BRITISH POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1746, 11 May 1906, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S SPEECH.

Hi Wagraph, Pres* jUa'n, Copyßlgtn , , London, May 9. Tbo debate on tho Education Bill was p“ at£ n' -f.* IS , tho , im P r 09sion that Mr Lirroll will make tho thioo-fouttba elouso mandatory upon tho authorities instead of permissive. Jn tho Housa of Commons, spooking to i a W 0 ? 81l] ' Mr Lloyd Georgs do olarod that tho domooraoy had corno to tho conclusion that oloricalism is its enemy The old s-otarian differences bo- **““ r «‘M*»n(a had beoctno largely art ffes! It was tho State’s business to tram aud discipline tho ohildiou’s con sciences on tho basis ofUbmtian morality ano standing Couiunttoo on tho Work-

13,11 has Voided Bsjainat tho Governmom proposal to roduoa from seven to throe days tho period uriDg which an employer will nos bo liable for injury to workoioo. A transfer of tbo most important functions from tho Control Conservative Association to tho National Uuion Oonuorvv tion Association is regarded as a fresh victory for Mr Chamberlain aud tariff reformers. Mr Chamberlan, at ibo morobants' banquet, stated : Tha colonies arc our equals lesser in degree but not in quality or authority. Only by voluntary mutual agreement and goodwill can wo hopo to wold a oloser union of slrongtb iuto an ins rumen! of oommon wolfaro and common uofonco. Tho first step must bo closor commercial unioD. Other stops will follow not unnalually. Wo must almost neots sanly creato some Counoil of Umpire for tbe care of commercial interests.’ Ho quoted statistics to prove that British rivals trade had inoroased proportionately more than ours with Australasia. Eng'iaod must consider the desirability of a change of policy to moot iho now oondi tlons. Colonial statesmen had shown tho way towards a self-sustaining Empire as regards emigration and trade. Mr Taverner, responding, said sentimental ties were less lasting than commercial, Australian statistics of trade and shipping showed a satisfactory increase. The colonies were clearly helping to maintain British supremacy in trade and commerce throughout the world. Australia s production and rosonroes showed that the British investor held gilt-edged security. Australia was loyal to the backbone, and wanted to keep the money in the family and do business wish its own people.

Replying to n deputation of associated Chambers of Commerce, Me Lloyd George admitted that the preferential treatment of foreign freight by the sleamsbip companies', particularly in connection with Bhipmeots to South Africa and Australasia, was a great grievance and prime facie had tho appearance of a bounty to foreign goods. He was not afraid to legislate, but it would be necessary to enquire.