IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3017, 10 January 1912, Page 25

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE INSURANCE BILL. LONDON, January 3. Many subscribers to the hospitals who are paying under the Insurance Act notify their intention to discontinue further subscriptions. A special meeting of hospital officials has been summoned. Borne suggest that the hospitals should refuse all except urgent cases sent by doctors working under the Insurance 'Act. January 4. Fifteen thousand six hundred doctors are pledged not to accept service under the British Insurance Act. January 7. The Observer (0.) states that if there is a deadlock over the Insurance Act Mr Lloyd George is prepared to drop the contributory element and impose sixpence additional to the income tax and to organise a special staff of State-paid doctors. A conference is being held at Glasgow, representing a quarter of a million workers, to consider the Insurance Act. Mr Barnes, M.P., urged them to accept this act, which he said would tend to lessen industrial evils. CHARGE AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT. LONDON, January 7. Speaking at Haddington, Mr Balfour said that the Government h&d betrayed the ancient Radical creed in regard to economy in expenditure by multiplying public offices wholesale. BY-ELECTION NECESSARY. LONDON, January 7. The appointment of Mr W. L. Williams, M.P., as Recorder of Swansea will necessitate a by-election for the Carmarthen district.