IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9987, 16 March 1893, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

COST OF EVICTIONS. INDIAN ITEMS. [Special to Press Absociation.j LONDON, March 14. The Times recommends the Colonies to postpone the question of Imperial defence. Mr J. Morley, Chief Secretary for Ireland, replying to a question in the House of Commons, said evictions cost £45,000 annually, and the land was left desolate. Surely it would be better to accept the proposals of the Commission and purchase the estates. Viscount Gormansfcon, Governor of British Guiana, has been appointed to succeed Sir R. G. Hamilton as Governor of Tasmania. Mr Gladstone’s health is improving. Mrs Gladstone has arrived in London, she having been sent for when her husband tool: ill. Sir W. V. Harcourfc says the Government will decline to move the rejection of the Channel Tunnel Bill. The Marquis of Ripon intends to ask the Governors of the various Australian Colonies to furnish reports on the liquor law. Irish securities are rising, owing to the Home Rule Bill being postponed, The Marquis of Salisbury is unwell and ia confined to his room. Several officers of each garrison in Ireland have been sworn in as Magistrates in order that they may take immediate action in the event of Homo Rule riots, without first calling on the local Justices. Maeoh 15. Leading Irish Catholic laymen, including the Earl of Ken mare. Lord Louth, the Earl of Fingall, Daniel O’Connell (grandson of the Liberator), Grattan and Lord Bel lew invite the Catholics to petition against Home Rule. CALCUTTA, Maech 14. The Ameer of Afghanistan has declined to meet the Viceroy of India at a conference, although he says he regards England aa his best friend, and will be willing to co-operate to maintain the integrity of the Northwestern frontier. The hill tribesmen attacked Fort Cirilas, near Gilgit, but were repulsed with the loss of two hundred. One British officer and twenty men were killed and thirty wounded.