THE REFERENDUM MEANS

Grey River Argus, 25 November 1910, Page 6

THE REFERENDUM MEANS

THAT WEIGHT OF GOLD MUST

W3¥*

WEARDALE SAYS COUNTRY SHOULD NOT BE ■ HUSTLED

(Reed. 10.45 p.m.) . v LONDON, Nov. 24. Mr Lloyd George, at St. Pancras asked Mr Balfour if calling himself a Democrat would explain why he and Lord Lansdowne had been placing hurdles, ditches and wire entanglements in the path of the Government, by which people must travel Thie referendum meant that : the Party which was backed -by and vested interests must ciush democracy by sheer weight of gold. For the leisured man voting • was a recreation. If it was otherwise for a workman the Liberals would have none of Lord Lansdowne's devices. They demanded equal treatment, not meiely of parties, but between idea of the method of Government m- the House of Lords. . Mr Wearsdale vigorously protestedagainst the Government's policy, as 'such momentous changes of constitution should have been fully debated by both Houses. If the Liberals had a strong case, it would .then have been reflected .throughout the country, ' and they niigiu arrive at a settlement satisfac tory to all parties. (Opposition cheers.) The country should not be hustled. He added that if Lord Crewe and his other colleagues allowed the Bill • to be regarded as an unchangeable ultimatum, they would throw thousands of electors into the ranks of the OppositionJOINT SITTING ADVOCATED. Lord Lansdowne said that the idea of a joint sitting was eminently rational and reasonable, instead of one House putting its foot down on the other and keeping it there. It was desirable that the referendum be used as wel] in case of a grave difference, as a check on legislation. Even when parties jare agreed it is sometimes essential that the country should be able to declare its voice, without the trouble and expense of an •election. One difficulty related to representation at joint sittings, but resolutions could, so be drafted as to leave that open for future consideration. "STARTLING NOVELTIES." ■ Lord Crewe described the resolution as full of startling novelties. The referendum, now the favorite child of th? Lords, would be difficult and costly. The tariff ought to be foremo ••? in the referendum but -seemed if only liberal measures were to be subject thereto.