BRITISH POLITICS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXVII, Issue 10550, 15 January 1913, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

NO EDUCATION BILL. United Press Association.—By Ele trie Telegraph.—Copyright. London, January 14. The Cabinet has not discussed the scheme, and has no intention of bringing in a big Education Bill next session. the unionist;squabble. Mr Austen Chamberlain, in the course of a speech, said he did not wish to increase his leader's difficulties, but the Ashton speech had failed to allay the restlessness created by the Albert Hall speech. Although he was not consulted about the Ashton speech, while he did not wholly agree with it, he was prepared to subordinate his views to those of 'his leader. He was still ready to do so if the position had not changed; but the position had changed. Timid ones had become frightened, and the strong upholders of the policy had become puzzled, and the uncertainty had spread with the widespread movement to postpone preference. He believed food duties were necessary to afford justice to their own agriculture. It was impossible to secure community of interest between the different parts of the Empire without them. He urged his colleagues to throw their whole strength into the campaign and not cease their efforts until they had destroyed the misrepresentation wherewith the policy had been Jclonded. He still believed the most courageous would be the wisest course. He could not turn back himself and unsa y what he had said, or pretend to like the changed attitude. Mr F. E. Smith, speaking at Cricklewood, said the only difference amongst the Unionists was whether, if food taxes are decided on, the proposal shall be submitted to the country by referendtun or at the general election. Received January 15, 10 a.m. London, January 14.

Sir E. Simon has given notice of motion to refer the question of Mr Stuart Samuel's retention of his seat to the judicial committee of the Privy Council. Mr F. E. Smith at Cricklewood said the first Unionist Budget would enact a general tariff on foreign goods and the people would be told in clear intelligible language before the election what the proposals would be.

MR BONAR LAW'S RELPY TO THE MEMORIAL.

Received Jannary|ls, 11.35 a.m. London, January 14.

A reply handed to the chief whip by Mr Bonar Law states that the memorial asks ghirn to retain the leadership while altering in one very ° important particular not indeed the policy of Imperial preference but the method by which it can most effectually be carried outi The modification requested, of not imposing any such taxes until ratified at the general election, as cabled on Dth December, does not involve any principle preventing us from loyally supporting the desires of the majorities. Nevertheless it would have been more agreeable to ourselves and more for the interest of the parties that the changed method should be accompanied by a change of leaders. The memorial, however, is signed both by those desiring the modification and those preferring that the method be not changed, and declares that the change would be Jfatal to, the best interests of the party and country. We feel in view of such expression our duty is to comply with the gand this we are prepared to do.