Imperial Politics.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6541, 9 May 1889, Page 4

Imperial Politics.

sir ghables dilke's views. [Special to Pekss Association.] LONDON, Mit 8. Sir Charles Dilke in his speech at Dean Forest said even if it were admitted to be hopeless to defend Ganada, Australia was able to defend herself. The nation, however, would still be obliged to defend India and the Cape. He considered that the high average of intelligence and general comfort in Canada, Australia and South Africa, was the most gratifying fact in the history of the Empire. He regretted that the Government was not on good terms with the Colonies. He believed the Australians were profoundly disappointed that they were not represented on the Samoan Conference at Berlin. He condemned the extraordinary indifference of England to Colonial questions, and characterised the method of assessing the Property tax in New Zealand as excellent. He also condemned Lord Wolseley and other military advisers for allowing the country to live in a fool's para* <Hse. The second reading of the Naval Defence Bill was passed by a majority ; of 141. It is reported that Sir H. Eobinson ! will return to the Cape in three years' time. The Trust Funds Investment Bill has been referred to a Committee of seventeen. The Marquis of Bipon delivered an address at Limehouse, in the course of which he said that when the Irish question was settled, the Liberal Party would endeavour to solve the social problem as to the cause of the misery in the East End of London, and pass remedial measures with/ the object of mitigating the suffering of the masses. Lord Derby, in a speech, advocated the abolition of the office of Viceroy of Ireland.