IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2106, 5 July 1894, Page 17

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Press Association— By Telegraph— Copyright. London, June 28.

Sir W. V. Harcourt's new draft clause with reference to estate duties requires reciprocal deductions in the colonies.

Sir G. Baden-Powell has given notice to move a new clause that the estate duiy shall not apply to colonies with responsible Government 3 .

The Opposition com plain that the Government app ied the closure to the debate on the spirit duties in disregard of the compact that the division should not take place till to-day. Many who had left the House declare they will debate the subject again at the report stage of the bill. Jane 29. Mr Chamberlain, in the House of Commons, contended that a precedent had been recognised by Lord Chief Justice Coleridge that after a commoner had been made peer he could accept the Chiltern Hundreds. This, he contended, implied the ability of peers to remain in the House of Commons indefinitely. Sir W. V. Harcourt said he was quite willing to appoint a committee to inquire into the point thus raised. June 29. The Hoa H C. Gardner, President of the Board of Agriculture, in reply to the request of a deputation, promised to use every means to prevent the fraudulent sale of foreign meat as English.

Lord R D ay, Parliamentary Secretary of the Indian Office, states that the Government have deeded not to reopen the mints in iDdia untill the present currency policy has been fully tried.

Mr Buxton, Under-secretsry for the Colonies, replying to Mr Howard Vincent, said it was highly inexpedient to explain the preflse strength of the natal and military defences which the colonies would provide ia the event of war. It was certain that they would readily assist, for the undoubted spirit of the colonists had been evidenced by the despatch of the Soudan contingent.

In the House of Commons the Chat cell Dr of the Exchequer's clause exempting the properties of colonists from the estate duties passed without a division. The Budget ha 3 passed through Corcmitt >c. The increase in the duty on spirits was reaffirmed by a majority of 13.

The Intermarine Supply Company arc said to be making some experiments in the treatment of mutton in the same manner as, under their system, pDrk is treated. There is a deadlock at Lyfcfelton in connection with one of the hotelc. T&d license was granted, but a change in the management of the house was arranged. The licensee feigned a tranEfer of the license, but the chairman of the committee has so far declined to grant a license to the person nominated.