The Government's Record, 1906 — 191 3. Seven Years of Liberal Legislation and Administration. LONDON : Metchim & Son, Abdey Buildings, Princes Street, Westminsieh, S.W., AND 32, Clements Lane, Lombard Street, E.C, 1913, c^ An Edition of "The Government's Record" is published I)}- and can be obtained from the Liberal Publication Department, 42, Parliament Street, London, S.W., at the fallowing rates : — -, 2s. i]d. net ; post free, 2s. 10(7. 7s. 0(7., Post free 7s. ... 12s. 6c/., ... £1 2s. 6(7. ... £2 2s. 6(7. ... £4 2s. 6d. ... £7 Os. 0(7. Single copy 3 Copies 6 12 25 50 100 13s. 6(7. 2(7. Carriage Extra. The aliove Edition is identical with tliis presentation copy, except that it is printed on thinner paper. 19l3 PEEFACE. The statements relating to Departmental legislation =2 and administration contained in this Volume have £/> >. been sanctioned by the responsible Ministers in each m Department. Owing to the prolongation of the Session of 1912 into the current year, it has been found possible to include in the Record certain aspects of administra- ^•tion which properly belong to the year 1913. 22 r~i I desire to express my thanks to those who have o assisted in the compilation of this — the fourth — issue of the " Government's Record." Any corrections, or suggestions for its improvement, will be gratefully acknowledged. i PERCY H. ILLINGWORTH. 3Z 12, Downing Street, S.W., Maij, 1913. IV. CONTENTS The Two Ministkies 1 Legislation and Administration: — Admiralty 9 Agriculture and Fisheries, Board of 17 Colonial Office 47 Education, Board of 61 Foreign Office 76 Home Office .. 85 India Office 107 Irish Office 122 Law Officers 138 Local Government Board 142 Tost Office 180 Scottish Office 195 Trade, Board of 214 Treasury 253 War Office 302 Works, Office of 322 Wales 332 Legislation Initiated by Private Members 340 House of Commons: — Composition 353 Principal Officials 353 Order of Business 354 Summary of Legislative Output 354 Procedure ... ... ... 355 House of Commons {Continued) — Standing Okders, Amendment of Time spent on Principal Government Measures Sessional Eecord Analysis of Business, Session 1912-13 Supply Standing Committees Select Committees ... King's Speech Measures Consolidation of Statutes HousK of Commons' Time spent on Kejected Govern ment Bills EoYAL Commissions Maintenance of Free Trade Diary Diary Notes Index 355 356 356 358 359 360 361 364 367 368 369 371 391 401 417 MINISTRIES, 1905-13. THE CABINET— 19/ Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman, 1905-8. Mr. Asquith, 1908-13. Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury Lord Chancellor ... Lord President of the Council Lord Privy Seal .. Chancellor of the Exchequer Secretaries of State: — Home Office Foreign Office Colonial Office War Office ... Sir Henry Cami)l)ell- Mr. As(|uith. Bannerman. Lord Loreburn. Eail of Crewe. Marijuis of Ripon. Mr. Asquith. Mr. Gladstone. Sir Edward Grey. Earl of Elgin. Mr. Haldane. India Office ... First Lord of the Admiralty Lord Tweedmouth Mr. John ilorley [Fiscount Morley]. Chief Secretary for Ireland ( Mr. Bryce {1905-7). \ \ Mr. Birrell {1907-8). I Secretary for Scotland ... Mr. John Sinclair \_Lord Pentlaiid^. \ Earl Loreburn {1908-12). I Viscount Haldane {1912). C Lord Tweedmouth {1908). I Visct. Wolverhampton {1908-10). Earl Reauchamp {1910). I Viscount Moriey {1910). ( Marquis of Ripon {1908). I Marquis ofCrewe(/96'5-i6') ■i Earl Carriugton (i9ii-i^) I [Marquis of Linculnshire] I Marquis of Crewe {1912). Mr. Lloyd George. ( Mr. Gladstone {1908-10). ) [ Viscount Gladstone. ~\ ) Mr. Churchill {1910-11). { Mr. McKenna {1911). Sir Edward Grey. Marquis of Crewe {1908-10). Mr.LewisHarcourt (i9i0). ( Mr. Haldaue (1908-12) I [Viscount Haldane, 1911]. { Colonel Seely (1912). I Visct. Morley (1908-10). I Marquis of Crewe (1910). I Mr. McKenna (1908-11). I Mr. Churchill (1911). Mr. Birrell. Lord Pentland {1908-12). Mr. McKiunon Wood {1912). * The Cabinet wa,i increased to 20 in June, 1912, by the inclusion of Sir Rufus Isaacs, the Attorney -General, THE CABINET. Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Presidents : — Board of Trade Local Government Board Board of Agriculture . . . Board of Education Postmaster- General First Commissioner of Works Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman, 1905-8. NOT IN CABINET. Lord-Lieutenantof Ireland Lord Chancellor of Ireland Vice-President, Depart- ment of Agriculture;, &e., Ireland Financial Secretary to Treasury Sir Henry Fowler [ Visct. WolverliamidoTi]. Mr. Lloyd George. Mr. John Burns. Earl Carrinwton. 1 Mr. Augustine Birrell (1905-7). [ Mr. R. McKenna [1907-8). Mr, Sydney Buxton. Mr. Lewis Harcourt. Earl of Aberdeen. Lord Justice Walker. Mr. T. W. Russell {1907). Mr. McKenna {1905-7). Mr. W. Runciman {1907-S). Mr. Asquith, 1908-13. ( Lord Fitzmaurice (1908-9). Mr. Herbert Samuel (1909-10). Mr. J. A. Pease (1910-11). Mr. C. E. Hobhouse (1911). Mr. Churchill (1908-10). Mr.SydneyBuxton (1910). Mr. John Burns. i' Earl Ca,rrmgton{1908-ll) ) [Marquis of Lincolnshire]. j Mr. Walter Runciman ( {1911). Mr. Walter Runciman (1908-11). Mr. J. A. Pease (1911). I Mr. Sydney Buxton ) {1908-10'). j Mr. Herbert Samuel ( (1910). i Mr. Lewis Harcourt (1908-10). \ Earl Beaucharap (1910). Earl of Aberdeen . ' Lord Justice Walker (1908-11). Mr. Redmond Barry, K.C. (1911-13). Mr. Ignatius J. O'Brien, K.C. (1913). Mr. T. W. Russell. f Mr. C. E. Hobhouse I (1908-11). \ Mr. McKinnon Wood I (1911-12). I Mr. Masterman (1912). NOT IN CABINET. Parliamentary Secretary to Treasury Junior Lords of Treasury Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman, 1905-8. Mr. George Whiteley [Lord Marchamley]. Paymaster-General Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty Civil Lord of the Admiralty Parliamentary Under- Secretaries :^ Home f Mr. Joseph A. Pease (1905-S). Mr. Herbert Lewis (1905-8). Mr. F. Freeman-Thomas {1905-6). J [Lord JFillingdmi]. I Captain Cecil Norton {1906-8). Mr.J.M.F.Fuller(unpaid) (1906-7). [Sir John Fuller~\. i Mr.J.H.Whitley(unpaid) I (1907-8). Mr. R. K. Causton. Mr. Edmund Robertson [Lord Lochee of Gowrie]. Mr. George Lambert. Mr. Herbert Samuel. Foreign Affairs ... Lord Fitzmaurice Mr. Asquith, 1908-13. ' Mr. Joseph A. Pease (1908-10). The Master of Elil)ank { (1910-12). [Lord Murray of Elibank^ I Mr. Percy Illingworth L (1912). Mr. Herbert Lewis {1908-9). Captain Cecil Norton (1908-10). Mr. J. H. Whitley. (1908-10). J. W. GuUand (1909). Oswald Partington (unpaid) (1909-10). Percy Illingworth (1910-13). W. Wedgwood Benn (1910). Mr. E. J. Soares (unpaid) (1910-11). [Sir Ernest Soares]. Mr. William Jones (1911). Capt. Hon. F. E. Guest (unpaid) (1911-12), Sir Arthur Haworth (unpaid) (1912). Mr. Henry Webb (unpaid) (1912). Mr. Mr. Mr. < Mr. rMr. R. K. Causton (1908-10). [Lord Southwark~\. \ Lord Ashby St. Ledgers I (1910-12). ILordStrachie (1912). Dr. Macuamara (1908). Mr. Georse Lambert. f Mr. Herbert Samuel I (1908-9). \ Mr. C. F. G. Masterman (1909-12). I Mr. Ellis Griffith (1912). i Lord Fitzmaurice (1908). ) Mr. T. McKinnon Wood (1908-11). Mr. F. D. Acland (1911). NOT IN CABINET. Parliamentary Under- Secretaries -Continued- Colonial War ... India Board of Trade Local (Jovcriinient Board Board of Education... Board of A'nifulturc. Assistant Postiiiaster- (Icneral Financial Secretary, War OHice Law Officers. Attoriifv-(icn<'ral Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman, 1905-8. Mr. Winston Churchill. Karl of Portsmouth. Mr. John E. Ellis (i905-6). Mr. C. E. Hobhouse {1906-S). Mr.[.S'/r] Hudson E. I^carley. I Mr. Walter Runciman I (1905-7). ') Dr. T. J. Macnamara I, (1907-S). Mr. Thos. Loudi Mr. T. R. I'.uchaiian. Sir .1. Lawson Walton, K.C. (1905 -S). Sir \V. S. Rol.soii, K.C. ( 191)8). Mr. Asquith, 1908-13. Col. Seely {1908-11). Lord Lucas (1911). Lord Emmott {1911). Lord Lucas {1908-11). Col. Seely {1911-12). Mr. H. J. i:m\\a.ni[1912). fMr. T. R. Buchanan I {1908-9). I The Master of Elibank I {1909-10). I [Lord Murrm/ of Elibank] I Mr. E.S. Montagu (i9/y). ( Sir Hudson E. Kearley, Bt. I {1908-9). J [Lord Devonport^. 1 Mr.H J.Tennant(1909-ll) I Mr. J. M. Rol)ertson I {1911). 1 Mr. C. F. G. Masterraan I {1908-9). ) Mr. J. Herbert Lewis ( (1909). ( Mr. T. McKinnon Wood \ {1908). ( Mr.C.P.Trevelyan(i905). 1 Sir Edward Strachey ) {1909-11). \ [Lord Strachie]. (Lord Lucas {1911). Sir Henry Noniian(/9/^^). ('aj.t.Cecil Norton (/WO). ( Mv.V.i:). Ac]iiud{1908-10). I Mr. C.E. Mallet (A9/(}-ii). { Mr. F. D. Acland (1911). I Mr.H..T.Tennant(i.97/-i^) LMr. H. T. I'>aker (/9i^). fSir W. S. Robson. K.C. I [/,0/v/ /!ohson] {1008-10). I Sir Rufus Lsaacs, K.C. I ■ {1910). I (/;( the Cabinet), NOT IN CABINET. Solicitor-General ... Lord Advouate Solicitor-General for Scot- land Attoriiey-deneial for Ireland Sir Henry Campbell- Bannerman, 1905 8. Sir W. S. Robson, K.G. {1905-8). Sir S. T. Evans, K.G. {190S). Mr. Thomas Sliaw, K.G. [Lord Shaw]. Mr. Alexander Ure, K.G. Mr. R. R. Glierry, K.G. Solicitor-General for Ireland Mr. Redmond Barry, K.G Household Appointments. Lord Steward 1 Earl of Liverpool (2905-7). I Earl Reauchanii)(i907-<5). Treasnrerof the Hnn.schold Sir Edward Strachcy, Bt. Mr. Asquith, 1908-13. fSir S. T. Evans, K.G. I {1908-10). I Sir Riifus Isaacs, K.G. I _ (_1910). I Sir John Simon. K.G. I (1910). I Mr. Thomas Shaw, K.G. 1 [Lord Shaw] {1909). ] Mr. Alexander Ure, K.G. ( {1909). ( Mr. Alexander Ure, K.G. {1908-9). Mr. Arthnr Dewar, K.G. {1909-10). Mr. William Hunter {19111-11). Mr.A.M.Ander.son(i92i). (Mr. R. R. Gherry, K.G. I (1908-9). I Mr. Redmond Barry, K.G. I (1909-11). \ Mr. Ghas. O'Gonnor. K.G. ] {1911-12). I Mr. Ignatius O'Brien.K.C. ! (1912-13). \ Mr. T. F. Molonv, K.G. I - (1913). { Mr. Redmond Barry, K.G. (1908-9). I Mr. Ghas. A O'Gonnor, \ K.G. (1909-11). I Mr. Ignatius G'Pjrien. K.G. I (1911-12). IMr. T. F. Molony (iSi---). ( Earl Bcanchami) ) {1908-10). ) Earl of Ghesterlield ( {1910). f Sir Edward Strachey, Bt. I {1908-9). j [Lord Sirarhit:] ] Mr. W. Dudley Ward I {1909-12). IGajit. Hon. F. E. Guest (19U). NOT IN CABINET. Comptroller oCtlw^TIouse- hold ^ " s - Lord Chamberlain Vice-Chamberlain Master of the Horse Sir Henry Campbel Bannerman, 1905-E The Master of Elibank. Viscount Althorp. ' Mr. Wentworth Beaumont \^Lord AlleTidale] (1905-7). I Mr. J. M. F. Fuller (1907-8). Earl of Sefton (1905-7). Earl of Granard (1907 -S). Mr. Asquith, 1908-13. f The Master of Elibank (1908-9). J [Lord Murray of Elibank] ' Earl of Liverpool {1909-12'). .Lord Sayeand Sele(i9i^). Viscount Althorp (1908-12). [Earl Spencer, 19 Iff]. Lord Sandhurst (1912). Sir J. M. F. Fuller (1907-11). Hon. Geoffrey Howard (1911). Earl of Granard (and Minister assisting the Postmaster-General 1906-9). In the House of Commons, Mr. W. Wedgwood Benn (Junior Lord of the Treasury) represents the Office of Works ; Sir Charles Nicholson represents the Ecclesiastical Commission ; and Mr. C. P. Allen (un2mid) represents the Charity Commission. House of Commons: — Mr. Percy Illingworth. Mr. J. W. Gulland. Mr. W. Wedgwood Benn. House of Lords : — Lord Colebrooke. GOVERNMENT WHIPS. Hon. Geoffrey Howard. Mr. William Jones. Lord Herschell. Capt. Hon. F. E. Guest. Mr. Henry Webb. Earl of Craven. REPRESENTATION OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN HOUSE OF LORDS, 1913. Admiralty Irish Office Agriculture, Board of Colonial Office Scottish Office Foreign Office Home Office Treasury India Office... Local Government Board . Post Office Trade, Board of ... War Office Works, Office of ... Education, Hoard of Lord Ashby St. Ledgers Lord Lucas ■ Lord Emmott Viscount Morley Lord Strachie Marquis of Crewe Viscount Allendale Earl of Craven Earl of Granard Lord Herschell ■ Earl Beauchamp The Government's Record Seven Years of Liberal Legislation and Administration. Note. — In aclditidu to tlie l(\^islation recorded under the various Departmental headings, 67 PuhHc (general Acts are grouped luider the title: Legislation initiated by Private Members. " We are now in the eighth year of our Administration — and how do matters stand ? Our trade at home and over the seas was never so prosperous, nor the percentage of unemployment in tliis kingdom so small. We have placed on the Statute Book the two greatest social reforms, measured by the extent of the relief which they give against the vicissitudes of life, which Parliament has ever enacted — the Act for Old Age Pensions and the National Insurance Act. We have made provision in the face of growing difficulties and exigencies for maintaining unchallenged the command of the sea. " In carrying out these costly purposes, we have not only not added a penny to the debt of the nation, but we have diminished its aggregate capital liabilities at a fast rate, and by a larger sum than any of our predecessors. We have reduced the tea duty by a penny, and the sugar duty by one-half. We have met the gigantic expenses involved — and just remember, by way of illustration, that there are close upon a million old age pensioners alone receiving some twelve millions annually, though on the other side of the account it should not be forgotten that outdoor pauperism among the aged has been concurrently reduced by no less than 94 per cent. — I say we have met these gigantic expenses for all these purposes by taxation so arranged that it does not clog the springs of industry or check the accumulation of capital, while it has not contributed in any way to the increase wliich lias been going on I'roni world-wide causes in the cost of the necessaries of life." Mr. Asquith. Leven, January 30th, 1913. ADMIRALTY. The Rt. Hon. Lord Twebdmouth {1905-S.) First Lord - -j The Et. Hon. Reginald McKenna, M.P. {1908-11.) ' The Rt. Hon. Winston L. S. Churchill, M.P. {1911.) _ ,. ^ ( The Rt. Hon. Edmund Robertson, K.C., M.P. Secret art/ - ) L / j \ / ' The Rt. Hon. T. J. Macnamara, LL.D., M.P. {1908.) Civil Lord Additional Qivil Lmxl - Permanent Secretary The Rt. Hon. George Lambert, M.P. {1905.) The Rt. Hon. 8ir Francis Hopwood, G.C.M.G., K.C.B. {1912.) Sir Evan Macgregor, G.C.B., I.S.O. {1884-1907.) Sir C. Inigo Thomas, G.C.B. {1907-11.) Sir W. Graham Greene, K.C.B. {1911.) ADMINISTRATION. The policy of tlie Liberal Government with regard to the Navy has been clearly stated by successive First Lords, as the following extracts show : — " We advise the building of ships in numbers to a strength and to a cost in order to enable the British Navy to secure in all contingencies that we shall have freedom on the highways of the ocean. We cannot secure that freedom unless our Navy is supreme as against any foreign navy and as against any reasonable ])robable combination which we might have to meet single-handed." — Mr. McKenna in the House of Commons, March, 1911. " We were never in a better position and the country was never more united in its resolve to see the supremacy of the Navy main- tained." — Mr. Churchill at Glasgow, 9th February, 1912. " The actual standard of new construction which the Admiralty has in fact followed during recent years has been to develop a 60 per cent, superiority in vessels of the Dreadnought type over the German Navy on the basis of the existing Fleet Law .... Let me make it clear that any retardation or reduction in German construction within certain limits will be promjitly followed here, as soon as it is apparent, by a large and fully proportionate reduction." — Mr. Churchill in the House of Commons, 18th March, 1912. "These estimates have l)een formed on the assumption that the existing programmes of other Naval Powers will not be increased. In the event of such increases it will be necessary to present Supplementary Estimates, both for men and money." — Mr. Churchill in his Statement explanatory of the Naval Estimates, 1912-1913. [Admiralty] 10 Finance. — A Table is appended showing the annual expenditure from Navy Votes : — Total Year. Total Expenditure from Navy Votes (Net). Annuity in Repayment of Loans under Naval Works Acts. Expenditure exclusive of Annuity, i.e., Column (2) deducted from Column (1). Expenditure from Loans under Naval Works Acts. (1) (2) (3) (4) & £ £ £ 1904-5 - 36,859,681 634,238 36,225,443 3,402,575 1905-6 - 33,151,841 1,01.5.812 32,136,029 3,313,604 1906-7 - 31,472.087 1,094,309 30,377,778 2,431,201 1907-8 - 31,251,156 1,214,403 30,036,753 1,083,663 1908-9 - 32.181,309 1,264,033 30,917,276 948,262 1909-10 - 35,734,015 1,325,809 34,408,206 — 1910-11- 40,419,336 1,322,752 39,096,584 — 1911-12- 42,414,257 1,322,752 41,091,505 — 1912-13 (estimated) 45,075,400 1,322,752 43,752,648 — 1913-14 (estimated) 46,309,300 1,311,558 44,997,742 — From the above it will be seen that the burden of the repayment of the Annuity under Naval Works Acts continues to fall heavily on Naval Votes, although all expenditure from loans under these Acts has ceased for the last four years. The growth of expenditure in the last three years is accounted for by the increased shipbuilding programmes and the consequent increase in the Vote for personnel. Not only have ships developed in size and complexity of construction, but, in order to fit them for the needs of modern warfare, the schemes of complement have had to be revised, necessitating additional personnel in each of these years and a correspondingly increased expenditure on pay, food and clothing. In order to meet the requirements of new ships, the personnel was increased l)y 3,000 in 1910-11, by 3,000 in 1911-12, by 3,500 in 1912-13, and in the course of the present financial year a further increase of 5,000 will be ma(l(!. These increases are based on average numbers. The new works at Hosyth and Portsmouth have made very heavy demands upon Naval Votes during these three years, and have now reached a stage of development at which the Contractors must earn larger sums if they are to complete them within the contract time. THE SHIPBUILDING PROGRAMMES. 1910-11-12-13-14. The i)riigramme for 1910-11 consisted of 5 large armoured ships, 5 protected cruisers and 20 destroyers, as well as a number of submarine boats. The programme for 1911-12 comprised 5 large armoured ships, 3 ])rotectcd cruisers, 1 unarmoured cruiser, 20 destroyers, 6 submarines, 2 rivcr-guuboat.s, 1 Depot ship for destroyers, and a Hospital ship. Tlie programme for 1912-13 consists of 4 large armoured ships, 8 liglit armoured cruisers, 20 destrf)yers, together with a number of submarines ami subsidiary craft. 1 1 [Admiralty] The programme for 1913-14 consists of 5 large armoured ships, 8 light cruisers, 16 destroyers, and a number of submarines and subsidiary craft. Of the sums voted in each of these years for shipbuilding, a very large proportion is assigned to the continuation of work upon ships already under construction; but in the case of 1912-13 the proportion of the new programme to be undertaken in the financial year was larger than usual ; this has enabled the whole of the torpedo boat destroyers to be begun at once, and will incidentally relieve future liabilities to some extent. The new construction provided for in the Supplementary Estimates uf July, 1912, comprise a small increase in submarines. Provision was also made for accelerating the construction of the eight light armoured cruisers which formed an important part of the programme for 1912-13. THE IMPERIAL NAVY. The Imperial Conference of 1911 marked a further stage in the development of the Naval Policy of the Dominions: an agreement was arrived at with the Canadian and Australian Governments as to the status and discipline of the Dominioii Naval Forces and their relations with the Royal Navy. The arrangements necessary to effect the change from an Australian Squadron, controlled by the Admiralty, to the " Royal Australian Navy," controlled by the Commonwealth, have been elaborated, and the progress of the Australian Fleet unit is continuous. H.M.S. " New Zealand," the generous gift of the Dominion of New Zealand, was completed early in 1913. She is now cruising in New Zealand waters, and will subsequently, in accordance with the wishes of the Dominion Government, be at the disposal of the Admiralty, to be employed wherever it is considered that naval interests would best be served. The Government of the Dominion i)f Canada has laid before the Dominion Parliament the proposal to build three first-class l)attleships at a cost of £7,000,000 ; the ships to be built, maintaine 20 years, as at present. Sumniary Punishments. — The Committee appointed to inquire into the system of summary punishments which have hitherto been in force, inchiding their consequential efiects as regards pay, position, badges and pension, has presented its Report, and effect has been given to its recommendations. The grievance of the Petty Officers on the sul>ject of disrating by the Commanding (Jfficer has been met by giving the option of submission to the decision of the Captain, or submission to trial by court-martial. The more obnoxious features of the punishment known as 10 A, together with other summary punishments of a like character, have been abolished. Detention. — The system of detention as a form of punishment for offences under the Xaval Discipline Act came into force in 1911. The new Detention Quarters which have been built at Chatham and Portsmouth were opened in December, 1911, and those at Devonport are also now completed. There is every indication that the system will prove an unqualified success. New Warrant Ranks. — The Establishment of Warrant Officers has been increased to meet the requirements of the Fleet. Warrant rank has now been introduced for the Armourer and Electrician branches, and a new Warrant rank has been created for the Royal Marines. Victualling.— The general Mess system is now in operation at each of the three Home ports, and appears to be increasingly popular with the men. Steps have been taken to improve the standard of cooking on board ship. Improved Pay of Painter and Plumber Classes. — As the scale in force for these classes was not sufficient to attract recruits of the standard required, and as it compared unfavourably with the rates of pay of other classes of Naval ratings, a new scale was introduced in 1910. Naval Employment Agency. — The arrangement by which the Navy Employm(;nt ^Vgeucy, in consideration of an annual grant of £1,000 from Naval Funds, undertook to extend its work in finding civil employment for Naval and Marine Reservists has continued to work satisfactorily. Dockyards and Naval Establishments.— The Admiralty has now in its employ at the Dockyards and other establishments close upon 50,000 men, of whom 8,000, roughly speaking, are established, and 42,000 non-established. As regards workmen in the Dockyards alone, establishment has been re-opened ami the number of established num has been fixed at 6,500. The workmen's annual petitions have received sympathetic consideration and considcraljle concessiojis have lieen made year by year. In the financial year 1912-13 the total of these concessions amounted to £41,500, the chief items being an increase of Is. a week to unskilled labourers, the increase of the minimum wage of skilled [Admiralty] 16 labourers by Is. a week, and the increase of the maximum weekly wage of skilled labourers by a similar amount. WORKS. During 1910 the main works of Simons Bay Dockyard were com- pleted, as also were the Dockyard Extension Works at Gibraltar and the Harbour Works at Dover, with the exception of a few small services. During 1911 the lengthening of the dock at Haulbowline and the torpedo factory at Greenock were completed. Satisfactory progress is being made at the naval base at Eosyth, and with the new locks at Portsmouth. Good progress is being made with the depot for submarines at Dover. LEGISLATION. 1911. Naval Discipline (Dominion Naval Forces) Act.— Brings the Naval Forces raised by self-governing Dominions under the provisions of the Naval Discipline Act. [Cap. 47.] 17 AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, BOARD OF •{ The Rt. Hon. Earl Carrington, K.G., G.C.M.G. FresiJent - -^ \ Marquis of Lincolnsliire] {1905-11.) The Rt. Hon. Walter Runciman, M.P. {1911.) Refpresentatim in the ) ^ ^ ,, ^ ^r -r^ ,^r.