HOME RULE BILL.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume II, Issue 102, 15 April 1912, Page 5

HOME RULE BILL.

COMMENTS AND CRITICISMS. “NEITHER BOLD NOR GENEROUS.” [ PRESS ASSOCIATION COPYRIGHT. ] London, April 14. The absence of reference to general devolution in the preamble of the bill is commented on, as such was understood to be included a fewweeks ago. Many Liberals are prepared to accept the bill as a beginning of a federal scheme, but consider that giving power to vary Customs and excise duties is an obstacle to feder alism. If England, Scotland and Wales are similarly invested it would create hopeless confusion. Few Nationalists share the “Freeman’s Journal’s” opinion. The average view is that the bill is neither bold nor generous. Disappointment is expressed at the refusal of fiscal autonomy. The Nationalists intend to attempt in committee to secure power to deal with the Lands Purchase Act. They believe they will be able to arrange this with the Government. Mr. Keir- Hardie, speaking at Ban>ury, declared that the Government was growing stale. It was doubtful if it would last the two years necessary to carry Home Rule. Mr. O'Brien is calling a convention at Cork of the districts in sympathy with his policy to consider the bill. SOUTH AFRICAN OPINION. (Received 15, 8.40 a.m.) Capetown, April 14. Views of the Heme Rule Bill arc conflicting. The “Cape Argus” says the financial part of the Bill is weak. The “Cape Times” fears the disintegrating effects of the measure. The “South African News” approves the Bill, but thinks the safeguards for Ulstciy are excessive. The “Rand Daily Mail” and “Leader” supports the Bill, but the “Star” opposes it. Newspapers at Durban oppose the bill, but those at Maritzburg support it. The “Bloemfontein Friend” unreservedly commends the Bill. HUSH ENVOYS PLEASED. (Received 15, 8.5 a.m.) The Irish envoys .Messrs Redmond junr., and Donovan, are delighted with the Home Rule Bill. Mr. Redaiond says it will pas the House of Commons and be rejected by the Lords, but under the Veto Act the Lords cannot delay the passage for more than two years. DELIGHTED WITH THE BILL. The Right Rev. Dr. Kelly, Bishop of Ross, declared that those who have been demanding Gladstonian 3cme Rule as the high mark of self government must be delighted with the Bill which excels former measures in every respect. It restores :he ancient Parliament with a fur-, 'her valuable improvement in the Executive thereto. Mr. T. O’Connor, in a speech at an Irish League gathering, said the mpr nents of the Bid seized one particular point, namely the constitution of the Senate. If that was the only issue the Nationalists were open to deal with the matter. A (JHEAT MANY FLAWS. The newspaper “The Irish Independent.’.’ while accepted Is brand principles, finds in the bill ninny great, flaws and in perfections leauiriiig drastic amendment.