IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 9093, 2 May 1890, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

CHINA. THE LIOIiSSIUQ- BILL. [BT ELECTRIC TEL?: GRAPH. - COP YEIQU T. ] [Special to Press Association.] [Received May 1. at 12.10 p.ui.l LONDON, April 30, Sir Halliday Macartney, English Secretary to the Chinese Envoy, in the course of an interview to-day said that China insisted on being placed on an equal status with other Powers, and asserted that an agreement with Australia would have been concluded, had it not been for ten clays’ delay occasioned by Sir John Wabham, tha British Minister at Pekin. Mr S. 11. Parker had an interview with the Hon IV - . E, Gladstone with reference to the Western Australian Enabling Bill. Mr Gladstone expressed himself warmly interested in the subject, bat admitted that the question of reserving territory presented some difficulty. Ho was surprised at tho hostility which Was shown to admitting Chinese into the Colony. At present ho had go many engagements on hand that he found it impossible to actively advocate tho Bill, but he promised that lie would use all his influence in preventing the measure from being obstructed. [Received May 3, at 1.15 p.m.J Lord Salisbury has* informed Turkey that it is impossible to hasten the evacuation of Egypt. The new Licensing Bill introduced in the House of Commons by Lord Randolph Churchill, provides that two-thirds of the householders may veto the granting of a publican’s license, and it also contains provision for the registration of Clubs with a maximum fee of £2OOO. In moving the first reading, which was carried, yesterday, he suggested that the Bill be referred to a Committee, oir Wilfred Lawson eulogised the Bill, but was opposed to the clauses granting compensation those whoso licenses had been taken away.

I Ilecoivad May 1, at 10.30 p.m.l In tlie House'of Commons to-day the Deceased Wire’s Sister Bill passed its second reading by a majority of sixty-seven. Speaking during the debate Sir James Fergusson said that the agitation in Adelaide in favour of tbe Bill was entirely artifiei.d and fictitious, and was contrary to the whole religious opinion of the Colony. The Agents-Gonaral have, through the agency of Sir A. Blyth (South Australia) forwarded cablegrams to their respective Colonies, disclosing Mr Eaikes’ proposals for the reduction of the Colonial postal rates.