^r- ^ ^ House of (7o»mjows- r^i^Ei^^^^^^^TRACHEY, Bart., M.P. {1905-9.) rSiR Edward Strachey, Bart., M.P. Parliamentary Secretary \ [^^'"^ Straclde'] {1909-11.) The Rt. Hon. Lord Lucas {1911.) Sir T. H. Elliott, K.C.B. {1892-1913.) Sir Sydney Olivier, K.C.M.G. {1913.) \ Pennanent Secretary ADMINISTRATION. Small Holdings. — The Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, continues to add largely to the Avork of the Board, and the statt' of the Land Division was increased and reorganised in 1911. For the purpose of the administration of the Act, England and Wales have been divided into eight separate districts, and each district is in charge of a Small Holdings Commissioner. It is the business of the Commissioners to ascertain the extent to which there is a demand for small holdings in the several counties under their supervision, and to assist the County Councils generally in operating the Act. In the five years ending 31st Decemlier, 1912, since the Small Holdings Act came into operation, 154,978 acres in England and Wales have been acquired or agreed to be acquired for small holdings.* Of this amount of land, 104,533 acres have been purchased for £3,385,262, and 50,444 acres have been leased at a rental of £63,528. The average price of land purchased has been £32 7.s'. 8fZ. per acre, and the average rent of land leased £1 5s %l. per acre. In addition to those applicants who have been provided with land directly by the County Councils, 2,984 applicants have been provided with 37,000 acres by private landowners direct. In all, the Act has resulted, in five years, in the provision of land for 15,176 applicants. No fewer than 52 County Councils have acquired over 1,000 acres since the Act came into operation; 35 Councils have accjuired over 2,000 acres; 10 over 4,000 acres, and 4 over 6,000 acres. Norfolk has acquired 10,004 acres; Somerset 7,832 acres; Cambridge 6,544 acres, and Devonshire 6,445 acres. The downward tendency of the return of holdings \mder 50 acres in England and Wales has l)een arrested, and there is now a marked upward movement. * See a subseriueiit juirauraiili lor the latest Small HdMiiitiS Returns (to March 1st, 1913). [Agriculture, Board of] 18 There is still a very large unsatisfied demand for land for small holdings. Indeed, of some districts it may he said that the demand increases as the original applicants are satisfied. This is particularly noticeahle in these counties where the Act has been most actively administered. In 1912, fresh applications for 69,073 acres were received l)y tlie County Councils from 4,076 individuals and 13 associations. The subjoined Tal)le gives the acreage of land acquired or agreed to be acquired under the Act by County Councils for small holdings in each County in England and Wales in the five years up to December 31st, 1912. Counties. Area acquired C ountics. Area acquired or agreed to be or agreed to be England,. acquir A. ed. R. P. Englayid — contd. acquired. A. R. P. Bedford ... . .3,657 1 12 Stafi'ord ... . 2,146 1 13 Berks . 2,499 1 37 Suffolk, East . 1,166 1 21 Bucks . 4,074 2 20 West . 1,813 20 Cambridge . 6,544 23 Surrey . 1,319 3 5 Cheshire ... . 4,470 3 20 Sussex, East . 351 6 Cornwall ... . 3,110 2 36 „ West 211 3 7 Cumberland . 363 3 38 Warwick ... . 1,877 2 20 Derby . 1,077 5 Westmorland 84 9 Devon . 6,445 1 22 Wilts . 4,518 2 2 Dorset . 1,997 1 39 Worcester . 2,313 37 Durham ... . 2,146 3 12 Yorks— Essex . 2,739 21 East Riding .. 3,323 1 21 Gloucester . 3,182 1 24 North Riding . .. 1,137 2 35 Hereford ... . 1,558 2 33 West Riding . . 1,499 23 Hertford ... Hunts 2 408 8 . 3,403 3 28 Total— England ... 130,214 2 21 Isle of Ely Isle of AYight . 3,843 926 3 36 16 TT7* 7 Isles of Scilly — Wales. Kent '. 1,995 3 33 Anglesey 945 20 Lancashire . 468 2 14 Brecon 220 3 Leicester ... 3,084 2 33 Cardigan ... .. 3,004 Lincoln — Carmarthen .. 589 1 19 Holland . 5,064 1 22 Carnarvon ... .. 2,279 3 39 Kesteven . 4,564 1 1 Denbigh ... .. 3,722 1 Lindsey . 3,570 1 32 Flint .. 851 1 20 London — Glamorgan .. 2,581 2 27 Middlesex... 135 3 14 Merioneth .. 2,681 3 4 :N"orfolk ... . 10,004 1 33 Monmouth .. 3,111 37 N"orthampton . 2,701 11 Montgomery .. 2,723 1 36 Northumberland . . 2,943 Pembroke .. 1,677 2 26 Notts Oxford ... . 1,105 . 2,962 13 1 38 Radnor .. 374 1 34 Rutland ... 255 3 37 Total— Wales .. . 24,763 22 Salop Sokeof Peterboro'. . 1,984 .. 543 1 18 1 8 Total— England .. .130,214 2 21 Somerset . 7,832 2 37 Grand Total for \ 154,977 3 3 Southampton . 1,785 2 28 England & Wales/ 19 [Agriculture, Board of] Dwelling Houses. — The number of dwelling houses provided liy Cduuty Councils on holdings let or sold during 1912 was 499, as compared with 501 in 1911. In Lincoln (Holland) 52 holdings let in 1912 have houses upon them ; in Merioneth 40 ; in Carnarvon .37; in Devon 28 ; in Norfolk 27 ; in Chester 25, and in Pemhroke 23. Five hundred and twenty-eight new houses had been erected under the 8mal] Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, up to 31st December, 1912. It is officially reported, however, that the majority of the applicants only require land as an adjunct to their other businesses, and, as they are already in occupation in houses in the villages where they reside, it has not been necessary to provide houses on the land accj^uired for them. Further details of the foregoing information may be obtained from the Report which will shortly l^e issued by the Board on the Proceedings under the Act up to the 31st December, 1912. Latest Small Holdings Returns. — The latest available information shows that on the 1st INIarch, 1913, voluntary schemes had been submitted to the Board Ijy County Councils dealing with the acquisition of 149,821 acres for small holdings, of which 100,421 acres were proposed to be purchased and 49,400 acres leased. In addition, orders had been made for the compulsory acquisition of 15,092 acres, 9,661 acres by purchase, and 5,431 by leasing, making a grand total of 164,913 acres. As the average size of a small holding in England and Wales is 12 acres, this area will provide over 13,700 holdings. COMPULSORY PROCEEDINGS. The numl)er of Orders made in 1912 for the compulsory acquisition of land is practically the same as in 1911. In 1908, 8 Orders were made for 1,116 acres; in 1909, 161 Orders for 11,230 acres; in 1910, 107 Orders for 6,940 acres; in 1911, 75 Orders for 5,487 acres; and in 1912, 74 Orders for 5,754 acres. The reduction in the number of Orders made during 1911 and 1912 is, no doubt, due to the large amount of land that was placed on the market during those years. The number of Orders made since the Act came into operation is 425 for 30,527 acres, of which 158 were for the compulsory purchase of 18,257 acres, and 267 for the compulsory hiring of 12,270 acres. At the end of 1912, 304 Orders for 18,027 acres had been confirmed by the Board ; but of these, 75 Orders for 4,075 acres were not proceeded with, either because the Council succeeded in obtaining other land by agree- ment, or because the price or rent awarded for the land was too high to enable it to be let at rents which the applicants were prepared to pay. The Board declined to confirm 27 Orders for 858 acres, and 132 Orders for 9,810 acres were withdrawn Ijy the Councils and were not sid)mitted for confirniation. Since the Act came into operation, the largest number of compulsory Orders have come from Norfolk, where the County Council have made 62 hiring and 16 purchase Orders. In Devon there have been 36 hiring and 11 purchase Orders ; Carmarthen has made 38 hiring Orders ; Wilts, 6 purchase and 27 hiring Orders; and Monmouth, 13 purchase and 2 hiring Orders. The Councils Avhich have not made any use of their compulsory powers are those of Chester, Derby, Isle of Wight, Kent, B 2 [Agriculture, Board of] 20 the three divisions of Lincohishire, London, Rutland, Westmorland, anil the North Riding of Yorkshire in England, and Anglesey, Montgomery, and Radnor in Wales. During 1912 the Board refused to confirm 5 compulsory Orders that were suhmitted to them. In four cases the land scheduled was found to be exempt from compulsory acquisition under Section 41 of the Act; in the other case the Board were of opinion that part of the land scheduled was not xeTj suitable, and that the cost of acquiring the other ]iart Avould be prohibitive. The Order was, therefore, not confirmed, but the Council have since purchased by agreement an adjoining farm. In a considerable' number of other cases, where it appeared that hardship would result to the owner or occupier if the whole of the land scheduled had been taken, the Board made certain modifications in the Orders before confirming them. In the case of 2 compulsory purchase Orders and 6 compulsory hiring Orders which had been confirmed by the Board in 1912, the County Coimcils exercised the power of withdrawing the notice to treat after the price or rent had been ascertained. Greneral Remarks. — The proportion of unsatisfactory small holders under the Act of 1908 is otficially estimated at less than one-half per cent. Arrears in rent are xeTj small, considering the unfavourable conditions during the last two years. In Bucks, Cheshire, Lancashire, Ivesteven, ^Monmouth, Rutland, Anglesey, Brecon, Cardigan, Carmarthen, Denbigh, Merioneth and Pembroke there were in 1912 no arrears. From every district the reports as to the state of the cultivation of the small holdings are extremely satisfactory and indicate that in the gTeat majority of cases the condition of the land has improved since its conversion into small holdings. The proportion of applicants who have expressed a desire to purchase their holdings is just over 2 per cent. BUILDINGS ON SMALL HOLDINGS: DEPART- MENTAL COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY. The President has appointed a Departmental Committee : — (1) To inquire and report as to the nature and character of the buildings which shoidd be provided for use in connection with small agricultural holdings in England and Wales, regard being had : — (a) To the convenience and requirements of the occupiers; (b) To considerations of economy, and also the possibility of the reduction of cost by the use of materials and methods of con- struction different from those ordinaril}^ employed at present : (c) To the special agricultural and building conditions of the different parts of the country; and (d) To the various requirements of the Public Health Acts and any orders or regulations made thereunder. (2) To submit a series of plans and specifications likely to be of assistance to local authorities and landowners for the purpose. The Committee is constituted as follows : — Mr. Christopher Turnor (Chairman), Mr. Colin Campbell, Mr. E. J, 21 [Agricultui-e, Board of] Clieney (an Assistant Secretary to the Board of Agriculture and Fislieries), Mr. F. R. Harding-Xewman, Mr. Cecil Harmsworth, M.P., Mr. A. Ainsworth Hunt, M.S.A., Mr. H. H. Law, M.Inst.C.E. (Deputy Chief Engineering Inspector of the Local Government Boanl), Mr. Henry T. Tate, and Mr. Raymond L'nwin. ^[r. C W. Sabin, of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, acts as Secretary to the Committee. The Committee is approaching the completion of its labours. SMALL HOLDINGS: DURATION OF BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT. The President appointed, m February, 1912, a further L)epartmental Committee to inquire and report as to the probable duration of the various classes and description of buildings and other works requii-ed for the equipment and adaptation of land for Small Holdings in the various districts of England and Wales. The Committee was constituted as follows : — The Hon. E. G. Strutt (Chairman), Mr. M. T. Baines (Senior Small Holdings Commissioner), ^Mr. A. Barker, 'Sh. H. H. Law, M.Inst.C.E. (Deputy Chief Engineering Inspector of the Local Govern- ment Board) and Mr. "W. H. Ralston. Mr. S. Samson, of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, acted as Secretary to the Committee. The Report of this Committee has been issued (Cd. 6,536, price '2^'L) and contains much valuable information which has been collected by the Committee fi'om all parts of the country. CO-OPERATION. The su})reme importance of the organisation of co-operation in agriculture, and especially in connection with the Small Holdings move- ment, has long been recognised by the Board. With a view to the furthemnce of this object, the Agi-icultural Organisation Society has been reconstituted as a company limited by guarantee under the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, in order that it may be in a position to act as the agent for the administration of the grant from the Development Fund which the Development Commissioners are prepared to recommend the Treasury to make with the object of ex- tending the organisation of co-operative methods in agriciUtiu-e. It is pro\-ided by the Articles of Association that the Governors of the Society shall be appointed in the first instance by the Boaitl of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Development Commissioners jouitly, and that the persons Sd appointed shall hold office until April, 1914. The first (xoverning Body has been didy appointed, and consist* of the following :— Mr. R. A. Yerburgh, President, the Earl of Shaft esburv, K.P., K.C.V.O., Chaii-man, mV F. D. Acland, M.P., Mr. Charles Bathurst, M.P., Mr. S. Bostock, Mr. W. Fitzherl>ert Brockholes, :Mr. Philip Burtt, Mr. E. J. Cheney, Mr. H. C. Fairfax Cholmeley, Mr. J. S. Corbott, Mr. Rupert Elli.s Mr. H. Jones Davie.s, Mr. Cyprian Knollys, >[r. Clement Smith, tlie Hon. E.lward Strutt, Colonel R. Williams, M.P., Mrs. Roland Wilkins, Sir James Wilson, K.C.S.I. ; Lord Stracliie and [Agriculture, Board of] .22 Mr. Abel H. Smith (nominated by the County Councils Association) ; Mr. Duncan Mclnnes and Mr. A. Whiteliead (nominated by the Co- operative Union) ; and Mr. G. L. Pain (nominated by the County Land Agents Association). The amount of the grant to be made from the Development Fund to the Society is still under consideration, but in the meantime arrange- ments are being made for an interim grant to enaljle it to continue its current work up to March 31st, 1913. After April, 1914, the Governing Body of the Society will be con- stituted as follows : — (a) Eighteen Governors to be elected by the Members of the Society ; {h) Twelve Governors to be appointed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries ; (c) Two Governors to be appointed by the County Councils Associations ; {(l) Two Governors to be appointed by the Co-operative Union ; and (e) Two Governors to be co-opted by the Governors. Agricultural Co-operative Credit Societies and Joint Stock Banks. — The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries have been in communication with the leading Joint Stock Banks which have branches in the rural districts, Avith regard to the assistance which the Banks can offer, in accordance with ordinary linking principles, to registered Co-operative Credit Societies, consisting mainly of small holders and allotment holders. The Banks named below are willing that the Manager of any of their country branches should have permission to assist in the formation of such a Society ; with liberty to give advice to its officers on matters of bookkeeping ; and to take part, Avhen requested, in the audit of the annual return Avithout remuneration. They will also favoiu'ably consider the acceptance Ijy their Managers of the post of unpaid Treasurer, pro- vided that it does not involve membership of the Society. These Banks are prepared to allow to such a Society as good rates as possible for money in their hands. They Avill also be prepared to give favourable consideration to applications from such Societies for advances, but will require in each case to be satisfied as to the security for the loan, and although they will require it to be made repayable on demand, they will in general practice be ready to lend for twelve months, and the loan will then be suljject to repayment, renewal or reduction. If satisfied that the joint liability of tlie members of the Society under its rules constitutes an adequate security for a pro})osed loan, the Bank Avill require no further guarantee for its repayment. In considering the question of security it should be borne in mind that, under the model rules for a Society registered under the Friendly Societies Act, every member of the Society is, equally with every other member, jointly and severally lialjle for all debts incurred by the Society. The rate of interest to be charged on approved advances to such Societies will be a favourable fixed rate, subject to a year's notice of alteration. It will thus l)e seen that the Committee of any registered Agricultural Co-operative Credit Society may apply with some confidence to the local Branch Manager of any of these Banks for advice and help in matters of 23 [Agriculture, Board of] l)Ook keeping, accounts and audit, and that if they wish to obtain an advance from the Bank and are able to satisfy the Manager and Directors that the security for repayment is sufficient, they may expect that their application for a loan will be granted on these favourable terms. A supplementary list of other Bardvs which may agree to the above arrangements will be published at a future date. List of Banks. Bank of Liverpool. Barclay & Co. Beckett & Co. Capital and Counties Bank. Co-operative Wholesale Societies Bank. Farrow's Bank. Fox, Fowler & Co., Wellington, Somerset. Lincoln & Lindsey Banking Co. Lloyds Baid\:. London County and Westminster Bank. London and Provincial Bank. London and South Western Bank. Manchester and Liverpool District Banking Co. Metropolitan Bank of England and Wales, Birmingham. National Provincial Bank of England. Nottingham and Notts Banking Co. Parr's Bank. Union Bank of Manchester. United Counties Bank. Union of London and Smiths Bank. Williams Deacon's Bank. Wilts and Dorset Banking Co. An exjilanatory memorandum dealing with the matter has been issued by the Board, and copies may be ol>tained on application at the Board's offices. COMPENSATION TO TENANTS. Under the Small Holdings Act, 1910, compensation is now paid to a sitting tenant who is given notice by a County Council, or by a landlord at the request of the Council, Avith a view to the use of the land by the Council for the provision of Small Holdings. The Act has regard only to the expense to which a tenant may be put in con- nection with the sale or removal of his household goods, fjirming implements, produce of stock. Compensation is paid in the first instance by the local authority, and is reind^ursed to the authority by the ]>oard of Agriculture and Fisheries out of the Small Holdings Account. Com- pensation to the amount of £3,208 Ui,-. ^dd. had been paid up to the 3Lst March, 1912. ALLOTMENTS. The latest returns received show that 1,267 acres have been acquired by local authorities for allotments during the year 1911. This land has provided allotments for 4,284 individuals and 3 associations. In [Agricvilture, Board of] 24 addition, a large iiumljer of aj)plicants have been provided witli allot- ments on laud acquired before 1911. The quantity of land purchased in 1911 was 220 acres, and the price paid was £15,716. The quantity leased is 1,047 acres at a rental of .£2,626. The average price of the land [)urchased is £71 per acre and the average rent of land leased £2 lO^-. per acre. The average })rice paid for land purchased is, in the case of Parish Councils, £51 per acre; Urban District Councils, £74 per acre; and Town Councils, £100 per acre. In the case of laud leased, the average rent paid by Parish Councils is £1 19.S. per acre; Urban District Councils, £2 18s. per acre; and Town Councils £3 15s. Qd. per acre. In rural parishes it is usually possiljle to obtain allotments direct from private landowners, and there is, therefore, no need for the inter- vention of the Local Allotment Authority, but in large towns this is less often the case, and it is satisfactory, therefore, to notice that out of the 75 County Boroughs in England and Wales, allotments have been provided by the Town Councils in 44 of them. The returns received show an unsatisfied demand from 11,521 individual applicants and 10 associations, and that the cpiantity of land required to satisfy them is 4,047 acres. A full Report for 1911 of the proceedings under the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, as far as allotments are concerned, has been issued as a separate publication, " Allotments and Miscellaneous," price 3(/. (Cd. 6,173.) Statement of the Area of Land let us Allotments by lite Local Authorities in Englaiid and Wales on the 31st December, 1911. Area of land let for Allotments on Local 31st December, lUll. Tenants Authority. holding Allotments. Purchased. Hired. Total. A. R. p. A. K. P. A. E. P. London County 83 3 46 14 129 17 1,270 Council Town Councils 2,43;) 1 13 2,318 7 4,757 1 20 35,747 and 15 Associations Urban District 918 1 16 3,210 3 ir, 4,1. '39 31 25,543 and 4 Councils Associations Parish Councils 3,222 14 17.336 1 31 20,.5.58 2 .5 46,631 and 8 Associations Totals ... r),6i)2 3 6 22,1)11 1 27 29,604 33 109,191 and 22 Associations TENANT FARMERS AND CHANGES IN THE OWNERSHIP OF THEIR HOLDINGS. A Departmental Connnittee was appointed by Lord Carringtctn in March, 1911, to inquire into the position of tenant farmers in England •25 [Agriculture, Board of] and Wales on the occasion of any change in the ownersLij) of their holdings whether by reason of the death of the landlord, the sale of the land or otherwise, and to consider whether any legislation on the subject is desirable. Lord Haversham was the cLairnian of the Coniniittee. The Committee have issued a Keport (Cd. 6,030, price ild.) and the Minutes (if Evidence, &c., have been separately published (Cd. 6,031, price 2.s-.). The Committee have, subject to reservations in individual cases, made a number of im})ortant recommendations, and a Government Bill was introduced chuing 1912 in the House of Lords embodying certain of these recommendations, but time did not permit of it Ijeing passed through the House of Commons. AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. During 1910-11-12 various grants from the l>evelopment Fund were placed al the disposal of the Board, and with their aid the Board have been able to initiate a scheme for the promotion of Agricultural Education and Research of a comprehensive chaiacter which will piovide technical instruction in agricultural subjects for all classes of the agri- cultural population from the agricultural labourer and small holder upwards. In the first place, a grant not exceeding £325,0u0 for the period ending 31st March, 1916, has been made for the promotion aiid develop- ment of the system of Agricultural Education at present carried on by Local Education Authorities. The grant will be distributed both in the form of annual contributions towards the cost of new and additional work connected with Agricultural Education and of contributions towards the cost of providing buildings for Farm Schools or Institutes. A Farm School or Institute, it may be mentioned, is intended to provide short courses of from 6 to 20 weeks in agriculture, horticultui-e, dairying, [)Oultry-keeping, etc., for the sons and daughters of farmers. The grant is not, however, confined to these Farm Schools, but M-ill l)e equally available for peripatetic lectures and local demonstrations in agriculture and horticulture and for the miscellaneous work and advice provided through the County Agricultural Staff. In this way the grant will stimulate the provision of instruction not only for the younger generation of farmers who are able to spare the time to go to Avinter or summer courses of two, three or four months, but also will help to provide instruction by means of evening lectures or day courses for small holders and agricultural labourers and their sons who cannot spare the time to attend the longer course. More advanced courses than any included above are provided by the Agricultural Colleges, who have for many years been aided by the Board, but in addition to formal instruction in the class-room, the work of the Colleges, in common with that of the Local Education Authorities, includes the provision of advice for practical farmers on agricultural subjects. It has, however, often been found that the questions on which farmers required advice were matters Avhich required special knowledge and special research, which it was beyond the power of the County Stalf or the resources of the College to supply. A grant has, therefore, been provided by the Development Connnission to the Board of £12,000 jier annum for the purpose of providing expert advisers, to be attached to the [Agriculture, Board of] 26 staff's of certain Agricultural Colleges. These advisers will devote themselves to the solution of local problems in a group of counties round the College. In order to provide a connecting link between the peripatetic and farm institute work of the counties on the one hand, and the teaching and advisory work of the Agricultural Colleges on the otlier, the Board have approached the Local Education Authorities and proposed the appointment of Advisory Councils for certain groups of counties. These Councils will be asked to take a comprehensive view of the needs of the area in regard to agricultural education, and to advise the Agricultural Education Committees of the County Councils and the Board thereon, and generally to encourage co-operation between the work of the counties and the Colleges. A further and still more important step in the advancement of Agriculture has been taken by the establishment of deliiiite Institutes, frequently attached to Universities, devoted solely to research in agricultural subjects. A grant of some .