IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Timaru Herald, Volume LX, Issue 2467, 7 August 1897, Page 2

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Pbb Et.ectkic Telegraph— (Jopykioht. Per Press Association. London, August 5. Mr Chamberlain announced that the Transvaal had wisely yielded to the persuasion o! argument regarding the breaches of the existing Convention with Britain, and negotiations were now pro* ceeding satisfactorily respecting the notification to Britain of any treaties entered into by the Transvaal with the other Powers. Sir Wilfred Lawson and several Radical members accused Mr Cecil Rhodes of treacherous disloyalty, and urged that ! leniency be shown to British officers who took part m the Jameson raid. Sir John Brorteriek, Parliamentary Secretary to the War Office, said that | there was no prospect of those officers being reinstated m their commissions m the British Army. In the Blouse of Commons, Mr Courtney directed attention to the denunciation of co m mercial treaties between Great Britain, Germany, and Belgium, and (Je«

cfared that the action will lead to a battle of tariffs and to the abolition of freetrade m England, and the disintegration of the Empire. Mr Chamberlain said that the colonial Premiers during their recent visit to London unanimously and earnestly recommended the denunciation of the treaties.and passedamost important and significant resolution to that effect, expressing the hope that it would lead to the improvement of trade relations between the colonies and the Motherland. The Premiers promised to confer with their colleagues as to whether the granting of preferential treatment by the colonies to British products would secure that result. The Government, acting upon the desires of the colonial Premiers, immediately denounced the treaties. Mr Chamberlain added that the fears expressed by Mr Courtney were unjustified, as the intention of the Government was merely to enable the colonies to accord preferential treatment to Britain if they were so disposed. Mr Chamberlain m reply to a quest tion, said that when the Governmenhad decided upon the future administration of the British South Africa Co., they would submit their views to Sir Alfred Milner, Governor of the Cape, and through him to the Governments of the Cape and Natal. At the same time the Government would invite suggestions from those colonies. A BUI which provides for simplification of the sale and purchase of land has been read a third time m the House of Commons. August 6. Mr Goschen informed the House of Commons that Turkey had been informed that her fleet would not be permitted to enter Canea Bay. In the House of Commons, Mr Curzon n reply to a question stated that the Government had no intention to disconinue the New Hebrides convention. Mr Chamberlain stated that the Goernment had been advised that the scale of manniug vessels under the New Zealand Act is inconsistent with the Merchant Shipping Act, and affected vessels not engaged m coasting.