HOME POLITICS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13868, 30 September 1908, Page 7

HOME POLITICS.

THE LICENSING BILL. A HUGE DEMONSTRATION. By Telegraph.— Association.— London, September 28. A quarter of a million people took part in a demonstration on Sunday in Hyde Park against the Licensing Bill. Seventy thousand excursionists came in 'by 170 special trains, from all parts of the Kingdom, to participate in the demonstration. Fifteen processions, including 100 bands, marched to the park, carrying banners. Ninety speakers, including Mr. Henniker Heaton, Mr. H. H. Marks, and Mr. Stavely Hill, members of the House of Commons, addressed the crowd from 20 platforms, denouncing the Bill. Resolutions were carried amid tremendous applause, protesting that the Bill would increase intemper- | ance, violate the rights of property, and interfere with the reasonable ! liberty of the community. The brewing interest secured excursionists excessively cheap fares, by guaranteeing the railway companies against less. The Times says that the demonstration is a remarkable example of skilful organisation, but the great majority protested with perfect seriousness. '"■•' ."' '■' *". '•'' The Daily News says that the processionists were chiefly free-trippers and poor hireling victims, to drink. Last month at the same place a demonstration in support of the Bill was hold,' the attendance numbering 100,000. 'To lend interest to the proceedings, 100 bands were engaged, and scores of banners were borne by bodies supporting the measure. Mr. Winston Churchill represented the Government at the demonstration, which, he claimed, proved that the Bill was supported by the great mass of the people. Proceeding, ho said that every moral and social cause,' the prosperity of every trade, was involved in the victory of the temperance movement. They must speak their minds as to wh6 was going to rule the land, so that when . the Bill went to the House of Lords it would bo known that the people were behind it. They were told that the licensed Jtrade had it. in its power to wreck and ruin the Go-, vernment. ' They had told the Government that they would give no. quarter. Who ever asked for quarter? He said to their "ruined" friends, who were gathered together in deep consideration round 'the flowing bowl, drinking -the health of the-House of Lords, let them remember that Budgets 'were beyond the control of the Houso of Lords, and that if the licensed trade refused the just and considerate provisions = of- that great temperance measure they might easily find they had leaped from the frying-pan, into the fire. ' • -. , NEWCASTLE BY-ELECTION. LIBERALS AND SOCIALISTS. /; London, September 28. v Owing to Socialist intervention at the Newcastle ' by-election, " where Mr. .Hartley, the Socialist candidate, split the Liberal vote, polling 2971 votes, Mr. C. ' E. H. " Hobhouse, the chief Liberal Whip, threatens a policy of retaliation. ■ • (Received September 29, 11.45 p.m.) ;, London, September 29. The Times states .that the*silence of the official Nationalist organs on the Newcastle by-election, and Mr. Dillon's latest remarks on Mr. Asquith's prohibition of the Eucharistic procession, are .■ interpreted to mean that the whole ;;incident has given the leaders acute discomfort as a result of the Catholic pressure at the election, and that they are anxious to let the whole ! matter drop, Mr. Asquith sharing in the desire. '• '•■ • - NEXT GENERAL ELECTION. (Received September 29, 11.25 p.m.) - ■ London, September 29. Sir Edward., Strachey ; (Liberal member for Somerset South), speaking at Midsomer Norton, in his constituency, said: that it would be three .years before a general election was forced on the country.