LORDS AND THE VETO.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Issue 2720, 18 November 1910, Page 2

LORDS AND THE VETO.

A SERIES OF SURPRISES

REFORM BILL INTRODUCED

SUPPORT FROM THE PEERS

NO AMENDMENTS AC-

CEPTED

[By Electric Telegraph.]

London, November 16.

Several surprises marked the course of events in the political arena to-day. The first was when Lord Lansdowne invited the Government to submit the Parliament (Veto) Bill. Later it was announced that King George was coming to London from Sandringham in order to confer with Mr Asquith. The conference included Mr Asquilh and Earl Crewe (Secretary ot State for India) and leaders ot the House of Lords, and at its conclusion His Majesty returned to Sandringham. There were further surprises when the House of Lords met. Lord Lansdowne announced that the House of Lords had been ready with their solution of the Second Chamber problem. This includes reduction of membership, abolition of the hereditary princi-. pie, that the new House should consist of an adequate representation ot the best elements of the existing House, reinforced from outside. As the conference failed, the Government should, he declared, proceed with the Parliament Bill. Earl Crewe said the Government was willing, and he would introduce the Bill to-night and take its second reading this week. The House must then either pass or reject the Bill, but the Government would not accept any amendment. Later the Bill was introduced and read a first time. The " Chronicle " notes the sublety of Lord Lansdowne's resolution demanding the Parliament Bill, instead ot the Veto Resolutions, since the Bill contains a preamble favouring a reformed Second Chamber,; which caused Liberal perplexity and doubt in the spring. The '' Daily News "says if the Government resigns the only conclusion will be that the King has intervened by refusing contingent guarantees, but it is inconceivable that the Crown should ally itself with the House of Lords to prevent the judgment of the people, Solemnly given at; the, election, being carried into law. It adds :—-" We have Mr Asquith's solemn pledge that Parliament will not dissolve -unless contingent guarantees are in his possession." ■ The '' Daily Telegraph " protests against the Throne being dragged into the controversy. The " Morning Post " says that there are few Englishmen who are not exasperated that questions of grave moment should be decided by politicians possessing power through foreign money, this being a reference to the funds collected by the Nationalists in America.