£30,000 per annum has been allocated for this purpose. The subjects and institutions selected are as follows: — Plant Physiology ... ... Imperial College of Science. Plant Pathology ... ... ... Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Plant Breeding ... ... .. Cambridge University. Do. ... ... ... John Innes Institution. Fruit Growing, including the | Bristol University, in conjunction practical treatment of plant > with the National Fruit and Cider diseases ... ... ... ' Institute. Plant Nutrition and Soil Proldems Kothamsted Experimental Station. Animal Nutrition ... ... Cambridge University. Animal Pathology ... ... Royal Veterinary College. Do. ... ... ... Board's Laboratory, Alperton. Dairying ... ... ... University College, Reading. Agricultural Zoology, with special ] reference to Economic Ento- > Manchester University. mology ... ... ... ' Agricultural Zoology, with special I ti- • v, tt ■ •+ » „ , TT 1 • Li 1 > Birmingham University, reference to Helminthology ... J ° . "^ Economics of Agriculture . . . Oxford University. It is hoped that through the medium of these Institutes, Agricultural problems will receive the attention of men whose scientihc attainments are of the first order, and that hj means of the Expert advisers attached to the Agricultural Colleges it may be possible to bring the results to the notice of farmers throughout the country. A smaller grant of .£3,000 per annum is availalde for the purpose of Research into special subjects Avhich for one reason or another cannot be conveniently investigated at the Research Institutions mentioned above, and arrangements have l)een made for awarding 12 Research Scholar- ships annually, tenable for 3 years, in order to secure the services of a number of carefully trained men for work in connection with the Research or Advisory Scheme. Assistance is also l)eing given from the Development Fund towards the capital cost of buildings for the Research Institutions and for the Agricultural Colleges. 27 [Agriculture, I)oard of] HORTICULTURE BRANCH. Mr. Eiinciraan anuouncetl at the luncheon given in connection with the opening of the International Horticultural Exhibition at Chelsea on May 22nd, 1912, the establishment of a new Department under the Board, to be called the Horticultiire Branch. The duties of this Branch will include the increase and dissemination of horticultural knowledge, especially in regard to [a) the riglit kinds of varieties to plant ; (h) the character of the soil and the cti'ect of manuring; (c) the pruning and the general treatment of fruit trees; (d) diseases and insect pests and the methods of combating them ; and {e) the habits and life of birds. The Horticultiire Branch will also concern itself with the administra- tion of the laAv relating to Destructive Insects and Pests, and the im})rove- ment of methods of packing and marketing and the development of the English Export trade. The Staff Avill include an Entomologist and an Inspector with sjiecial knowledge of horticultural conditions, so that information can be given on all questions relating to the industry. Destructive Insects and Pests. — Owing to the measures taken by the Board, American gooseberry mildew has been kept under control to a great extent, and the actual losses experienced by growers are much less than was at one time anticipated. Experiments have been conducted with a view to discovering pre- ventive or remedial measures for checking wart disease (black scab) in potatoes. As a result of these experiments several varieties of jiotatoes Avhich are immune to the disease have been discovered, and an ( )rder of the Board has now been issued authorising- the enforcement of regulations prescribing the use of all these potatoes and other measures for the suppression of this disease. An Order, called the Destructive Insects and Pest Order of 1910, has also Ijeen issued. It is designed to prevent the introduction into England of foreign pests and to give the Board power to deal with such |)ests existing in England that foreign countries Avish to prevent being introduced with English nursery stock or other agricultural stock exported to them. The Board inspects the nursery grounds of persons trading abroad and issues certificates which it is believed are sufficient in all cases to ensure the admission of the plants, &c., to foreign countries. Isle of Wight Bee Disease. — This is a disease of bees that was hrst noticed in the Isle of Wight some years ago. It has since sjjread over a large part of Great Britain. A scientific incjuiry into the nature, history and symptoms of this disease has Ijeen conducted on behalf of the Board by Messrs. G. S. Graham-Smith, M.D., II. B. Fautham, D.Sc, G. W. Bullamore, W. iNIalden, ]\I.D., and ]Miss Annie Porter, D.Sc, F.L.S. INIost of the Avork has been carried on at the Pathological Laboratory, Cambridge. A full report of these investigations has been issued as a Supple- ment (price Is. post free) to the Board's "Journal" for May, 1912. No undoubted example of a permanent cure is recorded, but various recommendations are made by the Committee of Inquiry. These recommendations include :— " The provision of an easily accessible [Agriculture, Board of] 28 supply of fresh water, wliicli should be changed daily ; the collection and IjLirniug of hees dying with suspicious symptoms ; digging and dis- infection of the ground round the hives ; disinfection of old hives ; destruction of diseased stocks ; removal of healthy hives to a fresh site, if pcjssible ; re-stocking after an attack, when this is necessary, with hees from an infected area, since such bees, if they have survived an attack, may be to some extent immune, though some months should elapse between the death of the last stock and the importation of fresh bees ; in non-infected districts driven bees or stocks should not be imported from infected areas ; and the possible building up of apiaries from stocks which show well-marked resistance to the disease in infected apiaries or from stocks known to be partially immune." A Bill dealing with the diseases of bees was introduced in the House of Commons in 1912, but, owing to pressure of time, failed to pass. It will be reintroduced early in the Session of 1913, and will give the Board the necessary powers for continuing the investi- gations, and applying any remedies that may be discovered. Cultivation of Sugar Beet. — The Board made arrangements in 1911 for a series of experiments in the cultivation of sugar beet to be carried out at seven centres in England, and a valuable and interesting Report of these proceedings has been issued, price 5d. (Cd. 6,162.) The main objects in view were to obtain precise information as to the Ijest methods of preparing the land, of sowing the seed, and of manuring, and to ascertain the approximate cost of producing beet ready for delivery to a sugar factory. The experiments were conducted under the superintendence of Members of the Staffs of the following Agricul- tural Colleges and Schools: — The South-Eastern Agricultural College, Wye. The Midland Agricultural College, Kingston, Derby. The Harper- Adams Agricultural College, J^ewport, Salop. The Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. The Essex County Technical Laboratories, Chelmsford. The Seale-Hayne Agricultural College, Newton Al)bot. The Agricultural Institute, Ridgmont, Bedfordshire. The Report concludes with the following observations : — " In considering these Reports it should be borne in mind that in no case did the crops receive more attention than would be given to growing mangolds or swedes by a farmer of ordinary skill. Possibly the scale of manuring was somewhat heavier than would be found in ordinary practice, but it is worthy of notice that at some of the stations the plots which received no artificial manure gave yields not far short of those more lilierally treated. Again, in no case was sub-soiling carried out, a practice which, on the Continent, is regarded as indispensable. It is, therefore, significant to learn that the average yield of sugar beet in Prussia last year did not exceed 6 tons per acre, a figure only slightly in excess of the yields obtained at the Seale-Hayne or Essex stations, which have been characterised as failures, in view of the better results ol)tained at the other stations. "These experiments were nut designed, nor expected, to answer conclusively the question whether sugar beet can be profitably sidisti- tuted for other descriptions of root crops. The price which a sugar 29 [Agriculhiro, Board nf] factory would he able to pay the farmer for his beet cannot he predicted with confidence, while on the other hand it i.s equally uncertain what amount will ofter a sufficient inducement t(j the farmer to abandon his customary root-crop in favour of sugar beet. This amount depends on conditions Avhich vary from one locality to another. There is no question that beet with a high sugar content can be grown in this country and give yields equalling, if not exceeding, those obtained on the Continent, and the information given in this report shows that farmers who wish to form their own o})inion on the comparative merits of beet and other root crops may, without difficulty and at little cost, grow the crop for themselves." ANIMAL DISEASES. Foot and Mouth Disease.— In 1911 there were 19 outbreaks of this disease in (Jreat Eritain. The comities affected were Surrey (Chobham), jNliddlesex (Hounslow), East Sussex (Udimore), Derby (West Hallam) and Somerset (Middlezoy and Martock). The last case — that at Martock — was reported on the 6th December, 1911. It did not spread, and restrictions were withdrawn on the 8th January, 1912. The disease again appeared in Great Britain on the 23rd June, 1912, an outbreak occurring at Penrith, Cumberland. On June 27tli, lesions of foot and mouth disease were found in parts of carcases in the abattoirs at Liverpool. Investigations showed that the affected animals had formed part of a number of cattle l)rouglit from Ireland and exposed in Stanley Market, Liverpool, on June 24th, and that they were alfected with disease at the time. Other outbreaks in the neighbourhood left no doubt that disease had come from Ireland, and accordingly, on June 28th, an Order was passed prohibiting the landing in Great Britain of animals from that country. Subsequently, on 1st July, the disease was actually found in Ireland at Swords, near Dublin. Some 60,000 animals that had been landed in Great Britain from Ireland during the 10 days previously to the passing of the Order were traced by the inspectors of the Board and of the local authorities, and those not slaughtered wore kept under observation. Other animals from Ireland exposed at Stanley Market on June 24th had subsequently been sent to Salford and Wakefield Markets, and carried the disease into those areas. Further outbreaks also occurred among Irish cattle near Carlisle, and spread thence into Northumberland. Altogether 83 outbreaks in 16 c(nuities were confirmed in Great Britain during 1912, the last outlireak being confirmed on the 1st December, 1912. The country is now (10th i\hirch, 1913) entirely free from the disease. Departmental Committee.— On November 17th, 1911, Mr. Runciman appointed a Departmental Connnittee "to inquire into the circumstances of the recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease and to consider whether any further measures can be adopted to prevent their recurrence." The Committee have issued a Keport (Cd. 6,222) dated May 22nd, 1912. The Committee was constituted as follows: — The Right Hon. Sir Ailwyn Fellowes, K.C.V.O. (Chairman), Sir C. D. Rose, Bart., M.P., Sir Harry C. W. Verney, Bart., M.P., Sir J. Bowen Bowen-rlones, Bart., Clias. P.athurst, Esq., M.P., William Field, Esq., [Agriculture, Board of] 30 M.P., John Hinds, Esq., M.P., G. E. Lane-Fox, Esq., M.P., Richardson Carr, Esq., Major E. M. Dunne, E. E. Morrison, Esq., and E. M. Ninineley, Esq. JNIr. W. H. F. Landon, of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, acted as Secretary to the Committee. The Committee's Report traces the existence of the disease in Great Britain back to the year 1839 (page 5). The Report summarises the symptoms of the disease (page 6), and while welcoming the appointment by the Board of a Scientific Committee to study the disease in India, and expressing the opinion that a liberal grant from the Treasury for this purpose sliould be asked for, the Report deprecates strongly the suggested establishment of a home experimental station for the study of the disease. The Committee, however, suggest that mutual benefit might result from the establishment elsewhere of an international experimental station (page 7). The Committee, having had evidence before them that the imminiisa- tion of animals against foot and mouth disease by artificial means has been successfully carried out, report that it is well worthy of considera- tion whether animals over a consideral^le area round an outbreak might not with advantage be immunised by the injection of a preventive serum, provided that the process does not involve developing in them even a mild attack of the disease (page 7). The Committee state that none of the witnesses has been able to satisfy the Committee as to the origin of the outbreaks, except in the Edinburgh case of 1908, which was attributed to foreign hay. They consider that the foreign imports that are most open to suspicion as possible carriers of infection are : — (a) Hay and straw. (b) Milk and milk products. (e) Hides and skins, heads and feet, carcases of calves in skins, vaccine seed lymph. (d) Hoofs, horns, bones, and other animal offals. (e) Persons and their clothing. The Committee make certain recommendations in regard to these different items of foreign import An important recommendation of the Committee is that experiments should be made in the matter of dis- infecting hides, skins, &c., &c., at certain selected ports (pages 8, 9, 10). The Committee think it imperative that local authorities charged with the administration of the Diseases of Animals Acts should employ whole-time veterinary officers with special qualifications in veterinary science and practice. They recommend that the appointment and dis- missal of such officers should be subject to the sanction of the Board and that their salaries should Ije paid as to, say, three-fourths by the Board (page 11). The Committee recommend the issue every five or seven years to all veterinary surgeons and stockowners of a circular describing shortly the symptoms of the disease. Further, that an- obligation to report imme- diately symptoms of the disease should be imposed on all knackers and slaughterers. There are other reconnnendations of a general character (pages 11 and 12), and the Committee make certain suggestions in regard to anthrax (page 9). The Report concludes: — " The Committee would also like to place on record their approval 31 [Agriculture, Board of] of the procedure adopted by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries in dealing -with outbreaks of the disease, and consider that the freedom of this country in recent years from widespread epidemics is due to the regulations so admirably carried out Ijy the officers of the P)oard and those of the local authorities. " A great deal of evidence went to prove the good feeling that exists between the officials of local authorities and of tlic Board. Tliey have worked harmoniously together and with the agriculturists con- cerned, aud althougli there may be instances of hardship, it is recognised tliat this must be unavoidable if such a disease is to be kept in check. " The Committee think that every encouragement should be given to the Board to continue a policy which has proved so successful." Committee of Inquiry to visit India. — Tlie President has appointed a Special Committee of Inquiry to make further investigations in India as to the characteristics of foot and mouth disease, and the manner in which it is contracted and spread. The Committee consists of Professor Sir John McFadyean, Professor A, E. Mettam, and Sir Stewart Stockman, the Board's Chief Veterinary Officer, with Mr. W. G. Wragg, one of the Board's A'eterinary Inspectors, as Secretary. Animal Diseases on the Continent. — The well recognised efficiency of the Board's methods in dealing with the diseases of animals has been fully maintained during the past year. In regard to foot and mouth disease especially, it is instructive to contrast the figures for Great Britain (83 cases with 645 animals attacked) for the year 1912 with those of the more important European countries. FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE. Statevient t'hoicing the number of outbreaks of, or number y means of their research steamer, and they have brought the matter to the attention of the International Council for the 39 [Agriculture, Board of] Exploration of the 8ea, who are also undertaking investigations of a similar character. In 1909 a system of inspecting trawl gear Avas instituted with a view^ to minimising the risk of damage to suhmarine cables by trawlers. A marked decline which has taken jjlace in tlie number of accidents to cables attributed to trawling operations, may probably be attributed, in part at least, to the Board's inspections and the willing co-operation of owners of trawlers. Lobsters and their protection. — The question of the best means of protecting the berried lobster has been carefully considered l)y the l)oard. A report on the Board's in(|uiries will be foimd in their Annual Report on Sea Fisheries for 1910 (Cd. 6,120). It has been reprinted as a Departmental Paper. The Board are conferring with the Local Fisheries Committees in the matter and are engaged in an experimental scheme for Lobster Hatching and Research. Shell Fish. — The Board exercises general supervision over fisheries for shell fish in England and Wales, and are empowered, luider the Sea Fisheries Act, 1868, to grant Orders conferring a right of Several Fishery or a right of regulating a fishery respectively. The qiiestions of facilitating the acquisition of shell fish beds l)y fishermen and of preventing pollution of the layings are under considera- tion in coimection with a scheme of work to be submitted to the Development Commissioners. Light Railways and Fishing Harbours. —Under the Light Railways Act, 1896, the Board have power to recommend advances by the Treasury in cases where a Light Railway would afford the necessary means of communication between a fishing harbour or village and a market. They have availed themselves of this power in the case of Southwold. The Board also supported an application to the Development Com- missioners in aid of the extension and improvement of Brixham Harbour, and a similar application in the case of Portscatho is under consideration. Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries. — The Board exercises a general supervision over the Avork of the Boards of (Conservators for the 52 Fishery Districts in England and Wales. These districts can be formed or altered by Orders made by the Board, Avho also have the power of allowing or disallowing the bye-laws and scales of Licence Duties made l)y the Conservators. The Board have, instituted experiments in salmon marking which are calculated to throw light on the life history of the salmon generally and especially on its migrations. They are endeavouring to secure advances from the Development Fund with a view to the development of the salmon fisheries, so that they may take their proper places as an important contribution to the national sujtply of food. An investigation has been held into a serious outbreak of salmon disease in the rivers Wye, Exe, Teign and I 'art ; a report tbereon has been published as a Departmental Paper. The question of pollution caused 1)y washings from tarred rnads also continues to receive the earnest attention of the Bnard, who are always [Agriculture, Board of] 40 prepared to advise in cases of this nature and to examine lisli suspected of having been poisoned by any deleterious discharge into a river. COMMERCIAL CONTROL BRANCH. An important i)art of the work of the Board is the administration of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts, 1875-1907, the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1906, and the Merchandise Marks Acts, 1887-1894. It is impossible to summarise these activities within the space of a short paragraph. Cnreful attention is paid by the Board's inspectors to the administration of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act in relation to alleged cases of adulteration of milk and butter, and cases in which margarine is sold as butter. There are at present 210 registered 1/utter factories in England and Wales. Each of these factories is inspected at least once during the year liy the Board's inspectors, and many of them are inspecteritish Dominion eftcctive throughout the whole of the Empire, on conditions intended to secure that British naturalisation should not he too lightly conferred in this manner, and to safeguard the right of the ]^ominions to deal as they thought fit Avith different classes of British subjects. Important steps were taken in the direction of establishing an Imperial Court of Appeal, to consist of two divisions, the House of Lords in its judicial capacity, and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; for this purpose it was agreed that two Law Lords should be added whose services would be equally available for the House of Lords and the Judicial Committee, and whose existence would enable a large number of Judges to sit on the latter body. It was also agreed that Judges who dissented from the judgment of the Judicial Committee should be at liberty to record the grounds of their dissent. With a vicAV to securing improvement in inter-Im])erial trade a Loyal Commission was agreed upon, and has since been established, containing representatives of the United Kingdom and all the Dominions, Avhose duty it will be to investigate the natural resources and products of the Empire with a view to suggesting, subject to the existing fiscal systems in each part of the Empire, the means of increasing inter-Imperial trade. The arrangements for co-operation in Naval and Military Defence which w^ere made at the Imperial Defence Conference of 1909 were further developed, and the status of the Navies of the Dominions were settled in such a manner as to attain the maximum of unity and efficiency wdiile securing to each Dominion the constitutional control of its armed forces. The question of emigration was exhaustively discussed, and the President of the Local Government Board was able to satisfy the representatives of the self-governing Dominions that the lines on which the Imperial Government were working were completely satisfactory, and it w^as agreed that eftbrts on this basis should be continued. The Postmaster-General was able to promise substantial reductions in the rates for telegrams in plain language to other parts of the Empire which were liable to be deferred for a period not exceeding tAventy-four hours, and also in Press cable messages which were not of an immediate cliaracter. This has since been carried out. It was also agreed that tlie Empire should construct a chain of Wireless Telegraph Stations extending from the United Kingdom to the CommonAvealth of Australia, being the first long-distance chain of stations in the world, and the contract for these stations has since been placed with the Marconi Company, and arrangements to effect this are now in progress. Other important discussions took place as to the status of British Indian subjects within the Empire, Uniformity in the Law of Patents, Trade Marks, Copyright, Companies, Workmen's Couq^ensation, and the enforcement in the several parts of the Empire of the Judgments of Courts in other parts. As regards the self-governing Dommicms and Nervfound.land, reference is invited io the following Parliamentary Paj)crs, viz.. Cd. 5,135, Cd. 5,582 {in continuation of which further infonnation vill shortly he furnished) and Cd. 6,091. 