IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXI, Issue 15257, 18 March 1910, Page 7

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

REFORM OF THE HOUSE OF

LORDS.' DEBATE ON LORD ROSEBERY’S MOTION. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, March IG. The Primate, in supporting Lord Rosebery’s motion, declared that tho Government’s proposal was a sweeping departure from immemorial usage, and was unjustified. He urged a commonsense readjustment. The Marquis of Salisbury supported the motion, adding that there must bo a process of selection, giving some personal guarantee of tho fitness of a peer for tho legislative function. Lord Newton said that ho was now in favour of Lord Rosobefy’s view. The House would liavo to bo elected to some extent by a constituency outside tho peers themselves. THE REVENUE SHORTAGE. LONDON, March 16. A Treasury return shows that the revenue receipts for tho financial year to dato have been £123,786,000, compared with £139,383,000 for the corresponding period of 1909, leaving £39,054,000 to be collected in a fortnight if the Treasurer’s estimates are to be fulfilled. EARLY GENERAL ELECTION EXPECTED. LONDON, March 17. Mr Redmond, speaking at Newcastle, said ho was perfectly sure that there yould bo a general election in a few weeks. THE MID-GLAMORGAN SEAT. LONDON, March 17. In selecting Mr Gibbins, magistrate, as a candidate, the Liberals of MidGlamorgan bitterly protested against the Master of Elibank advising them not to oppose the Labour Party. The Master of Elibank replied that tho South Wales Miners’ Federation had repeatedly resolved to abstain while Messrs Thomas and Evans adhered to tho general political programme of tho Federation, but whenever a vacancy occurred to contest tho seat against allcomers. DEBATE ON LORD ROSEBERY’S MOTION. THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN OF REFORM. (Received March 17, 11.20 p.m.) LONDON, March 17. Lord Curzon emphasised the feeling of respect with which the House of Lords was viewed in tho colonies as a benign Houso where the colonies’ case was stated with experience, regarded sympathetically and judged with authority. How much more was this the case in an ancient, aristocratic country like India, throughout which the House of Lords was regarded with enormous veneration and respect. He added that one-fourth of the House sat as tho result of their own honourable exertions. Ho had no sympathy with a popularlyelected second chamber, but favoured rooting tho House deeper in the democracy. Lord Burghclero, in supporting Lord Rosebery’s resolution, advocated limiting the veto. Lord Cromer said that the House of Lords should retain its powers intact. Lord Halsbury severely criticised Lord Rosebery’s resolutions, but said ho was willing that they should go to a committee.

Tlie Earl of Crewe and the Marquis of Lansdowne will continue tlie debate to-day.

It is understood that the House of Lords will take tho resolutions in committeo next week, adopt tho first two and consider the third aftor Easter.

Tho parliamentary correspondent of tho “Times” says that the Ministry is in favour of a second chamber of 150. The method of electing tho senators is still under discussion. The present intention is that half tho Senate should bo elected for eight years and half for four.