IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2210, 9 July 1896, Page 17

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

London, Jane 30. The Agricultural Rating Bill was vigorously opposed in tbe House of Commons. Oa the motion for the adoption of the report an allnight sitting supervened. The Diseases of Animals Bill has been read a second time in tbe House of Lords. In the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain stated that the Chattered Company had intimated on Wednesday last that the resignation of Messrs Cecil Rhodes and Beit of their seats on the board had been considered, and that it was. intended to accept them. In reply, Mr Chamberlain said he quite concurred in the step the company, werestaklng. July 1. The House of Commons rose at 8 a.m., the Government having forced the Agricultural Bating BUI through. There were many scenes during the debate, Sir W. °V. Harcourb taking a leading part in them. Sir M. Hicki-Beaob, Chancellor of the Exchequer, in moving that the bill pass, said the. Government would deal a blow at tbe factious Oppositioo, whose frivolous amendments had redscsd business in tbe House of Commons to a farce. Tho revenue for the June quarter was L 24,011,000. The customs produced Li 936,000, excise L 6.672.000, stamps L 1.870,000. The Treasury has appointed a commission of experts to inquire into the practicability of the various schemes put- forward for establishing old age pensions. In the House of Commons tbe Agricultural Rating Bill was read a third time. Jaly 2. The House of Commons has voted three million sterling 'or the construction of the Uganda railway. A Blue Book shows that Lord Elgin, Viceroy of India, protested against India * being oharged with the cost of sending the Indian contingent to Suakin, and suggested that Australia was equally liable. Jaly 4. Mr Dillon's opposition to tbe compulsory clauses induced the Government to abandon the Irish Education Bill. In the House of Commons Mr Chamberlain stated that the rumour that Sir Hercules Eobinson will not return to Cape Oolopy owing to illness is quite unfounded. He adds that his health is improving, and that Sir Hercules will soon return.