49 [Colonial Office] EASTERN COLONIES. The Opium Question, — His Majesty's GDvernment have taken steps to put into force their ileclared })oIicy of reducing the consumption of opium in the British territories in tlie East. In Ceylon, arrangements have been made to close the opium shops and to place the sale of opium imder the control of Government officers who will have no interest in extending the use of the drug. Opium is issued from Government Dispensaries to habitual adult users, whose names are registered, together with the amount which they are allowed to purchase. In Hong Kong all opium divans have been closed, and the nvnnber of chests which the opium farmer is allowed to import has been greatly reduced. In the Straits Settlements the farm system has been abolished, and the importation and preparation of opium has been made a Government monopoly. The Government factory at Singapore supplies opium to the INIalay States under British Protection in which the farm system has been abolished except where existing engagements rendered it impossible. In Weihaiwei the use of opium, except on medical certificate, has been prohibited. Railway Construction in the East. — A railway has been constructed between Kowlooii and the British frontier where it joins the Chinese line from Canton. This line was opened to through traffic in 1911. In the Malay Peninsida consideral)le additions have been made to the State railways. A railway through Johore was completed in 1909, through communication thus being established between Penang and Singapore. A line has been constructed into the interior of Pahang and is Ijeing extended to the border of Kelantan with a view to eventual connection, through that State, with the Siamese railway system. The route which will be taken by the line through Kelantan has not Ijeen finally decided. In the meantime arrangements are being made for the construction of a line of 35 miles from the sea coast at Kuala Kelantan into the interior, with a view to eventual connection with the main line. On the west side of the Peninsula, surveys are in progress for a line from Bukit Mertajam, in Province Wellesley, to A] or Star, the capital of Kedah, a distance of about 65 miles. It is hoped that it will be possible to arrange eventually for the line to be connected through Siamese territory with the main lines on the east coast, which, when completed, will provide railway connection between Singapore and Bangkok. A line of 30 miles in length is being constructed to connect the port of Kuala Selangor with the main system of the Federated Malay States. The construction is now nearly completed. In Ceylon several new lines have been undertaken, of which tlie most important is one to Mannar, now almost complete. A steamship service over the intervening strait will connect this line with the radway system of India, The connection will probably be completed early in 1913. [Colonial Office] 50 Harbour Works. — At Colomho, the important series of Har- ))uur Works, commenced in 1873, has been completed, the last stone being laid Ijy the Governor with a formal ceremony on the 1st of May, 1912. The works, which have cost about £3,000,000, inclmle three breakwaters, forming an enclosed harbour of 640 acres in extent, a graving dock, a patent slip, and a coaling depot with a frontage of 2,200 feet. At Singapore extensive works for the improvement of the harbour, including the provision of breakwaters and large reclamations, were commenced in 1907 and are now well advanced. Further important works, including the reconstruction of wharves and the provision of dry and wet docks, have been undertaken on the property taken over by the Colonial Government from the Tanjong Pagar Dock Company in 1905. Malay States. — By a Treaty signed at Bangkok in March, 1909, Siam transferred to Great Britain all her rights in respect of the States of Kedah, Perils, Kelantan and Trengganu, an area of some 15,000 square miles thus being added to the British sphere in the Malay Peninsula. British Officers have been appointed to advise the Native Rulers in all these States. Mauritius. — In 1909 a Royal Commission was appointed to inquire into the financial position of the Colony of Mauritius. Steps are Ijeing taken to carry out the recommendations made by the Commission in their Report, which was laid before Parliament in June, 1910. (Cd. 5,185). Ceylon. — In 1910, Letters Patent were issued providing for a reform of the Constitution of the Legislative Council of Ceylon. Previously all the unofficial Members of the Council had been nominated by the Governor. Under the new system those sections of the community which are sufficiently educated to render such a course practicable will elect their own representatives. The first Council appointed under the new Letters Patent met in January, 1912. WEST INDIAN COLONIES. Finances. — The finances of nearly all the West Indian Colonies have shoAvn marked improvement in the last six years, and the majority of them are now in possession of considerable accumulated balances, while none is in receipt of any grant in aid from the Imperial exchequer. The rapid recovery of Jamaica from the effects of the earthquake of January, 1907, in which the loss of property was estimated at £2,000,000, is particulary noteworthy. The trade of the island has shown so much vitality that, in spite of heavy expenses connected with rebuilding at Kingston, the surplus at the end of the financial year 1911-12 w^as computed as being about t'190,191, and substantial reductions of taxation were in contemplation. Tlie Colony, however, has sustained a temporary check owing to the oecurrtmce in Novemlier, 1912, of a severe hurricaaie, which has occasioiied considerable expenditure of })ulilic money. 51 [Colonial Office] Keinarkable financial pro^fress has also been made in the Lee ward Islands. Six years ago the Ijalances in hand were very small ; hut in 1911 they exceeded ,£50,000, and it is only in Antigua that financial stringency continues to be felt, and there in a much diminished degree. In Trinidad the very rapidity of the develupment of the Colony has led to so many demands upon the public purse that the question of ways and means is likely to remain a difficult one for some time. But these demands are mainly for works directly or indirectly reproductive, which will serve to augment the considerable measure of prosperity which the Colony already enjoys. The larger items, such as railway construction, will be met by loan. The finances of British Guiana made steady progress up to the end of 1911, but have sustained a temporary set back owing to the severe drought which occurred in the spring of 1912. . British Hondiiras has lieen sufficiently prosperous to enable it to cope with an extensive })rogramme uf public works, largely paid for out of current revenue. Railways. — In British Honduras the Colonial Government has built a short line of 36-inch gauge from Stann Creek on the coast to a point 25 miles inland, in order to enable the fertile banana lands to be put into cultivation. A shipping pier has been constructed in connection with the railway. The Avork was delayed by many difficulties, and when it was finished some of the bridges were swept away by a disastrous flood. Steps are being taken to repair the railway, and in spite of all the additional expense incurred, it is anticipated that in a few years it will pay its way. Construction was begun in 1907, but it should be noted tliat the project had been mooted before 1896. The building of the Stann Creek Railway was the first concrete embodiment of the policy of tapping the internal resources of the Colony by means of short lines from suitable points on the coast in preference to the more ambitious scheme for a trunk line from Belize into neighbouring foreign territory, the utility and success of which are open to considerable doubt. In British Guiana the local Legislature has provided funds for a survey, now in progress, for a railway to the Potaro and Konawaruk, which is intended to enable the Government to make a beginning of (healing in practical fashion with the many projects for railway extension into the interior of the Colony. Of all the West Indian Colonies British Guiana, with its vast undeveloped area, is the only one which otters scope for railway schemes on a scale comparable with those of the African Colonies and Protectorates. It is largely in view of this fact that Sir Walter Egerton, formerly Governor of Southern Nigeria, has ])een sent to British Guiana, and it is well known that the railway question will be one of the first to engage his attention. [n Jamaica the Legislature has approved the construction of a branch line from INIay Pen station, on the existing Government railway, to Chapelton, a distance of 13;^' miles, at an estimated cost of £92,250. Tlic proposed line will tap a large internal valley lying right in the centre of the island, and will serve a well settled and fertile district. The railway offers no engineering difficulties. In view of the short time which has elapsed since Jamaica was overtaken by a terrible disaster, it is particularly gratifying to see that the Colony is already D 2 [Colonial Office] 52 able to contemplate raihvay extension in addition to its expenditure on the development of other means of communication. In Trinidad the Legislative Council in March, 1908, approved the building of two extensions on the existing Government Railway. One is from San Fernando to Siparia, a distance of 16^ miles, and the other from Tabiquite to Poole, a distance of 13 miles. The first will pass through cultivated lands throughout nearly the whole of its course, and it is estimated will serve a cultivated area of over 14,000 acres, with a l^opulation of about 14,000 persons. The second extension will serve a population of about 5,000 persons and a cultivated area of some 10,000 acres, which is rapidl}' extending. The construction of both these lines has now been begun. Oil Industry. — The last three years have witnessed a very remarkable development of Trinidad as an oil-producing Colony. At the end of 1911 eleven companies were at work in various parts of the oil- field ; ihe production of crude oil had reached a total of over 1 4 million imperial gallons, and over 7 million gallons had been exported. The business of refining oil had been commenced l)y one of the companies operating, and by the end of 1911 some 1,300,000 gallons had been refined. Two important Ordinances have been introduced and passed by the Colonial Legislature in order to secure proper sv;pervision of the oil industry by the Government ; one relates to the conveyance of oil by pipe lines, and the other to the control of refining operations. Under the second of these Ordinances the right of pre-emption of crude oil and its products is reserved to His Majesty's Government. Trinidad is now looked upon as a potential source of supply for the iS^avy. Agricultural Work. — So far as agricultural proilucts in the West Indies are concerned, the main feature of the period 1906-1912 has been tlie steady growth of prosperity and of development under the auspices of the Imperial Department of Agriculture, which is at present stationed in Barbados, and is maintained by Imperial funds. So advantageous have the services of this Department proved to the various Governments of the West Indies in conducting scientific experiments of all kinds, such as the suitability of soils for diflerent varieties of products, the investigation of plant diseases, &c., and in educating agriculturists generally as to recent discoveries and developments in agricultural science, that His Majesty's Government decided in December, 1910, to continue to maintain the Department from Imperial funds for a further period of 10 years from April, 1911. The staple crops of the West Indies are sugar, cacao, cotton, fruit, and to a lesser extent coconuts, sponges and l)alata. With regard to sugar, although the exports liave remained i)ractically stationary in the last five years, important developments have taken place. Improved methods of dealing with sugar canes have been generally adopted, and larger factories, with more powerful and efficient machinery, have been growing up. Capital continues to be invested in the industry, and considerable activity prevails in all the Colonies — British Guiana, Trinidad, Barbados, -Jamaica, Antigua and Saint Kitts, in which the crop is of relative importance to the community. 53 [Colonial Office] The fruit industry of the West Indies has continued to expand, and the exportation of bananas from Jamaica, where this form of article is cultivated with most success, has risen from £840,000 in 1905-1906 to £1,456,581 in the year ended 31st Decemher, 1911. Perhaps the most interesting agricultural development of recent years in the West Indies has been that of cotton. In 1901 practically no cotton was grown, but during the year 1910-1911 the export of this commodity reached nearly 3,000,000 lbs. weight, valued at, approximately, £200,000. Cotton has become the staple industry of 8t. Vincent, Montserrat, Nevis, Anguilla and the Virgin Islands, where its cultivation has been found most successful and has to some degree altered the whole financial outlook. It is in connection with this industry that the help of a central organisation such as the Agricultural Department has been most obviously beneficial, and for the successful development of this important addition to their resources the West Indies have largely to thank the late Commissioner, Sir Daniel Morris. At the same time the efforts of the Agricultural Department have been readily seconded by those of the British Cotton Growing Association, which has given valuable help both pecuniary and other. It may be added that the doubts which were at one time expressed as to the quality of the cotton produced in the West Indian Islands have been set at rest by the steady improvement that has taken place in this respect. The production of cocoa is of considerable importance to Trinidad, Grenada and St. Lucia, while in Dominica and British Guiana it is of some importance as a subsidiary industry, although in the two latter there appear to be considerable opportunities for further develop- ment. In Trinidad the exports of this commodity have been more than doubled between 1906 and 1910, and in the latter year they were valued at £1,230,097. Attention has been devoted to studying the diseases which affect this product, and spraying experiments, conducted by the Board of Agriculture in the Colony, are reported to have more than repaid their cost. In Grenada cocoa is the staple product. In January, 1912, a successful Agricultural Conference — the eighth of its kind — was held in Trinidad. An unusual number of persons interested in West Indian agricultural matters beyond those ordinarily resident in these Colonies was present. These included representatives of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, of the British Cotton Growing Association, and of the West India Committee. Delegates were also present from all the West Indian Colonies, and it IS expected that the discussions which took place will have prt)duced results of considerable value. Mail Service. — The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company termi- nated in 1910 the arrangement under which mails had been carried between the United Kingdom and the West Indies, and it was found essential to negotiate a new contract To carry out this contract, which came into force early in 1911, an annual subsidy of £40,000 was voted by the House of Commons, an additional annual sum of £23,000 l>eing provided by the Governments of Trinidad, I>ritish Guiana and Barl)ados. The intercolonial service remains in operation iu connection with this transatlantic service. [Colonial Office] 54 Wireless Telegraphy. — Stations on the Lod^o-iVruirlK^ad system have been erected by the Colonial Government at Trinidad and Tobago, while in British Guiana and Jamaica private companies have been authorised to operate stations based on the Lodge-Muirhead and Lepel systems respectively. As regards the development of wireless telegraphy generally in the West Indies, the Government is devoting its attention to the gradual extension of wireless telegraphy between adjacent Colonies and the erection of ship-to-shore stations where the need for them is felt. MISCELLANEOUS COLONIES. St. Helena. — Considerable attention has been devoted to the lace industry, and the Government have taken complete control over the School which has been established to instruct the younger inhaljitants in the art of lace making. From time to time grants have Ijeen made in aid of the industry, which is now beginning to become self-supporting. The lace made in the Colony is of the highest quality, both as regards workmanship and material, and is on sale at the offices of the League of the Empire, Caxton Hall, Westminster. Falkland Islands. — The prosperity of these islands has been most marked. This fact is mainly due to the expansion of the whaling industry in the waters of the Colony and its dependencies. In South (Georgia, leases of land for the purposes of establishing whaling stations have been granted by the Government to eight whaling companies, and in the other dependencies a considerable number of annual licences has also been granted. With a view, however, to the preservation of the whales and the whaling industry, it has been decided that no more licences, other than renewals of annual licences already granted, shall be issued. The grant of these concessions has caused a large expansion of the revenue in the period under review and has enabled the Govern- ment to undertake various public works of general utility, such as the erection of a new Town Hall, of a Wireless Telegraphy Station, &c. The new Town Hall is in course of construction. The Wireless Telegraphy Station has already been completed, and regular telegraphic communication Avith the Colony by that means will shortly be established. Fiji. — During the period under review the value of the Imports has risen from £609,406 in 1906 to £957,079 in 1911 ; the Exports have doubled in value, from £603,410 to £1,276,206. The Kevenue has expanded from £158,386 in 1906 to £240,394 in 1911, which has enabled much-needed Pulilic Works to be undertaken. A small loan has been sanctioned for Harbour Improvements and Drainage Works at Suva. Three Wireless Telegraphic Installations have been erected to provide conimunication between the scattered islands of the group. WEST AFRICA. Nigeria. — (a) Railways. — The railway from Baro on the Niger to the important town of Kano, which was sanctioned in 1907, 55 [Colonial Office] was completed in 1911. The length of the line is 356 miles. At Minna (111 miles) is the junction with the railway from Lagos, whicli crosses the Niger at Jebba, 307 miles from Lagos. There is, therefore, at present railway communication from Lagos to Kano, a distance of about 712 miles. The commercial prospects of the railway are excellent. A branch line lias also been constructed from Zaria (622 miles from Lagos and 266 from Baro) to Rahamma at the foot of the Eanchi plateau, upon which is situated the important tin field of Xorthern Nigeria. This branch is about 90 miles long, and its extension for a further 55 miles has been sanctioned. It is proving of great assistance in the development of the tin industry, which formerly laboured under (;onsideral)le difficulties in connection with transport. (b) Commercial progress, — This has been most remarkable during the past few years. The revenue in 1911 was more than double that of 1905, and the total trade, valued at £6,300,000 in 1906, was valued at £11,035,000 in 1911. (c) CoaL — Coal of good quality has recently been discovered in .Southern Nigeria, and the extent of the helil is being carefully investigated. (d) Lagos Harbour. — Important works are in progress at Lagos, with a view to making the port accessible to ocean-going vessels. (e) Amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria. — The desirability uf amalgamating these two important administrations, extending over an area of some 333,000 square miles, has been recognised for some years past, and now that the railway communications and the telegraph system have been so greatly developed, it is hoped that it will soon be possible to establisli a single Government over the whole territory. As a first step in this direction Sir F. D. Lugard has been appointed Governor of both Northern and Southern Nigeria, and the Kailway, ]\Iarine and Customs Departments have l)een amalgamated. A scheme for amalgamation of the remaining Departments of Go\'ernment will shortly be submitted by Sir F. Lugard. Gram.bia. — Dredging operations have been conducted to provide a navigable channel in the river. A 15-foot channel is available at Kai-Hai, and further shallow places are now being dredged. The revenue and the general prosperity continue to increase, and extensive schemes for the sanitation and water supply of Bathurst are being put in hand. Sierra Leone. — Trade and revenue are both increasing. A l)r;iuL;h Railway into the heart of the oil palm district was completed at the end of 1912, and is now being extended to tap another fertile region. A Government Model School has l>een established at Freetown, and a school has been established at Bo, in the Protectorate, to provide instruction for the sons and nominees of the native chiefs. In December, 1910, Freetown was visited by His Koyal Highness tlie Duke of Connaught, who laid the foundation stone of a new Supreme Court building. Additional