IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2622, 2 October 1909, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

CABLI NEWS. I !

A DENUNCIATION ’OF RADICAL ELECTION METHODS. United Press Association-— Copyright. LONDON, Sept. 30. Mr Balfour, in a letter to Mr B. Stanier, Conservative member for Newport, who mentioned the reports that Radical speakers declare that if tariff reforms are established there will be no more old age pensions, .also the reports that when the election comes the Radicals will spread this statement outside post where the pensions are paid, denounces such unscrupulous and degraded methods, recalling the campaign of mendacity in connection with Chinese labor. He feels confident the Radical leaders discourage a system of lying, which must harm the cause of free institutions.

THE IRISH LAND QUESTION

The ‘‘Times” states that the Unionist Peers will not consent to the new Congested Districts Board, and are inclined to retain the existing board, with the addition of a permanent member and the Estates’ Commission ex officio. It is felt that the board should be merely an executive authority for resettling esates in case of migration, enlargement, consolidation, or exchange of holdings, whilst all land purchases should be in the hands of the Estates Commissioner.

THE DEVELOPMENT BILL,

(Received October 1, 9.40 p.m.) LONDON, October 1. The Development Bill has passed through the Standing Committee. Sir Samuel Evans (Liberal member for Mid-Glamorganshire) urged that it was advisable to fix a limit for the expenditure on new roads, and the matter was reserved for consideration at a later stage.

ROYAL INFLUENCE USED TO

AVERT A CRISIS

(Received October 1, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, October 1

The “Daily News” declares that the omens tell strongly in the direction of the Peers passing the Budget. The paper says that the influence of the Court in the Lower and Upper House has often been used to avert a constitutional crisis. That influence- is to-day as powerful as ever. The “Daily Graphic” understands that Lord Lansdowne (Leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords) shortly visits King Edward. This evidence of the King’s interest in the pending crisis is of the highest significance, especially after Lord Rosebery’s five days’ stay at Balmoral.

A COMMERCIAL PETITION TO THE LORDS. ' (Received October 1, 11.45 p.m.) LONDON, October 1. A petition has been prepared for signature by bankers and merchants in. the City, urging the Lords to take such action as will give the people an opportunity to express their views on the Budget before passing it into law.