IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 319, 8 July 1912, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

THE INSURANCE BILL. AN INVOLVED MEASURE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. London, July 6. Received 7, 5.5 p.m. Mr. Masterman has intimated that if the employers wilfully disobey the Insurance Act the penalty clauses will be enforced. The Government is determined that the benefits of the Act shall not be destroyed by the foolishness of the employers. The Unionist newspapers hotly denounce the throats of punishment, and declare that even the ollieials have failed to elucidate the Act. The Commissioners have been overwhelmed with enquiries. Notwithstanding the millions of leaflets issued, few appear to understand how to conform to the innumerable requirements. Threats of passive resistance are increasing. The doctors deadlock continues. THE ARMY ESTIMATES. Received 7. 5.5 p.m. London, July 0. In the House of Commons, discussing the Army Estimates, Mr. Seely (UnderSecretary for War) declared that the difficulty of invading Britain was increased by the recent addition of submarines, reconnoitring aeroplanes and territorials. This was not all that was desired, but it was not inadequate. It would be impossible to secure the cooperation of the Dominions if Great Britain acted on the principle that the soldier wa.s useless unless trained for two years. Australia and New Zealand, with short drill periods, had produced magnificent men. In tl»! House of Commons, in the Army Estimates debate, a motion to decrease Mr. Seeley's (Under-Secretary for War) salary on the ground that home defence was dangerously inadequate, amounting to a sham, was defeated bv 230 votes to 190. Many Laborites were absent.