jetties are being built, and a proposal to construct a new Export Wharf, at a cost of some £250,000, is under consideration. Gold Coast. — A Railway lias been eonsiructed, and lias iiow ■ been taken over by the Government, from Accra uurtliwards for some [Colonial Office] 56 37 miles into the heart of the coeoa-})ro) of the Act of 1'907) to make arrangements for attending to the health and physical condition of the children. These arrangements include (a) the employment of school nurses for treatment purposes (sanctioned in the case of 47 authorities — expenditure about £1,850); (h) provision of spectacles (sanctioned in the case of 70 authorities — expenditure about £1,000) ; (r) contribution to hospitals (sanctioned in 34 cases) ; (d) establishment of School Treatment Clinics (sanctioned in 30 cases) ; (e) establishment of Dental Clinics or other provision for treatment of defective teeth (16 cases). It is impossible at the present time to form any accurate estimate of the amounts expended on these tAvo last services. In future years it will be possible to state the amount, seeing that the Board have set aside the sum of £60,000 during the year 1912-13 to assist the Local Education Authorities in meeting these expenses. Regulations have been issued by the Board determining the conditions under which these grants will be ^ade. Provision of Meals to necessitous school children. — A con- siderable number of Local Authorities have taken advantage of the Education (Provision of Meals Act, 1906), and the Board have already issued those statements showing the extent to which the Act had been adopted in the years 1908-9, 1909-10 and 1910-11. In the first year, School Canteen Committees were established by 113 Local Education Authorities, which number increased in the following years to 128. Expenditure on the provision of food under Section 3 of the Act was sanctioned by the Board in the case of 85 authorities in 1908-9, of 96 authorities in 1909-10 and of 100 authorities in 1910-11. The amount expended out of the rates under this section was £41,089 in 1908-9, £81,728 in 1909-10 and £89,609 in 1910-11. The total cost to the rates (including share of administration expenses, &g.) was £72,333, £134,105, £153,568 respectively for the three years. The large increase in 1909-10 is due to the fact that in that year the Act was in operation in London throughout the whole of the year instead of for three months only, as had Ijecn the case in 1908-9. Meals can only be supplied out of public funds during such times as the children are in actual attendance at schools. A Bill was introduced by Mr. Jowett to extend the provision to the holidays. The Government expressed their sympathy Avith the objects of the Bill. Physical Training. — The Board have issued a new Syllabus of Physical Exercises, liased on Swedish principles, for use in Pul)lic Elementary Schools. The Board have strengthened their Inspecting Staff liy the addition of two men and three women Inspectors who are experts in the subject of Physical Training. With a view to placing Physical Training in its proper relation with Medical Inspection, and making other provisions for the amelioration of the health of children in Public Elementary Schools, 67 [Education, Eoard of] the staff of Inspectors of Ph^^sical Training has been placed under the control of the Board's Chief Medical ( )fficer, who will organise and direct their work and will advise the Board generally in all matters relating to this sul)ject. It is hoped that a very general development of Physical Training on scientific and practical lines may ensue. Lessons on Temperance. — The Board have issued a Syllabus of Lessons on " Temperance " fur scholars attending Public Elementary Schools, which deals with siich simple and broad facts relating to this subject as may usefully be taught to children. It is intended that this Syllabus shall be adopted for the teaching of Temperance in the schools not only by members of the regular staff but also by all peripatetic teachers belonging to the various Temperance Societies and Organisations authorised from time to time to teach in Public Elementary Schools. Teaching of Hygiene. — A Syllabus in Hygiene has been drawn up for use in the Training Colleges for Teachers in Public Elementary Schools. This subject is now a compulsory part of the course for all teachers in training. Hygiene is also an optional subject for candidates presenting themselves for the examination for the Board's Certificate. Choice of Employment Act. — This measure, which was passed in November, 1910, enables Local Authorities to make arrange- ments, subject to the approval of the Board of Education, to give assistance to boys and girls under 17 with respect to the choice of suitable employment. Under a previous Act, the Labour Exchanges under the supervision of the Board of Trade were authorised to establish Juvenile Departments of the Exchanges. The two Boards have co-operated so as to secure that their respective functions in these matters may be discharged in such a manner as shall most conduce to the eftective assistance of those children whose interests they are both concerned to promote. A number of authorities have consulted the Board, and schemes have been approved for 41 local authorities ; a number of others are awaiting formal sanction, the details having been approved. It is hoped • by this means to have more regard to the educational interests of the children who leave the Elementary Schools and to lessen the number of those who enter " blind alley " employments. Training CollegeS.^Important changes were introduced in the 1907-08 Regulations, providing that no qualified student may be refused admission to a Training College on grounds connected with religious belief or social status. Under these Regulations any duly (qualified student would be eligible for admission so far as accommodation was available. In 1908 the Regulations were so far modified as to r(^(iuir(i the Training Colleges in that year to afford a Conscience Clause up to 50 per cent, of the places vacant in the Colleges. This modification has since been continued. Building Grants up to 75 per cent, of the cost are now oft'cred fr(un Exchet^uer Funds to Local Authorities who are willing to undertake the provision of new Colleges under public management with freedom from E ^1 [Education, Board of] 68 denominational restrictions. The total amount expended in Building Grants to Local Education Authorities or to Universities for the provision of Hostels, since April 1st, 1909, has been ,£235,478. Twenty-five new non-sectarian Colleges provided hy Local Authoiities, with accommoda- tion for 4,692 students, have already been sanctioned hy the Board, twenty of which have already been opened. The provision of these additional Training Colleges is making it possible for the Board to introduce much-needed reforms in the staffing of Pulilic Elementary Schools by requiring the employment of additional trained teachers. In order to enable the students in training at Universities and University Colleges to enter more fully into the life of the Institiition of which they are members, the Board have made building grants towards the establishment of hostels, provided that a definite number of places are reserved for teachers in training. The desire to secure for students attending a University full participation in all the advantages a University has to offer, has led the Board to establish a four years' course of training, in which the first thi^ee years are devoted almost exclusively to academic study, the last entirely to professional work. The relief from the o^-er- pressure which the three years' system inevitably entailed, is considered a sufficient justification for the increased expenditure. Secondary Schools. — An additional sum of £250,000 has been voted l)y Parliament in respect of Grants for Secondary Education. The additional money which has thus l)een placed at the Board's disposal has enabled them to make a considerable increase in the scale of gi-ant previously in force. The Board have used this opportunity to secure that all Secondary Schools aided by the State shall be accessible to all scholars who are qualified to profit by the instruction they give. A proportion of school places, which is ordinarily not less than 25 per cent, of the total number of scholars admitted, must in future be open, without payment of fees, to scholars from Public Elementary Schools who have proved by a qualifying examination that they are fit to profit by the education given in the school. Grant on the higher scale is paid only on condition that the teaching staff' shall be free from denomina- tional tests and the scholars from any compulsion to receive denomina- tional instruction, and that tlie Governing Body shall contain a majority of representatives elected by popular constituencies. To meet the requirements of certain schools in receipt of grant previously to the introduction of these Regulations, power was taken to waive these requirements where the Board were satisfied that this course might be adopted with advantage to the educational needs of the district. No further applications for waiver will be entertained. Examinations in Secondary Schools.— The Board of Education referred the following question to the consideiation of the Consultative Committee : — " The Committee are desired to consider when " and in what circumstances examinations are desirable in Secondary " Schools (a) for boys and (h) for girls. The Committee are desired " to consider this question under the following heads : — " (i.) Examinations at entrance to school. " (ii.) Examinations during school life. " (iii.) Examinations at leaving school." 69 [Educatioii, Board of] In their exhaustive Eeport, after noting the evils arising from the multi^jlicity of the examinations and from the absence of any machinery for determining and co-ordinating their varying standards, the Committee point out the restrictive influence which tliese examinations have exercised on curricula, on methods of teaching, and on educational experiments. They also show how important aspects of school life are left untouched by the system of external examinations, and how little place is given to the teacher. As the cardinal principle of reform, they urge a closer connection between inspection and examination ; and suggest, further, a reduction in the number of examinations taken by any one school, and tlie award, under the guarantee of the Board of Education, of a certificate at the age of 16, which should be evidence of a sound liberal education. In the case of pupils who remain at school till 18 or 19, a further certificate would be awarded on a higher standard and on a more specialised course of study. The alternative plans of reorganisation which were discussed by the Committee were : — (a) A system of external examinations controlled by i^rovincial authorities. This plan was rejected because the lines of local organisation implied in this plan would not coincide with those already existing for any local purpose. (b) A general system of examinations conducted by the Board of Education. This scheme was dismissed as too dangerous, and as calculated to produce a mechanical uniformity which might be forced on all schools. (c) A system of examinations conducted under the authority of a widely representative Council working in close co-operation with the Board. This solution is the one favoured by the Connuittee. The Council, it is suggested, should consist of representatives of (a) the Universities, (/>) the Local Education Authority, {c) the professions, (d) the teachers in different types of schools, (e) the Boarcl of Education, (/) persons with practical experience of industrial and commercial life. This Council would supervise the conduct of the examinations hj other bodies rather than conduct them itself. 'I'he Committee have not worked their scheme in detail, but suggest as a first step towards the realisation of their plan that the Board should invite the various exanaining bodies to meet in conference. Since receiving the Report the Board have given much consideration to the matter, which involves such complex issues and touches so vitally the interests of all secondary schools. Teachers' Registration Council.— Under Sectiou 16 of the Education (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1907, the obligation to maintain the register of teachers established under the Board of Education Act, 1899, was removed, but power was given to frame an ( )rder in Council constituthig a new Kegistration Council representative of tlie teacliing profession. After protracted discussions, sufficient unanimity among the various associations of teachers was attained to admit of the preparation of a scheme. The scheme was embodied in an Order in [Educatioi], Board of] 70 Council of 29th Feln-uary, 1912. The Order estalilislies a Council of 44 ordinary members, 11 appointed by the Universities of England and Wales, 11 by associations representative of the elementary school teachers, 11 by associations of secondary school teachers, and 11 by various groups of teachers of technical subjects. Power is given to elect an outside chairman. The duty of the Council is that of forming and keeping a register of such teachers as shall satisfy the conditions of registration established by the Council. Subject to certain provisions as to the consultation of certain bodies of teachers, the Council, which was constituted in July, 1912, can impose any conditions it likes. University Education. — Through the Grants which they paid for technological work and for the instruction and training of teachers for Elementary Schools, the Board had, ever since its first creation in 1899, been brought into contact Avith the University Colleges of the country. With the development of many of these Colleges into independent Universities, considerable inconvenience was experienced in dealing with these institutions under the ordinary administrative regulati(3ns of the Board, which were drawn up to suit the conditions of institutions not possessing the autonomy, responsibility and prestige of the Universities. The consideration, combined with the development of a system of Grants to Medical Schools, led the Board to establish in April, 1910, a Universities Branch within their administration. In the following year the responsibility of administering the Exchequer Grants for Universities and University Colleges was transferred from the Treasury to the Board of Education, which (apart from certain excep- tions, e.g., Grants for Higher Agricultural Education) is now charged with the duty of administering all the State Funds available for this grade of education. At the same time the amount available for distri- bution Avas increased by £50,000. To assist them in securing a right allocation of the moneys at their disposal between the Universities and University Colleges, the Hoard have appointed a strong Advisory Com- mittee. In July, 1911, the Board issued a statement concerning the (grants available for aiding the technological and professional work in Universities. The methods of calculating the amount of Grant have been made as simple and as little restrictive of the University freedom as is consistent with a proper regard for the interest of the State. Imperial College of Science and Technology. — A most important step has been taken by the establishment of an Imperial College of Science and Technology for the purpose of giving the highest specialised instruction and providing the fullest e(juipment for the most advanced training and research in various branches of science, especially in its application to industry. Welsh Department. — A Welsh Department, with a Secretary and Stall", has been set up to deal with all educational matters relating exclusively to Wales. The Principality has always stood in a special position in regard to Education, and the creation of the new Department, by placing the Welsh administration in the hands of Welshmen peculiarly qualified to deal with it, is expected to do much to promote educational efficiency. Vl [Education, Board ofj Victoria and Albert Museum. — Tlic new Inuldings were opened by King Edwiinl VII. on the 26tli June, 1909. In view'of their approaching completion, the Board, in February, 1908, appointed a small Committee of Kearrangement to prepare a sclieme of arrangement for the whole of the Art Collections. The Committee were requested to consider the interests, primarily, of those interested in the commercial manufacture of objects lending themselves to artistic treatment, e.g., craftsmen, designers, manufacturers and students ; and, secondly, of those interested in Art without regard to its relation to industrial production. A complete rearrangement of the Collections in eight departments, in accordance with the suggestions of the Committee, is now in progress and is well advanced. Important additions have been made to the Staff of the Museum, and considerable changes in the distribution of the Staff have been carried out. Arrangements are being made to secure the more effective use of the supplementary Collections intended for loans to Provincial Museums and Schools of Art. In January, 1913, the Board appointed an Advisory Council for the Museum, to advise them on questions of principle and policy arising from time to time. Science Museums. — The necessity for providing more adequate accommodation for the existing collections of the Science Museum was urged on the Board by an influential deputation from the Universities and learned Societies in July, 1909. In March of the following year the President of the Board appointed a Departmental Committee to advise the Board as to the educational purpose which such collections might best serve, as to the lines on which the collections should be arranged and developed, and as to the special characteristics the new buildings to house the collections should possess. The Committee presented an interim report in July, 1910, and a further report in March, 1911 ; at each of these stages questions as to the site and distribution of the proposed building had to be determined before the Committee could proceed to consider in detail the plans and arrange- ments of the new building. It has been definitely decided that the new buildings shall occupy the site to the north of the Natural History Museum, and that the offices of the Geological Survey and Geological Museum shall form a link lietween the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum on the eastern side. Towards the expenses of this new building the 1851 Commissioners have promised a contribution of £100,000. In January, 1913, the Board appointed an Advisory Council for the Science Museum, to advise them on questions of princi[)le and policy arising from time to time. Under the London Institution (Transfer) Act the Government are acquiring the premises of the London Institution for the purpose of a School of Oriental Studies. The need for the establishment of such a School, in view of the extent of our commercial and other interests in the East, is undisputed. THE EDUCATION QUESTION. On the 6th August, 1912, the Iloyal Assent was given to an Act to amend the Elementary .School Teachers Superannuation Act, 1898, by which the rate of Superannuation Allowances of lO*'. provided by the [Education, Board of] 72 State under the Act of 1898 for each year of recorded service was raisiul to .£1, and the rate of Disablement Allowances of c£l for men and 13s. 4t/. for women for each year after the first ten were raised to £1 10s. and £1 respectively. The President of the Board of Education has also appointed a Departmental Committee, presided over by the Hon. E. S. Montagu, the Parliamentary Secretary of the India Office, to advise him whether the money at his disposal will be exhausted by the amendments made by the Act, and, if not, to consider various proposals for improving the system so as, intei- alia, to enable the benefits to be extended to Teachers who have already retired under the 1898 Act for the money which became avail- able, and to enable Teachers who did not, accept the Act to do so if otherwise qualified. The President also asked the same Committee to make a further inquiry relating to the establishment of a system of Superannuation for Teachers in Schools and Institutions (not being Elementary Schools or Universities or University Colleges) which are aided by Grants from the Board of Education. 1. The Bill of 1906.— This Bill, embodying the first attempt of the Government to deal with the Education Question, was introduced in the House of Commons by Mr. Birrell on April 9th, and Avas sent up to the House of Lords on July 30th. Its main provisions, as it left the House of Commons, may be summarised as follows : — It placed all Public Elementary Schools under popular local control, while at the same time aflbrding generous facilities for denominational instruction. Special arrangements were made under Clause 4 of the Bill for schools of a homogeneous character, whereby, on the request of four-fifths of the parents in any school in an urban area, where alternative accommodation was available, denominational instruction of the character desired by the parents was permissible on every school- day in the week by the regular teachers of the school. In no school might the denominational instruction be paid for out of public money or be given by the teachers employed in the school except in the case of a school under Clause 4, and then only if the teacher was williiig and was permitted l)y the Local Authority to do so. Three Commissioners were to be appointed to arrange terms for the transfer of Voluntary Schools held under educational trusts where the owners were unable to come to a voluntary arrangement with the Local Authority. A large number of minor provisions were included, most of which were reintroduced in the Administrative Provisions Bill Avhich became law in 1907. In the House of Lords extensive and fundamental amendments were introduced completely altering the complexion of the Bill and in direct conflict with the principles on which it was based. In spite of the attempts of the Government to find a basis of compromise, it was found to be impossible to arrive at an agreement without abandoning the cardinal principles to which the Government were determined to adhere, and the Bill was withdrawn. It may be mentioned that the rejection of the Lords' Amendments was carried in the House of Commons by the unprecedented majority of 309. 73 [Education, Board of] 2. The Bill of 1907. — Mr. McKenna introduced a short interim measure, which was not intended to be a settlement of the controversy, hut was designed to afford a temporary remedy for the grievances of Passive Ilesisters. It was proposed that one-fifteenth of the salaries of all teachers em}>loyed in giving denominational instruction shoidd be refiuided hy the Managers to the Local Education Authority. The Prime Minister was subsequently able to promise Parliamentary time in 1908 for the consideration of a comprehensive Education Bill, and the measure was accordingly withdrawn. 3. The Bills of 1908.