BRITISH POLITICS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 8 March 1912, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

THE ARMY ESTIMATES. (PRESS Association- —C'ofYHionT.i LONDON, March 7. In the House of Commons Mr. A. H. Le e stated that the Territorial force was 45,000 men and 1800 officers short of the full 'strength. Fifty-eight per cent, attended the full training and 53 per cent, failed in th e musketry course. The cost of the force was £ll a. Head afi compared with the volunteer svstem of £7. Colonel Seely, under-Secretary for War, said the Government did not base military strategy on the assumption of waning sea supremacy. He was satisfied the oversea garrison was adequate, though circumstances might'arise to make its reinforcement necessary. He was unable to withdraw the South African garrison at present. If Britain was really open to attack from highly trained Continental troops it would be necessary to have full conscription, not Lord Roberts' modified form. Our naval supremacy prevented the landing of great forces. . Mr. Bonar Law, Leader of th e Opposition, said he did not want the soldiers to think their rifle was worse than it was. He admitted that it was a grea,t improvement on the old weapon.

CIVIL SERVICE ESTIMATES. (Received March 8, 8.55 a.m.) LONDON, March 7. The "Daily Mail" states that the Civil Service estimates for the ensuing year show that insurance under the Bill will cost £2^661,000. IRISH ENVOYS AT SYDNEY. SYDNEY, Marcli 7.. The Irish envoys addressed a .large and enthusiatic meeting in the Town Hall. A large sum was collected. (Received 10.35 a.m.). SYDNEY, This Day. The Irish envoys held, an overflow meeting, which was attended by over a thousand people. The collection amounted to £1350.