THE LORDS AND THE COMMONS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5904, 23 June 1897, Page 3

THE LORDS AND THE COMMONS.

ADOPTION OF ADDRESSES

LONDON, June 22,

Before the Queen left Buckingham Palace she sent to the Governors of all the colonies a message of love and gratitude to the people in her distant dependencies. ]n the House of Lords last night the Marquis of Salisbury moved an address to the Queen expressing the nations ioy because of the great illuminations of the reign, marking, as it did, an epoch in history. He said that the impulse of the democracy which had effected vast changes without disturbing the progress of the country had been largely due to the moderating influence of the Queen. The address was carried unanimously.

In the Hpuso of Commons a similar address was moved by Mr Balfour. Sir W. V. Harcourt, in a graceful speech in support, dwelt chiefly with the sympathetic • character of the Queen towards the people during her reign. Mr Dillon protested against the adoption of the address, though he intimated that the Irish Party would not vote upon it. Mr William Redmond moved an amendment that the Irish people were discontented and unable to join in congratulations to the Queen. The amendment was rejected by 436 to 7. And the address was adopted by 449 to 4.

The Colonial Premiers yesterday visited Birmingham. Mr Chamberlain, who was present, Baid that if the colonies desired to share in the glorious responsibility of the Empire, they would be met more than halfway by the Imperial Government. If the colonies desired closer commercial relations, they would be met in no huckstering spirit. The speech was received with loud cheering.