— The first Bill was introduced by Mr. McKenna on February 24tli, and passed its Second Reading in tlie House of Commons on Alay 20th. It provided that rate-aid should be limited to schools provided by a Local Education Authority, and that no teacher should be subjected to a religious test or required to give Keligious Instruction. Voluntary Schools held under Educational Trusts in Single School areas were to be compulsorily transferred to the Local Education Authority, with facilities, if desired, for denominational instruction on three mornings in the week, the instruction to be given by teachers other than the regular teachers employed in the school. A safety valve in the form of contracting-out was admitted for the benefit of those schools which were unable to conform to the requirements of the National System, by which existing Voluntary Schools in other than Single School parishes might receive an Exchequer Grant of 47s. per child — but no rate-aid — provided they complied with the standard of efficiency required by the Board of Education for Council Schools. During the summer and autumn protracted negotiations took place between the Government and the Archbishop of Canterbury, as a result of which a new Bill was introduced by Mr. Runciman on November 20th which it was hoped would result in an agreed settlement Generous concessions were made to the demands of Denominationalists — concessions in which the Government could only have acquiesced as the price of obtaining a general agreement. An effective right of entry was given to Council Schools ; assistant teachers and existing head teachers were permitted to volunteer to give denominational teaching ; substantial rent was to be payable for all transferred Voluntary Schools ; the grant for con- tracting-out schools was raised from 47s. to about 50s. The Bill was read a second time in the House of Commons, and some progress was made in Committee. It then became apparent that the concurronce of the Church could only be obtained by such an increase in the grant to contracted-out Schools as would enable a majority of urban Church of England Schools to contract-out of the system, and that a large body of opinion in the Church, voiced by the Eepresentative Church Council, was averse to a settlement on terms which the Government could accept. It, therefore, became necessary to withdraw the Bill. 4. The Bill of 1911.— Since that date no upp(U-tu)iity has offered itself of renewing the attempt to find a solution by consent. In 1911 Mr. Runciman introduced a P.ill to modify the law as to compulsory attendance at school. The Bill proposed to al)olisli altogether the existing half-time system, and to enable Local Education Authorities to enforce attendance at Continuation Classes. All children, without [Education, Board of] 74 exception, were to attend school up to the age of 13. After that age two alternatives were offered to the child : — (a) Continued attendance at the day scliool up to the age of 14 (or 15 if the Local Education Authority so determined by local bye-law.) (h) Exemption from day school attendance at the age of 13, accompanied by the obligation to attend Continuation Classes (for at least 120 hours in twelve months) up to the age of 1 6 . Owing to the pressure of time, this Bill was withdrawn. The Prime Minister stated on February 29th, 1912, in a letter addressed to Mr. Meyer, that it was the intention of tlie Government to proceed next Session with an Education Bill which he trusted would l^e satisfactory to those on whose behalf Mr. Meyer wrote. LEGISLATION. 1907. Education (Administrative Provisions) Act.— Provides for the medical inspection of children in elementary schools. Gives power to local authorities to nuike arrangements for medical treat- ment, and further power to provide play centres and vacation schools. [Cap. 43.] 1908. Endowed Schools (Masters) Act. — The object of this Act was to remove certain difficulties which had become acute in consequence of the Judgment of the CJourt of Appeal in the case of Wright v. Zetland in connection with the tenure of Assistant Masters and Mistresses in Secondary Schools. The Act makes it clear that Assistant Teachers are the servants of the Governing Body, and gives them the right to reasonable notice prior to dismissal. [Cap. 39.] 1909. Education (Administrative Provisions) Act.— Amends and simplifies the law as to the ])rocedure of Local Education Authorities in exercising powers conferred upon them since 1902, in dealing with the management of Secondary Schools and the estal)lish- ment of Joiiit Schools, with land held for educational purposes, and with the enforcement of the law of school attendance in the case of defective children. [Cap. 29.] 75 [Education, Board of] 1910. Education (Choice of Employment) Act.— Autlioiises County Councils and Coiuity Borougli Councils to make arrangements for giving assistance to l)oys and girls under 17 years of age as to the choice of suitable employment. Non-County Boroughs and Urban Districts (being Authorities under Part III. of the Education Act of 1902), may enter into arrangements with the County Council for co-operation with that body in this work. [Cap. 37.] 1911. Education (Administrative Provisions) Act. — Enables the Board of Education to make contribution orders in respect of children by one authority who are attending schools of another contiguous authority. Plans of school buildings approved by the Board are exempted from the operation of building bye-laws. [Cap. 32.] 1912-13. Elementary School Teachers Superannuation Act, 1912. — Provides that the rate of Superannuation Allowance payable under the Elementary School Teachers Superannuation Act, 1898, in respect of each year of recorded service shall be raised from lO*'. to £\, and the rate of Disablement Allowance (in res})ect of each year of service after the first ten < from £1 for men and l-S.s-. M. for women, to SO.-;, and £1 respectively. [Cap. 12.] London Institution (Transfer) Act, 1912.— Provides for the transfer to the Commissioners of Works of certain projierty of the London Institution for the purposes of a School of Oriental Studies, and for the dissolution of the Instituti(jn. [Cap. 13.] 76 FOREIGN OFFICE. ^y , / o/ / J TheRt. HoN.SmEDWABDGREYjBart., secretary oj ;^tate - 1 ^^^^^ ^^ p (1905.) I The Rt. Hon. Lord Fitzmaurice (1905-8.) PaHiamentary Under ) THERT.HoN.T.McKiNNONWooD,M.r.rii^(y \ / \ F. 1>. ACLAND, Esq., M.P. (1911.) The Rt. Hon. Sir Charles Hardingb, Permanent UiuUr \ G.C.M.G., G.C.Y.O., C.B., I.S.O. (1906-10.) Secretary - - < [Lord Hardinge of Penshurst.^ TheRt. Hon. Sir Arthur Nicholson, Bart , G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., K.C.T.E. (1910.) ADMINISTRATION. The Foreign Office ditfers from all the other Departments, inasmuch as it is not a legislative Department at all, and only incidentally, and to a small extent, an administrative one. In administration, on the recommendation of a small Cimmiittee, a change has been made in the position of Commercial Attaches, who, with a view to keeping in closer touch with commercial matters in this country, are now spending a portion of every year in the Foreign Office and Board of Trade, and the rest of their time in visits to Chaiidjers of Commerce here, and in tours of observation through commercial districts abroad. The principal work, however, of the Foreign Office, as is well known, is purely political ; the record and measure of its success are t(j be found in His Majesty's most gracious speeches from the Throne proroguing Parliament in each of the years 1906 to 1913, in Avliich we are informed that the relations of His Majesty with Foreign PoAvers continue to be friendly. In this short and pregnant sentence is to lie found the achieve- ment of the oliject for which the Foreign Office exists. As a record of work done under the present Administration, and of the removal of some possible causes of misunderstanding, we may mention the following Agreements: — The Algeciras Agreement with regard to Morocco; The Anglo-Russian Agreement with regard to I*er«ia, Tibet and Afghanistan; 77 [Foreign Office] The Agi'eemeut with the French Government regarding- the New Hebrides ; Tlie Agreement with the Gi)\'ernments of France and S})ain as to the status quo in our respective interests in that i^art of the Mediterranean and Atlantic with which l)oth countries are concerned; The Agreement with tlie Governments of France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, as to tlie status quo in our respective interests in the North Sea; The Convention arising out of the Second Peace Conference at the Hague; The Declaration of London arising out of the International Naval Conference of 1909 ; Boundary Treaties delimiting our frontiers with the Governments of France, Germany, the United States, Turkey, Abyssinia, and the Congo State ; The General Arbitration Convention between the United Kingdom and the United States, and the rencAval of General Ar1)itration Treaties with the Governments of France, Germany, Italy and Spain ; The Agreement with the United States for the submission to arliitration of questions relating to Fisheries on the North Atlantic Coast ; The Treaty with the United States respecting Boundary Waters ; The Treaty with Siam respecting the settlement of various questions affecting both countries ; International Conventions dealing with Copyright, the use of ^^Hiite Phosphorus, Wireless Telegraphy, and various Postal and Telegrai)hic reforms ; The Agreements with the Governments of France, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the Congo State, putting further restrictions on the importati( m of arms into Equatorial Africa ; The Agreement with the French and Italian Governments for the maintenance of the status quo in Abyssinia, and for the regulation of the traffic in arms on the Somali Coast ; The Conference at Brussels, to revise the regulations instituted under the Brussels Act for the restriction of the Liquor Traffic in Afi'ica ; The Conference at Shanghai for the regulation and ultimate sup- pression of the Opium Traffic, and the Opium Agreement witli China arising therefrom ; The withdrawal from the Sugar C'. inside." Sir Edward Grey (House of Commons, July 25///, 1912). " There are forces at Avork which in time, I think, will have their c.llect upon this expenditure on armaments and in dinnnishing the l)rospects of war. I hope that public opinion— by which I mean international public opinion— will steadily solidify and harden in favour of appeals to another tribunal than that of force in international ilisputes. I think also that the increasing financial intenlependonce bctw<'cn nations will make itself felt, and that, as armaments increase, it will be more and more In-ought home to people that to use for war the ciKU-mous machinery which has l)een created for war is l)()und to ]iroduce a financial catastroi)he even to the victor. All that, 1 hoi>c, will make . itself more and more felt." [Foreign Office] 80 3.-PERSIA AND THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT. Sir Edward Grey {House of Commons, February '2\st, 1912). " I never regarded tliat Agreement — and I would not have made it if I had — as an extension of our responsibilities. I regarded it as a limitation of our action rather than an extension, and as a correspo]iding limitation on Russian action also. It was a mutual Agreement limiting the action of the two Governments — the Russian and the English Government respectively. That was the main object and purpose of the Agreement.'' Sir Edward Grey {House of Commons, July 10th, 1912). " In judging the state of things in Persia, you really have to consider not whether the Anglo-Russian Agreement has brought about a perfect state of things, but whether it has made things better or worse than they would have been if no such Agreement had existed. " You have to bear in mind that in Russian opinion before this Agreement her influence was supreme in Persia, and that in the chaos which succeeded in Persia her Government might and would, but for the Anglo Russian Agreement, have made its influence still more suJDreme at Teheran than it ever had been before. She might practically have annexed the North of Persia. She might have pursued from that basis a forward policy of railways, and so forth, towards our Indian frontier. Vnder the Anglo-Russian Agreement the Russian Government has given itp the forward policy which it did pursue and which it might liaA'e pursued in that part of Asia, or at any rate which some people thought it might have pursued before the Agreement Avas made. From that point of view the Agreement has been to Russia a self-denying ordinance with regard to that policy, and they want to know what they have gained. " When you look at the Agreement as a whole, and when you consider all the trouble there has been, what would have happened, not in Persia only, but in regard to the general relations lietween Russia and Great Britain, if the Agreement had not been in existence *? I say the maintenance of that Agreement is more than ever necessary. " The state of things with which we have to deal in Persia to-day, unsatisfactory as it is I admit, is as nothing compared with the com- plications that would have arisen if there had been no such Agreement. But for that we should have had no guarantee that the Russian influence in the North of Persia would not have been iised for a further forward policy of railways and so forth towards the Indian frontier in a way that might have lieen most inconvenient to us. But for that Agreement, Russia would have been constantly under the misapprehension that we in Houthern Persia were going to take advantage of the chaos and the situation to prejudice her interests, and the old state of suspicion, of intrigue, of squabble, which used to exist between Great Britain and Russia would have l)een intensified manyfold luider the present con- dition of affairs. Instead of that, however much we may differ as to the merits of the Agreement, there has never been for a moment any suspicion on either side that either Russia or Great Britain has been attempting to 81 [Foreign Office] exploit the situation in Persia to the disadvantage of the other. The fact that that has lieen so has not only 1)een in the interest of the two countries, but has also been in the interests of peace," 4.-SECRECY. Sir Edward Grey {House of Commons, Nooemher 27th, 1911). " There may be reasons why a Government should make secret arrangements if they are not things of first-rate importance, if they are sul)sidiary to matters of great im])ortance. But that is the very reason why the British Government should not make secret engagements which commit Parliament to oliligations of war. It would l)e foolish to do it. No British Government could embark u])on a Avar withfmt pulilic opinion l)ehind it, and such engagements as there are which really commit Parliament to anything of that ]<.\nc\ are contained in treaties or agree- ments which have been laid before the House. For ourselves we have not made a single secret article of any kind since we came into office." Sir Edward G-rey (House of Commons, December \Uh, 1911). " I can assure the House that the motive for secrecy in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred is not to withhold information from the House, but it is the difficulty of giving information to the House without giving it to the world at large, and tlie knowledge we give to the world at large may cause difficulties alu'oad which are unnecessary. "... To allege that foreign policy is secret as far as the Government is concerned, that it is something carried on in the dark, not only in the House, but as regards the Cabinet, is absolutely untrue. " The policy of the Foreign Office is the one Department aliout the main procedure of wliich the Cabinet is ke]it daily informed. . . ." 5.— PUTUMAYO. Sir Edward Grey {House of Commnn^, Amjiist \sf, 1912). " As far as responsibility for the [last is conc:erned, the British Government, at any rate, have an honouraljle responsil)ility in the fav;t that they have l)rouglit this state of things to light, and that but for tli(^ir action they would not have been brought to light. We have not, of course, a riglit to send roving commissions of inquiry to different parts of the world where we have no jurisdiction and no treaty rights. In this case it was not until it. was represented to us that there were probably, if not certainly, some British sul)j(M'ts who might be sufferers in Putumayct that I felt we were on ground which entitled us to say to the Governnrent of the country that we were sending a British Consul to look after the condition of certain British su))jects there. Having done that, when we got the full report of the ti'ue state of things, we felt it was something which ought not to be withheld from the knowledge of the world at large. The world ought to know in these days when things of that kind are going on." [Foreign Office] 82 6.— CHINA LOAN. Mr. Acland {House of Commons, Odoher 9th, 1912). " His Majesty's Government have acted with the Governments of France, Germany, Japan, Russia, and the United States in supporting an international financial group in its negotiations for a loan with China. We have done so because it seemed very desiral^le that all the Powers most largely and directly interested in China should be in concert and should not compete against each other, each trying separately to get political advantages for itself out of the sitiiation ; and because, without such agreement, the result would probably be a series of indiscriminate loans that would impair the Chinese credit and not be to the interest of China itself or of its foreign trade, in which we are so largely concerned." 7.— THE SUGAR CONVENTION. Mr. Acland {House of Commons, Aur/ust 7th, 1912). " I have only, in conclusion, to say that the action that has been taken is justified. We believe that in the main the position of things in future will be summarised in the phrase ' as you were.' The Convention will continue, the bounties will not revive, the cane sugar industry will not be distiirbed, and the beet sugar growing in this country will have just as good a chance as it has now; but we were bound, when there was an extra 400,000 tons of Russian sugar going that we wanted, with the price going up month after month against our people, to do everything we could to obtain that sugar, and it is undoulited that the announcement of our intention to withdraw had a real effect, and did obtain for us far more of that Russian sugar than would otherwise have been the case. As, of course, it has been our policy e\'er since 1908 to say that if any country will send bounty-fed sugar we will be glad to take that sugar, we were only following out that policy in the ordinary direct course in making our position in that matter even more certain than before by clearing out altogether. It makes it quite clear to all the world that if we can get cheap sugar, wherever it comes from, we shall be glad to receive it." 8.— RIGHT OF CAPTURE OF PRIVATE PROPERTY AT SEA. Instructions to British Delegates at the Hague Conference of 1907. " It is probaljle tliat a proposal will be Ijrought before the Hague Conference to sanction the jninciple of the immunity of enemies' merchant ships and private property from capture at sea in time of war. His Majesty's Government have given careful consideration to this (|uestion, and the arguments on both sides have been fully set out in the 83 [Foreign Office] various papers which have been at your disposal. They cannot disregard the weighty arguments whicli have Ijeen put forward in favoiu' of immunity. Anything which restrains acts of war is in itself a step towards the abolition of all war, and by diminishing the apprehension of the evils which war would cause, removes one incentive to expenditure upon armaments. It is also possible to imagine cases in which the interests of Great Britain might benefit by the adoption of this principle of immunity from capture. "But, on the other hand, it must lie remembered that the principle, if carried to its logical conclusion, must entail the abolition of the right of commercial blockade. Unless commercial blockade is discontinued, there will be constant interference with an enemy's ships, and c-onstant disputes as to what constitutes an effective blockade. And when such disputes have once arisen between belligerent Powers, it is obvious that the one which considers itself aggrieved by the application of com- mercial blockade to any of its ports would cease to respect the im- munity of the merchant ships and private property of its enemy, wherever they were to be found. It seems to them, therefore, that it is impossible to separate this question of immunity from capture from that of commercial blockade; and that the question to which His Majesty's (lovernment have to apply themselves is whether they should agree to a proposal which would deprive the British navy in time of war of the right of interfering with an enemy's merchant ships or property, and of the power of commercial blockade. " The British navy is the only offensive weapon which Great Britain has against Continental Powers. The latter have a double means of offence ; they have their navies and they have their powerful armies. During recent years, the proportion between the liritish army and the great Continental armies has come to be such that tlie British army operating alone coidd not be regarded as a means of oifence against the mainland of a great Continental Power. For her ability to bring pressure to bear upon her enemies in Avar Great Britain has, therefore, to rely on the navy alone. His Majesty's Government cannot, therefore, authorise you to agree to any Piesolution which would diminish the effective means which the navy has of bringing pressure to bear upon an enemy. " You should, however, raise no objection to the discussion of this question of immunity from capture at the Conference, nor should you refuse to participate in it, nor need you necessarily take the initiative in opposing a Resolution if brought forward. If at some future date the great Continental armies were to be diminished, and other changes favourable to the diminution of armaments were to take place, the British Government might be able to reconsider the question. If, for instance, nations generally were willing to diminish their armaments, naval and military, to an extent which would materially relieve them frrmi tlie apprehension of the consequences of war, and by rendering aggression difficidt would make war itself improbable; and if it became apparent that such a change could be brought about by an agreement to secure this immunity from capture at sea under all circumstances, and was dependent upon it, the British Government might feel that the risks they would run by adhering to such an agreement and the olyections in principle now" to be urged against it, would lie outweighed by the general F 2 [Foreign Office] 84 gain and relief which snch a change wonld bring. But at the present time tliey are unal:)le to assent to a Kesohition which might, under existing conditions, so limit the prospective liahility of war as to remove some of the considerations which now restrain puljlic oi)inion from con- templating it, and might, after the outljreak of war, tend to prolong it." Extract from the Report of the Proceedings at the Hague Conference, 1908. [Cd. 4081.] " The impossiliility of separating the question of immunity from that of commercial blockade, the less cruel character of the stoppage of trade, as compared with the massacres occasioned by war, these appeared to be the determining factors to the British delegation, who, nevertheless, declared that their Government would l)e prepared to examine the question of the conclusion of an agreement to al)(dish the right of captiu'c, if such an agreement could prcmiote the reduction of armaments." Sir Edward Grey {Home of Commons, February 6th, 1908). "First of all, let me say, shortly, that as regards the reduction of armaments, I do not for a mtnuent believe that the attitude of the Government on the question of immunity of private i)roperty from capture at sea has had the remotest effect on the prospect of the reduction of armaments before the Hague Conference. The House should bear in mind that long before the Conference met, the anxiety of the Govern- ment, and their desire in regard to the reduction of armaments being promoted was declared in the House, declared by the Prime Minister in the most explicit terms, declared by me also in a debate in the House in terms not less explicit ; and anyone who either heard or read that speech cannot doubt the earnestness of the Government with regard to the question of the reduction of armaments. " We made our views known long l)efore the Conference, and it was known that this question of imnuuiity from capture would be raised. Wiry did not the other Powers raise the point then? We had no indica- tion from any Power that on this question of capture turned the question of reduction of armaments, or that their disposition Avitli regard to armaments would be in any way affected by it. If that was so, and if no other Power gave an indication that they regarded it as a material point in the reduction of armaments, then, I think, it is an assumption not fair to His Majesty's Government to put on them the responsibility for not getting a better response froni the other Powers. Those who have read the instructions to the Hague delegates to the end — not merely the first two paragraphs — will realise that His Majesty's Government have left the door open to them or to their successors to reconsitler this questioii, slioidd there be a real indication on the part of the Powers generally that it is likely to become a material point in effecting such a reduction of armaments as would really tend to diminish the apprehension of war. But until a Conference does meet, in which it is apparent from the declared opinions of other Powers that reduction of armaments may make such progress as that, till then we have to consider the situation as it is to-day." 86 HOME OFFICE. / The Kt. Hon. H. J. Gladstone, M.P. (1905-10.) Secretary of State for \ [Viscount Gladstone] the Home Depart- < The Rt. Hon. Winston Leonard Spencer ment ----.) Churchill, M.P. {1910-11.) ( The Rt. Hon. Reginald McKenna, M.P. {1911.) i The Rt. Hon. Herbert Samuel, M.P. {1905-9.) Parliamentaru U7ider I -^ ^^ ^-r^^^^r ^tt^ /^^^^ -,^x '' { The Rt. Hon.C. F. G. Masterman, M.P. {1909-12.) Sec retaru of State- ) ^ ^ ^, ^, ^^^ ^^t^ ^-.