IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 834, 7 March 1903, Page 1

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

ROSEBERY’S CATERPILLAR. By, Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright, LONDON, March 5. Mr Balfour, speaking at the Nonconformist unionist Association banquet, emphasised the great issue still between two great parties, one seeking to dissolve the union and the other determined to maintain it.

Referring to Lord Rosebery’s recent statement that the Liberal party, was like a caterpillar separated from its leaf, Mr Balfour said that if the caterpillar tried as many diets as Lord Rosebery it would sicken and die. Lord Rosebery confessed that, he was able to produce no programme that was natural to .the party which must wearily dig for a policy.’ He added: The danger is with the Irish party, to gain which the liberals would revert to Home Rule. In the middle party Lord Rosebery is trying to form there is no security to imperial interests or against I-Jome Rule. In the House of Commons the Government negatived the proposed harbor and dock on the eastern side of Gibraltar, on the ground of the great expense aim that it would not yield adequate results for Imperial defence. Mr Hanbury introduced the Butter adulteration Bill. Mr Foster introduced a Bill allowing that under future engagements a portion of 12 years service in the Navy he completed in the reserve, extending the limit number of reserve, and enrolling naval reserve volunteers) bluejackets, stokers, and volunteers in connection with marines, all liable to serve anywhere in war time. The House of Commons agreed to a resolution submitted by Mr Price, member for Norfolk East, affirming the desirability of borough and district councils regulating the closing of shops, and limiting the hours of shop labour. The Government sympathised with the proposal, though they were unable to legislate thereon this session.