BRITISH POLITICS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 27 November 1908, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS.

PRESS OPINIONS ON THE LICEN-

SING BILL

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON^-November 25. The "Daily ■ Mail and the ' 'Standard, suggest that: Mr-iAsquith and the Home Secretaryi will be glad when the licensing'question: is dead. The. "Chronicle" arid the "Daily News'/ loudly protest } against the Unionist peers' •action, and revive Mr Lloyd George's threats of high license duties. , . ■>'"■-' /'The Times" urges Mr Asquith to withdraw the confiscatory proposals, pursue moderation as in the Education Bill, and adopt minor regulative, administrativo provisions. The Lords N would then willingly -join in quickening the operation of Mr Balfotir's,Act. The ''Westminstsr Gazette" says the Government musfr advaiiqe on the alternative line of taxation^, which will automatically reduce public* houses and ee^ure the-nation's rights in "the liquor monopoly. ■■"' ':< The 'Tail Mall Gazette" ■'- declares that the Lords stand as champions of public opinion against a detested measure which the nominal representatives of the United Kingdom are trying to force upon the community. ' In the Commons a Bill was introduced by Mr W. .M. .Field, providing .methods for identifying all imported meat, whether fresh or frozen, and thereby ensuring that it, shall not be sold as native produce. ' The Bill was reaid a first time. : i The "Daily Chronicle" advocates a tax of a penny in "the pound on land values, Yielding 22£ millions. The "Daily News" declares that it is possible to raise seven millions yearly by increasing tho liquor taxation to the An.erican level. Mr Buxton, at Ilford, sa:d whatever might happen to the Government measures, the Lords would not dictate to the Government when it should dissolve Parliament. „