^-.^^ -^ -^ (Ellis J. Griffith, Esq., K.C., M.P. {191£.) Secretary Permanent Under ) ^^^ Mackenzie D. Chalmers, K.C.B., C.S I < {1 90o—o. ) " ( Sir Edward Troup, K.C.B. {1908.) ADMINISTRATION. INQUIRIES. Royal Commissions have been appointed to inquire into: — {Mines and Quarries) — numerous questions relating to the health and safety of those employed in Mines and Quarries. Three Reports have been issued ; the first dealing with the establishment of Rescue Stations ; the second, which is the main Report of the Commission, with most of the other questions referred to the Cummission, so far as regards Coal Mines ; and the third with Ventilation and the treatment of Pit Horses and Ponies. So far as regards Metalliferous Mines and Quarries, the powers of this Commission have now passed to the Royal Commission on : — (Metalliferous Mines and, Quarries) — various questions of Health and Safety of persons employed in Metalliferous Mines and Quarries. ( Vivisection)— i\\Q practice of subjecting live animals to experiment, antl whether the law in this respect needs amendment. The Report of this Commission was published in 1912. {Metropolitan Police)— tha duties of the Police in ile;diiig with cases of drunkenness, disorder and solicitation in the streets. This Commission has reported. {Justices of the Peace) — the steps to Ijc taken to facilitate the selection of the most suitable persons. Special Commissioner sent to Australia and New Zealand to investigate results of legislation there on the Sweating System and Early Closing of Shops. The Commissioner has reported, and his Report has been published. [Home'Office] 86 CominiSSiOlier a^jpointed to hold an Inquiry respecting the conduct of the Police of the city of Liverpool in connection with the sectarian disturbances in that city. Commissioner appointed to hold various Inquiries with regard .to the extension of the Particulars Section of the Factory and Workshops Act. See p. 92. A Committee of Experts (assisted l)y a Consultative Committee) has been ajipointed to direct an experimental Inquiry into the question of the prevention of Coal Dust Explosions in Mines. Select Committees have been appointed to in(]uire into, and have reported on : — {Juvenile Smoking) — the question of juvenile smoking and its effect on the physical condition of children, and what legislation is required on the subject. (Select Committee of the House of Lords.) {Sunday Tradii/r/) — the question of requiring shops to be closed on Sunday, and securing a rest for shop assistants on that day. (Joint Select Committee of both Houses.) {Cabs and Omnibuses in London)— questions connected with tlie fees charged to drivers and conductors for their badges and licenses ; the scale of cab fares ; the admission of cabs to railway stations ; motor cabs and motor omnibuses; taximeters, &c. (Select Committee of the House of Commons.) {Home Worli) — the conditions of lal)Our in trades in which home work is prevalent, and various proposals to remedj'^ sweating and other abuses. (Select Committee of the House of Commons.) {Employment of Military hi connection with Disturbances) — the powers possessed by civil authorities to obtain military aid in the suppression of disturbances and the duties and res})onsibilities attaching to military officers in these cases. (Select Committee of the House of Commons.) {Debtors' Iiiiprisonmeid) — the existing law, and whether any amendments are desirable. (Select Committee of the House of Comnrons.) {Police Forces WeeJdy Best Day)— the question of the grant to constables in Police Forces of the United Kingdom of one full day off duty in seven, and the consequential alterations, if any, in the conditions of service and police administration, and the cost. (Select Committee of the House of Commons.) {Asylums Officers' Suj)erannuation)- — the question of the provision of superannuation allowances to officers and servants em^iloyed in public asylums for the insane. (Select Committee of the House of Commons.) A Second Select Committee of the House of Commons was appointed and reported in 1910 with reference to the Bill to amend the Asylum Officers' Superannuation Act, 1909, and to regulate the hours of employment in asylums. {Basfiirdy Orders) — the law relating to the making and enforcement of orders under the Acts relating to bastardy, and whether amendments are desirable. (Select Committee of the House of Commons.) 87 [Home Office] (Stage Plays Censorship) — the Censorship of stage plays and the operation of the Acts relating to the licensing and regulation of theatres and places of public entertainment, and whether alterations of the law or practice are desirable. (Joint Select Committee of both Houses.) Select Cominittees have been appointed to inquire into, but have not yet reported on : — {Patent Medicines) — the question of the Sale of Patent and Proprietary Medicines and Medical' Preparations and Appliances, and advertisements relating thereto ; and what amendments, if any, in the Law are necessary or desirable. (Select Committee of the House of Commons.) {Motor Traffic) — the question of the increasing num))er of fatal accidents in the Metropolis due to motor omnibuses and other forms of power-driven vehicles. (Select Committee of the House of Commons.) Departmental Committees have been appointed to inquire into, and have reported on : — {Miners' Eight Hours) — the probable economic effect of an eight hours working day for coal miners, and its probable effect on their health. {Truck) — the questions of (a) amending the Truck Acts, and particu- larly as to whether fines and deductions from wages should be pro- hibited, and {b) the " living-in " system among shop assistants. (Explosives in Mines) — the question whether, in the interests of safety, the use of certain explosives in coal mines should be allowed to continue. {Compensation for Industrial Diseases) — the extension of the right to compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act to workmen disabled by certain diseases due to their employment. This Committee reported in May, 1907, and again in October, 1908. {Building Accidents) — the dangers attendant on building operations, with a view to the preparation of regulations for their prevention. {Ghecl--v)eighing, ^c.) — the best methods of securing to workers in the Iron and Steel Trades, Cement and Lime Works, and Chalk and Lime Quarries, and to Dock Labourers, who are paid by weight or measurement, the means of checking the correctness of their wagf^s. This Committee has made three Reports. {Inebriates) — the operation of the law relating to Inebriates and to their detention in reformatories and retreats, and what amendments in tlie law and in its administration are desirable; terms of reference subse- iiuently extended to incdude investigation of the value of the existing methods for the treatment of inebriety by the use of drugs. {Ambulance Service in London) — the question whether inipro\e- ments in ambulance provision should be eflPected. {Records) — the question of relaxation of the restrictions on ])ul)lic access to Departmental records. {Police at Public Meetings) — the duties of Police with respect to the preservation of order at Public Meetings. [Home Office] 88 {London Uuarler Sessioi/,^') — the most suittUde place for b'ansacting the (.^hiarter SeSvsions business of the County of London, and the arrange- ments for the trial of criminal cases and hearing of appeals. {Steaming in Cloth Factories) — to ascertain what conditions of liumidity arc really necessary for the manufacture of different kinds of goods, and l)y what means it would he [)Ossible to reduce the temperature in the humid sheds, especially during the hot months of the year. {Isle of Alan) — the representations made to His Majesty's Govern- jnent res])ecting the Constitution of the Isle of Man, and the civil, judicial and iinancial administration of the Island. {Taximeter Cabs in London) — tlie cpiestion rif altering the scale of fares and mcxlifying the arrangements made l)etween the i)ropi'ietors and drivers as to the remuneration of the latter. {Aliens Art, 1905) — to incjuire into the arrangements for the accommodation of alien immigrants in the I'ort of London and elsewhere. {EvipJot/ment of Children) — the operation of the Employment of Children Act, 1903, and the question of the further legislative regulation or restrictiiin of street trading and other employments dealt with in that Act. {Electricitii in Mines) — the \v()rking of the Special Kules for the use of Electricity in Mines and what amendments are required. {Prol)ation) — the operation of the Probation of Oflenders Act, 1907, and the organisation of the work of Probation Officers. {Accidents in Factories) — the causes aiid circumstances of the increase in the number of reported accidents in certain classes of factories and workshops, and other premises under the Factory Acts, and what addi- tional precautionary measures are necessary or desirable. ( Use of Lead in China and Earthenware Factories) — the dangers attendant on the use of lead in the various branches of the manufacture of china and earthenware, and in the processes incidental thereto, including the making of transfers, and how far these can be obviated or lessened. {Coroners — Ancesthetics — Flannelette) — the law relating to Coroners and (/oroners' Inquests and the practice in Coroners' Courts. The questions of : — (a) deaths from the administration of antesthetics, and (h) dangers arising from the use of flannelette in articles of clothing, were also referred to this Committee for special inquiry and report as to the steps which should be taken to safeguard the interests of the public. {Pbtroleum) — the sufficiency of the regulations relating to the storage, use and conveyance of petroleum spirit. {Procedure of Roycd Commissions) — the jirocedure of Poyal Com- missions, with special reference to the powers of the Chairman, with regard to the arrangement of business, reception of evidence, questi(.)ns arising on the terms of reference, &c. {Deep Fjxcavatlojts) — the dangers attending Dee}! Excavation in (•onnection with the construction of Docks and other similar works, and the steps which can be taken to minimise such dangers. 89 [Home Office] {Minei-f'' Safefi/ Lamp Testing) — tlie nature of tlie tost Avhicli siit'i'ty lam[»s .should l)e required to pass liefore admission to tlie list of approved safety lamps under Section 33 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911. {Squtba) — on the use of squibs in mines. (Emp/oi/ment of Male Young Persons at Night) — the ni<;ht euq)loy- nicnt of male yomig persons in factories and workshojis, and the cpiestion whether the exemptions of Sections 54, 55 and 56 of the Factory and A\'orkshop Act, 1901, should he repealed. (Irish Linen) — the conditions of employment in making up articles of linen, cotton, and similar falnics, including the ])rocesses of em- Inoidery, thread draAving, &c., in the North of Ireland. (Registered Premises for Explosives) — the question of the amount of explosive that may be kept on registered premises. Departmental Committees have been appointed to inquire into but have not yet reported on : — (Van Boys' Work) — the hours and conditions of enqdoyment of A'an l)oys and warehouse boys. (Heat Tests for Explosives) — the best means of more accurately standarilizing apparatus and materials in the Abel Heat Test ; also with regard to any supplementary heat tests submitted to the Committee. (Reformatory and Industrial Schools) — the constitution, manage- ment, discipline and teaching of Reformatory and Industrial Schools in England and Wales; the adecpiacy of the Insjiectorate ; the relation of tlie schools to the Education Committee and other local authorities; the methods of training and discipline, &c., and the efficiency of the existing system generally. (Juries) — (a) the constitution of juries and the conditions on which ill civil cases a special j\iry is allow^ed : (b) the qualifications and mode of selection of jurors ; (c) the prei)aration of the jury lists and the sum- moning of jurors; (d) the conditions of jury service. (Painting of Coaches and Carriages) — the danger to the liealtli of pci'sons employed, attendant on the use of lead comp(»unds in painting, enamelling and varnishing coaches and carriages. (Painting of Buildings)— i\w danger attendant on the use of i)aints containing lead to the health of persons engaged in painting Iniildings. {Spontaneous Combustio7i of Coal) — the circumstances in which spontaneous combustion of coal occurs in ]uines, its causes and the means of preventing it or dealing with it when it has arisen. ( Washing and Drying Accomniodation at Mines) — the (piestions (1) what should be regarded as sufficient and suitable accommodation and facilities; (2) whether different requirements are necessary in respect of different classes and descriptions of mines, and, if so, what? (3) what should be the composition and procedure, powers and duties of the com- mittees of management. (Indudrial Disease:^) — whether cowpox, Dupuytren's contiactioii and clonic spasm of the eyelid, ajiart from nystagmus, can properly be added to the diseases enumerated in the Third Schedule of the Work- men's Compensation Act, 190G. [Home Office] 90 {Spinning and Weavimj of Fla.f and Tow) — what amendment (if any) is necessary of the regulations for the spinning and weaving of Hax and tow. (Cellnloid) — the precautions necessary in the use of celhiloid in manufacture, and the handling and storing of celluloid articles. (Li(/hfin(/ of Factories) — the conditions necessary for the adequate lighting of factories and workshops, having regard to nature of work carried on, protection of eyesight of workers, and the various forms of illumination. (Probation Officers) — the remuneration of Prohation Officers in the Metropolitan Police Court District. FACTORY AND WORKSHOP ACTS. Adniinistration, Inspection, &c. — Since 1905 the Factory Ins})ectorate has been increased from an authorised establishment of 154 of all ranks to one of 205 persons. The additions to the staff include 26 Inspectors, 8 Lady Inspectors and 17 Inspectors' Assistants. The position of the Factory Inspectors' Assistants has been improved, both as regards pay and importance of duties assigned to them. In addition to inspecting workshops, their duties now include the inspection of docks, and of certain works under special rules and regulations, and the detection of "time-cribbing" in cotton mills. Lady Inspectors have been stationed at provincial centres in order to provide for more systematic inspection by them of works where women and children are employed. The medical inspection and the inspection of dangerous trades have also been strengthened, and a Labour Adviser has been added to the stall' of the Home Office. Reports have been issued by the Factory Department on (1) safe- guards for the prevention of accidents in the manufacture of cotton ; (2) dust extraction in Factories and Workshops ; (3) j^recautions against accidents in the shipbuilding industry, particularly as regards the con- struction, &c., of staging, use of safe means of lighting, and avoidance of employment of young boys in dangerous operations and places; (4) prevention of lead poisoning in the tinning of metals; (5) lead smelt- ing and allied industries; (6) bronzing in painting, and in other industries ; ( 7 ) prevention of the form of cancer arising in persons employed in the manufacture of briquettes with pitch ; (8) tinning ; (9) Dupuytren's contraction; (10) explosions of dust in factories at Glasgow and Liverpool; (11) fencing of laundry machinery. Means of Escape from Fire.— Model bye-laws on this subject have been framed in conjunction with the Local Government Loard, and circulated l)y the latter Department to local authorities, with a recom- mendation for their ado])tion. Phosphorus Necrosis. — Act passed i)rohibiting the manu- facture, importation, or sale of matches made with white phos[)liorus. This has enabled the Government to adhere to the International Convention, signed at Berne in 1906. 91 [Home Office] Anthrax. — Kogulations made to protect workers engaged in wool sorting and woolcondiing, and in processes involving use of horsehair from China, Siberia or Kussia. Regulations made to protect workers in East India wool. Illustrated placard issued to warn workers of the symptoms of this disease, and of the steps to be taken on infection. Report issued on processes in felt manufacture iu\nlving danger (if Anthrax. Government (Irant (if iilOO per annum made to the Anthrax Investigation Board. Lead. Poisoning'. — Regulations made to prevent lead poisoning in works where lead is used in the manufacture of paints and colours. Regulations made for the same purpose, dealing with the heading {i.e., manipulation) of yarn dyed by means of a lead compound. Regulations made to protect workers in tinning and enamelling of metals from lead poisoning due to fumes and dust. Regulatidus also made for the same pur[»ose dealing with lead smelting and allied industries. 1 )raft Regulations for the manufacture and decoration of pottery, Ijased on the report of the Committee (see page 88), have been issued. Brass Poisoning. — Regulations made for securing cleanliness and removal of dangerous fumes in the lirass-casting industry. Poisoning by Dinitrobenzol and Anilin. — Amended regulations made to [irotect workers engaged in the manufacture of these and allied substances, and also in the manufacture of explosives in which dinitrobenzol or dinitrotoluol are used. Carbonic Oxide Poisoning. — Revised Memorandum issued, setting out the dangers of poisoning in the manufacture and use of water gas and other gases of a similar nature, and detailing the symptoms and the preventive methods to be adopted. Epitheliomatous Cancer. — Draft regulations to protect Avorkcrs engag('(l in manufacture of })atent fuel issued. Inquiry held by Commissioner, and adj(iurned pending experiments. Shuttle Kissing. — Inquiry instituted and report issued in con- junction with tlie Ldcal (Government Board concerning the dangers attendant on the praetiee of threading shuttles by mouth suction. Steel Grinders. — Regulations have been made to apply to the steel grinding industry at Shettield, imposing conditions designed to lessen the danger to which workers are exposed from dust, and lower the exceedingly high death rate obtaining amongst them from pulmonary phthisis and other respiratory diseases. Fish Curing. — An inquiry has been held by the Factory Depart- ment into the conditions under which workers are employed in the tish- curing industry. Cotton Cloth Factories.— Regulations have been made for cotton cloth factories under tlie Factory and ^Vorkshop (Cotton Clotli Factories) Act, 1911, following the report of the Committee appointed to consider the subject of the jirevention of excessive humidity. [Home Office] 92 Cold. Storage "Works. — Memorandum issued recommending steps to safeguard tlie health of workers. Flax and Linen Mills. — Kegulations made to improve the conditions as regards humidity, ventilation, freedom from dust, &c., under which work is done in these factories. Hemp, Jute and Hemp or Jute Tow.— Kegulatioiis on similar lines have been made. Carding Engines. — Inc^uiry made and action taken with a view to the removal of the dust arising in the card rooms, and the installation of locking motions on cylinder covers. Locomotives on Sidings. — Regulations made to obviate danger to Avorkers when locomotives are used on lines and sidings in, or in connectieen held with manufacturers and operatives in certain trades witli a \icw to standardizing rec^uirements as to fencing and dtlier safety ap])liances. MINES. The King has been graciously pleased to establish a medal, to be called the " Edward Medal," for acts of gallantry in saving life in mines. The Inspectorate has been reorganised and strengthened. At the head of the staff there is now a Chief Inspector, whose duty it is to advise the Secretary of State on general questions relating to mining and to superintend the administration (»f the law by his suboi'dinates. An Electrical Inspector has also been appointed in view of the great increase in the use of electricity in mines, to advise the Secretary of State on questions relating to this development in the mining industry. In 1906 the strength of the stall' was 38 (12 District Inspectors and 26 Assistant Inspectors). The authorised strength is now 8.5 (1 Chief Inspector, 1 Electrical Inspector, 4 Divisional and 4 District Inspectors, 11 Senior Inspectors, 34 Junior Inspectors and 30 Sub- Inspectors). Six Inspectors of animals em])loyed in mines have Iteen a])pointed as provided by Section 109 (3) of the Cnal Mines Act, 1911. .Vrrangements have also Ikmmi made for the addition to the staff of a Labour Adviser. Following on the Report of the Royal Commission, several Rescue Stations were established in Yorkshire, Lancashire and South AValcs. Under the Mines Accidents (Rescue and Aid) Act, 1910, and, later, the Coal Mines Act, 1911 (see }). 