. Lloyd George at his rooms in Down-ing-street, where they had luncheon. There are indications that Mr. Asquith has arranged accommodation satisfying Mr. Redmond. The "Times'" Parliamentary correspondent says there is no reason to suppose that any concession will be made with respect to whisky duties. MR. LOWTHER'S RE-ELECTION. LONDON, February 16. The re-election of Mr. Lowther as Speaker was unanimous. The motion for his appointment was moved by Mr. Burt, the father of the House, and Mr. Henry Chaplain was the seconder. Mr. Asquith, Mr. Balfour, and Mr. Arthur Henderson (the retiring leader of the Labour party) made laudatory speeches. CHAMBERLAIN'S REAPPEAR. ANCE. A DRAMATIC SCENE. (Received 11.15 ajn.) LONDON, February 16. Mr. Joseph Chamberlain made a dramatic appearance in the House of Commons, assisted by his son (Mr. Austen Chamberlain) and Viscount Morpeth. He took his seat on the front Opposition bench, and when he took the oath was loudly cheered. The Speaker expressed the gratification of the House at his reappearance. Mr. Chamberlain acknowledged the Speaker's remarks, and withdrew. His departure for Cannes was delayed to enable him to appear in the House of Commons. TEN MILLIONS IN ARREARS. (Received LLIS un.) LONDON, February 18. The present arrears in income tax, as a result of the rejection of tbe Budget, total ten millions sterling.