IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXX, Issue 10215, 8 December 1893, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

TEMPERANCE LEGISLATION. fSPECIAIi TO PSE3B A&SOCIATiOK.I LONDON, Dec. 6. In the House of Commons Mr Edward T. Gourley, member for Sunderland, asked a question as to the soundness of the defences at Gibraltar, and declared that they were not equal to those at Toulon. The Hon Henry Campbell Bannerman, Secretary of State for the War Department, declined to answer tlie question, explaining that to publish matter in connection with defences would cause public mischief. A deputation consisting of medical gentlemen, several members of society and clergymen, waited upon, the Home Secretary, urging that as the punishment of hs.d failed to remove the evil, legislation be enacted for the compulsory detention, of drunkards during recovery. Mr Asquith replied that a Bill dealing with, the question was in course of preparation. He deprecated compulsory detention except in the cases of habitual inebriates. Sir Wilfred Lawson and other members of the House of Commons demand that the Local Yefco Bill shall extend over the entire kingdom. Sir Charles Russell and Sir R. E. Webster have been created. Knights Grand Cross for their services in connection with the Behring Sea Commission. EONGEONG, Dec. 6. The Chinese Government expresses satisfaction at the, agreement between Sir Mortimer D ernnd, British Commissioner, and the Ameer of Afghanistan respecting hhe Oxus frontier.