IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2955, 2 November 1910, Page 30

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

PROMINENT ISSUES REVIEWED. LONDON, October 24. The Daily News (Radical), referring to the Veto Conference, mentions what it describes as a proposed coup d'etat by sweeping away existing landmarks in British politics. It foreshadows the resummoning of the conference, po£sibly with an enlarged personnel and a wider mandate, including the redistribntkfy rf. aeats, the reform of the franchise, and Imperial representation. It expects a coalition of both parties against the re-

of some expensive concessions, especially in the Navy Estimates. The Standard (0.) recommends a concordat of Liberals and Conservatives regarding the navy, also the placing of the Territorials on a Swiss or colonial basis, but with limited service. It adds that lederalism or Devolution is a fair subject, of discussion. THE VETO CONFERENCE. LONDON, October 29. Mr Asquitli, speaking at Layport, said that what was wanted in connection with the Veto Conference was patience and coniidence, which, would be found not to be misplaced. In the course of a speech at Truro,

member of the conference desired to prolong the sittings a moment longer than was useful, but time, and ample time, must be allowed for the consideration of the great problem submitted. Mr Arthur Henderson speaking at Nottingham, saich that if agreement was impossible, and yet the conference was continued with, closed doors until after the Coronation, when an appeal to the country was still inevitable that would be an unparalleled betrayal of democracy. The Chronicle says that if the members of the existing conference suggest an enlarged conference, Liberal opinion will require a satisfactory statement on account. A BYE-ELECTION. LONDON, October 24. Mr Wilson has retired from the South Shields contest. Mr Gee (Socialist) will contest the seat. LIBERALS TRUST LEADERS. LONDON, October 25. Mr Fuller, a Liberal Whip, speaking at Rushden, said the Liberal leaders stated that they would not surrender anything essential. Possibly it would be necessary to extend the scope of the conference. He hoped the delay would not exasperate the extreme .Liberals, but they would continue to trust their leaders. The Budget policy, which recognised the gaping distance between the very poor and the extremely rich by taxing the latter for uplifting the former, must be extended. It was not Socialism; it was humanitv.

HOME RULE FOR SCOTLAND. LONDON, October 26. Three thousand people at Glasgow, including 12 M.P.'s, inaugurated a national committee to secure devolution and the control of Scottish affairs. SPEECH BY A UNIONIST. LONDON, October 27. Mr Bonar Law, speaking at a Primrose League meeting at Glasgow, said that those accusing Mr Balfour of lack of- firmness knew precious little about him. No one was more tenacious of purpose. Mr Law remarked regarding the Osborne decision that while -there was uncertainty in Government circles there was none among the Unionists, who were utterly opposed to its reversal, and who desired to divorce trades unionism from politics. He wished to see working men, even though Socialists, in Parliament, and he also wanted representatives of the great mass of 'Conservatives. SOUTH SHIELDS BYE-ELECTION. LONDON, October 28. The South Shields bye election resulted as follows: Mr Rea (L.) 7929 Mr Vaughan Williams (L.U.)... 4010 The political status is unaffected.