105), further action has been taken. An Order has been made requiring the organization of Rescue Ihigades for mines or groups of mines, and the provision of rescue and ambulance apjiliances. Unauthorised persons are forbidden to engage in rescue work, and Rescue Brigades are to l)e trained and subject to rules. Special Rules for preventing accidents in the use of locomotives and waggons oil colliery sidings have been established. An Executive ConnnittiM', and a Consultative Committer in coinicc- tion therewith, have l)een apjxiinted to control and direct an cxpci'imental iiKpiiry, on behalf of the Home Ollice, into the causes and means of l)revention of coal dust explosions in mini's, and a report lias l)een issued by the Executive Committee. New special rules as to the use of electricity in mines, based on the Report of a Committee apjiointed to inquire into the matter, have Keen proposed to owners of mines and have now come into operation. ADMINISTRA.TION OF THE CHILDREN ACT. The Children Act, 1908, came into operation on the 1st April, 1 9U9. .Before tliat date Circulars were issued by the Secretary of State to [Home Office] 94 the following authorities, drawing attention to the provisions in the Act which more especially concerned them : — His Majesty's Judges, Chairmen of (^hiarter Sessions and Ifecorders, Clerks to Justices, Local Education Authorities, Guardians, Police Authorities and Chief Coustahles, Coroners, County Councils and Borough C'ouncils, Managers of Keformatoi-y Schools and Managers of Industrial Schools. Public Notices were issued : — (a) A warning, drawing the attention of parents and others to the princi]ial changes in the law (this was printed and distributed for cxhihition in Post Ottices and Police Stations throughout the country) ; and ( h) a separate notice on the svihject of children placed out to nurse, which was supplied to Boards of Guardians for distribution. Both these notices were translated into Wcdsh for use in Wales. A^arious Administrative Steps Avoe taken in tlie making of Orders in Council, Kules and Pegulations under various sections of the Act. These include Kules by the Lord Chancellor under the Summary Jurisdiction Acts, which, i7iter alia, prescribe forms for use in the courts under the Children Act; Orders in Council and Regu- lations of the Secretary of State as to Treasury and parental contributions and other matters relative to Reformatory and Industrial Schools ; Rules for Places of Detention and so forth. These matters will be referred to more particularly below. The Act appears to have worked with great smoothness, judging from the comiiaratively small amount of correspondence with the Home Office. The Home Office has heard of the appointment by Guardians of various Inspectors under Part I. of the Act, and the local authorities appear to have shown consideraljle activity in making the provisions of this Part known to the public. As regards Part II., some prosecutions have taken place under Sections 13 (Overlaying), 14 (Allowing child to beg in the street), and 15 (Exposing child to risk of burning by leaving it in a room with an unprotected fire). The provisions in Sections 13 and 15 have undoubtedly had consideral)le effect in causing parents to exercise greater care. Persons have been appointed under Section 25 for the purpose of inspecting Institutions for poor children and young persons in the event of reason being found for believing that inspection of any such Institution is necessary. It is anticipated, however, that it will be necessary to put this power into force in very few cases. Part III., as was hoped, has operated chiefly by deterring young persons from smoking. There appear to have been very few prosecu- tions, but there has been a large falling off' of smoking in the streets by boys. The amendments of the law respecting Reformatory and Industrial Schools contained in Part IV. of the Act have proved very useful. It may be mentioned in particular that several Industrial Schools for mentally defective children have already been certified imder Section 62 (2). The principal cases which have come before the Home Office relative to the important change in the law made by Section 74, by which con- 95 [Home Office] tribution towards the cost of maintenance of children in Reformatory and Industrial Schools was made compulsory on local authorities, have related to vagrant children. When Section 74 was drafted it was realised that the exemption of local authorities from the ohligation to contribute in the case of children who habitually wander from ]ilace to place through the districts of various local education authorities (Section 74 (5) (c) ) would make it impracticable in some instances for courts to commit vagrant children to Industrial Schools, but it was not considered possible to impose an obligation on any education authority to contribute in such cases. It is hoped that in most cases of this kind action against a parent under Section 118 (Penalty on vagrants preventing children from receiving efficient elementary education) will lead to proper provision being made for the child, without recourse to the committal of the child to an Industrial School. Under this Part of the Act two Orders in Council were made: — (1) as to parental contriljutions towards the maintenance of children in Reform- • atory and Industrial Schools (under Section 75); (2) applying certain provisions of the Children Act to Certified Day Industrial Schools. A new scale of Treasury contributions to Reformatory Industrial, Truant Industrial and Day Industrial Schools was drawn up. Regulations were made by the Secretary of State (under Section 79) as to parental con- tributions in Education Act cases received in Day Industrial Schools at the request of the Education Authority and the parent, and the Recommendations of the Secretary of State as to the amounts of the Parlianientary grants to certified Day Industrial Schools were made under Section 80. In Part V. (Juvenile Offenders), Section 98, which provides for the attendance at court of the parent of the child or young person charged with an offence, has evidently been found useful, and Section 99, which gives the court power to order the parent to pay a fine, damages or costs, instead of the child, has given the courts a useful additional means of dealing with cases of offences by children. The obligation on local authorities to provide Places of Detention does not come into force until the 1st of January, 1910 (Section 108), ])ut practically all local authorities have now made suitable arrange- ments for places of detention. In some cases special premises have l)een provided or arrangements liave been made with institutions ; in other cases the Local Government Board has sanctioned the use of the Avorkhouse, or the houses of police officers and other suitalJe persons have been made available. Rules have been made by the Secretary of State under Section 109 dealing with the establishment, inspection, management and discipline, &c., of Places of Detention, and Regulations have also been made by the Secretary of State, with the approval of the Treasury, as to the Treasury contributions towards the cost of maintaining children and young persons in Places of Detention. There hns been very little correspondence about Juvenile Courts (Section 111), but there is every reason to believe that satisfactory arrangements have been made throughout the country. An Order in Council was made in Decem])er, 1909, establishing Juvenile Courts at the existing INIetropolitan Police Courts at Pow Street, Clerkenwell, Tower Bridge, Westminster, Old Street and Greenwich; [Home Office] 96 and in March, 1910, a further Order was made amending the })revious Order so far as it related to Bciw Street. As regards Part VI., the provi.sions of Section 114 (Power to clear a Court wliile a child is giving evidence in certain cases) and Section 115 (Prohihition of children being present in Court during the trial of other persons) have been very beneficial. Section 118 (Penalty on vagrants preventing children from receiving efficient elementary education) has already been referred to aliove. Tlie operation of this section is being carefully watched by the Home Office. Regulations have been made by the Board of Education as to the certifi- cates of school attendance under Sub-section (3). A large number of inquiries have been received by the Home Office as to Section 120 (Exch;sion of children from the bars of licensed premises), but most of them arose out of misapprehensions that the section was of a wider application than in fact it is. There is no reason to think that the provisions of the section will, when they are properly understood, cause any serious inconvenience either to the pid^Iic or to the licence holders. The necessity of ihe provisions in Section 121 (Safety of children at entertainments) has been illustrated by more than one accident since the passing of the Act. MISCELLANEOUS. Medal for Gallantry in Saving* Life.— The King has been graciously pleased to estaljlisha jNledal, to l)e called the "Edward JVledal," for acts of gallantry in saving life performed in the course of industrial employment. Workmen's Compensation. — Various Regulations issued as regards the duties of certifying surgeons and medical referees under the Act. Placard published and posted up in all Post Offices setting out briefly the rights and liabilities of employers and workmen under the Act ; also a pamphlet issued giving fuller particulars. Regulations have also been made to secure annual returns from employers in various industries as to amount of compensation paid, &c. Orilers made adding over twenty diseases to those mentioned in the 3rd Schedule of the Act, and thus extending the right of workers to compensation in respect of these diseases. Convention concluded with France to secure British workmen employed in France the same rights under the French Compensation Law as French workmen. The Swedish Government also have, on the representations of the Government, and in view of the equal treatment accorded to Swedish subjects under the English Law, issued a decree removing the disabilities on British workmen and their dependents under the Swedisli Comjjensation Law. Industrial Employment of Women after Childbirth.— At till! instance ui, a)id on lines recommended l>y the Home Office, an inquiry is being conducted nnd statistics collected by a number of Medical Officers of Health in different districts throughout the Kingdom in regard to the industrial employment of women before and after child- 97 [Home Office] birth. The object in view is to obtain reliable information as to the effects of such employment on the health both of the mothers and the children. Night work by Women. — Delegates sent to International Conference of Labour Regulation at Berne in September, 1906, and International Convention signed in-ohibiting nightwork by women in industrial occupations in all the countries of Western aud Central Europe (except ISTorway). (N.B. — This is the first occasion on which a number of States have agreed to take common action for the improvement of industrial conditions.) Accidents in Mines, Factories, &C. — Orders made requiring that certain chxngerous occurrences (l)ursting of grindstones, fires in factories and workshops, overwinding in mine shafts, &c.), whether causing personal injury or not, should be reported to an Inspector. White Slave Traffic and Obscene Pubhcations.— International Conferences were held at Paris in 1910 to consider measures for the suppression of obscene publications, and to resume discussion of the Draft Convention prepared in 1902 for dealing with the White Slave Traffic. An administrative Agreement respecting ()ljscene Publications was signed liy the Delegates of the Powers represented, and a Draft Convention Avas signed at:l referendum for the consideration of the Government ; and the terms of the White Slave Convention were settled. The English Government have expressed their approval of both Conventions, and the White Slave Convention has been ratified. Aerial Navigation. — An Inter-Departmental Committee was appointed in 1909 to consider the questions raised in the programme which was to l)e submitted to the forthcoming Aerial Navigation Conference at Paris, and to report what, in their opinion, should be the attitude of His INIajesty's Government towards these questions. The Committee, which was composed of representatives of the Home Office, Admiralty, War Office, Board of Trade and Board of Customs, report(>d to the Home Secretary in the same year, and a British Delegation subsequently attended' the Conference at Paris in 1910, comprising representatives of the same Departments, with the exception of the Board of Customs. Orders have been made imder the Aerial Navigation Acts, 1911 and 1913, regulating the admission of foreign air-craft into this country and prnhiliiting aerial navigation over certain prohibited areas. Reformatory and Industrial Schools.— The Government grants have been revised and improved in order to benefit the position of these schools, which are all managed either by local authorities or philanthropic associations, and the usefulness of whose work has been in many cases greatly hampered by want of funds. The adv;uitage to the schools may be estimated at about £15,000 a year. Special inquiries have l)een held, l)y direction of the Home Secretary, with regard to the management of certain Reformatory Schools. A Medical Adviser to the Chief Inspector has been api)ointed, and, m G [Home Office] 98 connection witli the inquiry l)y the Dei)artniental Committee on Keformatoi'y and IniUistrial Schools, is conoards advising them to give such persons the benefit of the doubt, where any doubt exists. Admissimi of the Press. — Rule made that reasonable facilities should be given for the admission of the Press to meetings of the Board when appeals were being heard from aliens refused j^iermission to land. Criminal Aliens.— ^itxiemQuiis. in regard to the expulsion from the United Kingdom of Aliens who are convicted of crime pulilished ainiually and sent to Courts of Justice, Police, &c., with a view to promoting the full use of the law in this matter. Advertisements Regulation Act, 1907. — Model forms of byedaws for the protection of the natural Ijeauty of the country-side issued, and codes of bye-laAvs subnntted by a considerable number of local authorities sanctioned. Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1907.— Sundry provisions put in force at request of many local authorities, including, inter alia, those for the registration of S(U-vants' Registries and their regulation by bye-laws (model forms of bye-laws issued), and for the regulation of sea-shore promenades, &c. 99 [Home Office] Prisons. Increase of pay and improved conditions. — Substantial improvements have been made in the pay and allowances of prison warders. New regulations have been made giving facilities for the holding of meetings by prison officers, and for their addressing applications relative to their pay and conditions of employment to the Home Secretary. Facilities allowed to prison officers who l)elong to an Association of ex-soldiers and ex-sailors to attend its annual conferences. Remission of sentences. — Eules have been made by which prisoners sentenced to more than one month's imprisonment can earn remission of a portion of their sentence by industry and good conduct. Previouslj'-, no one sentenced to less than six months could obtain such remission. Precaution against Sioeating. — A clause will be inserted in all future contracts for prison clothing prohibiting the contractor from employing home work. Prisoners' Aid. — A central body, including representatives of the Prison Commissioners and of the philanthropic societies engaged in the work of aiding discharged prisoners, has been established for the purpose of giving more effective assistance to convicts released on licence, so that in all suitable cases such convicts are relieved of the oliligation to rejiort themselves to the police. The system of State aid to discharged })risoners has been entirely re-cast, so as not only to increase the Treasury subven- tion for this purpose, but also to increase the efficiency of the local Aid Societies. Preventive Detention. — After consultation with the Director of Pul)lic Prosecutions, the Secretary of State laid down certain princi})les for the guidance of the Police in selecting cases for presentation to the Director with a view to his instituting proceedings under Part II. of the Prevention of Crime Act, 1908. The object of these rules is to obviate an unduly harsh or inequitable use of the power given by the Act of indicting persons as habitual criminals. Borstal Institutions. — The system for the sjiecial reformatory treatment, in Borstal Institutions, of offenders between the ages of 16-21 years, Avhich has come to be known as the "Borstal System," was recognised and placed on a statutory basis by Part I. of the Prevention of Crime Act, 1908. The system has been largely extended under the new regulations made under that Act, and a number of lads have already been discharged on licence. A modified form of the " Borstal treatment " has also been introduced into the prisons. Police. — The King has been graciously pleased to establish a UKxlal, to be called the "King's Police" Medal," to be awarded to officers of Constabulary Forces and persons serving in Fire Brigades in the British Dominions, for acts of exceptional courage or skill or for conspicuous devotion to duty. Central Detective Force. — A system has been established by which Scotland Yard detectives can be" lent to provincial Police Forces to assist them in difficult cases. Police Matrons. — Police Authorities are lieing encouraged to extend the system of appointing matrons in attendance at Police Stations and g2 [Home Office] 100 Police Courts ; and the number of Police Stations in London which have relays of such matrons always in attendance to look after women prisoners has been largely increased. Extradition. — Extradition Treaties witli the Kingdf)ms of Greece and 8iain liave lieen made and brought into force, and Sup})Iementary Conventions have been made with the French Republic and the Kingdom of Belgimn introducing certain im[)rovemeuts int<:) the pre\'iously existing Treaties. Vivisection. — In accordance with the recommendations of the Koyal Commission, an Adviscny Body has been appointed from persons selected l^y the Royal Society and the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Secretary of State is proceeding to appoint two additional Inspectors. The Circulars issued to Magistrates from time to time have been carefully brought up to date and re-issued to all courts in a new form. Special efforts have been made, by circulars and otherwise, to assist magistrates in the discharge of the new duties constantly thrown on them by Parliament, and to improve the administration of justice in matters such as the classification of prisoners, the revision of the scales of fees chargeable at the different courts, the treatment of juvenile offenders and the discharge of prisoners on probation. Among the new Circulars issued may be mentioned those on: — Bail — urging magistrates to release on bail, as a general rule, a person charged with minor oflFences, either on his own recognisances or in such amount as he can reasonably be expected to find. Exercise of Merciful Discretion — reminding them of the discretion which the law allows them as regards the discharge of an offender without punishment; the question of costs; of not imposing the maximum amount of imprisonment when a fine is not paid; of ordering prisoners, in proper cases, to be placed in the first or second division; of allowing time to pay fines, &c., &c. Children of Vagrants — as to dealing with the childrp.n of pro- fessional tramps who are habitually drunk or habitually ill-treat them, and the power of magistrates to secure a proper education for such children by sending them to an Industrial School. Identification of Prisoners — urging the importance of arranging that the identification of prisoners in police custody shall be so conducted as to be absolutely fair to the prisoner. Committal in default of Costs — reminding magistrates of the necessity of carefully considering the means of defendants before making an order as to the payment of costs or imposing a fine, and of the undesirability of allowing persons guilty of trivial offences to go to prison merely owing to inability to pay the costs imposed. Probation — urging magistrates to make a free use of their powers under the Probation of Oftenders Act and making various reconnnenda- tions for dealing with minor offences. 101 [Home Office] Police Reserve — two circulars to Police Authorities recounnonding the formation of classified Police Reserves who could he called up to strengthen the regular police force in any local or national emeroencv, thus enaljling the })olice to cope with exceptional ditficulties without having recourse to military aid. A collection of the more important Circulars issued to Clerks of the Peace, Clerks of Assize, and others, hetween 1901 and 1910, has been prepared and issued to all Courts of Assize and Quarter Sessions. All the more important Circulars issued to the Police have also been collected in one volume and supplied to Police forces. LEGISLATION. 1906. Workmen's Compensation Act.— Extends the ininciple of the Workmen's Compensation Act of 1897, that compensation should he given to workmen for all accidents resulting from their employment, whether due to the employer's fault or not, to almost every class of employment, including clerks, shop assistants, seamen and domestic servants. In addition to this, compensation is for the first time provided in certain cases of industrial disease. The Act of 1897 is repealed and re-enacted with many amendments in the procedure for obtaining and determining compensation. [Cap. 58.] Notice of Accidents Act. — simplifies and improves the system of reporting accidents in mines, quarries, factories and workshops. [Cap. 53.] Police (Superannuation) Act. — Amends the law as to retire- ment from the Police Force in a manner advantageous to the Force and the individual policeman, while at the same time relieving the burden on the rates. [Cap. 7.] Recorders, Stipendiary Magistrates and Clerks of the Peace Act. — I'rovides for the temporary appointment in certain cases of deputies to perform the functions of Recorders, Stipendiary Magistrates and (Jlerks of the Peace. [Cap. 46.] Marriage with Foreigners Act. — Protects British subjects who marry foreigners in the United Kingdom Ity jtroviding means of ascertaining whether the marriage will be valid. [Cap. 40.] Metropolitan Police (Commission) Act. —Created a Com- mission to inquire into the duties of the INIetropolitan Police in cases of drunkenness, disorder and solicitation in the streets. [Cap. 6.] Extradition Act. — In pursuance of a convention with the United States of America, includes bribery among extradition crimes. [Cap. 15.] 1907. Probation of Offenders Act.— Permits a Court in suitable cases to release a child ollender, or any other person, on probation, [Home Office] 102 without sentt'ucing him to fine or imprisonment ; and provides for the appointment of officers to supervise and befriend such persons while on probation. [Cap. 17.] Factory and Workshop Act. — Applies, with some sliglit modifications, the provisions of the Factory Act to laundries, and to all industries carried on for profit in charitable or reformatory institutions (Convent laundries, &c.). [Cap. 39.] Released Persons (Poor Law Relief) Act. — ReHeves rate- payers of a union in whicli a prison, inebriate refctrmatory, or reformatory or industrial scliool is situated, from their present liability to maintain destitute or infirm persons discharged from such institutions in cases where they should more properly be maintained by some other union. [Cap. 14.] Employment of Women Act. — Repeals the two unimportant provisions of the law which alloAved employment of women at night in a mine or factory to an extent inconsistent with the requirements of the International Convention on the subject, signed by Great Britain and thirteen other States at Berne in 1906. [Cap. 10.] London Cab and Stage Carriage Act. — Provides for the use of taximeters on horse cabs, and abolishes the "privilege" system under which Railway Companies could refuse to admit to their stations cabs which were not under contract with them. [Cap. 55.] 1908. Prevention of Crime Act. — Provides (1) for tlie reformation of young offenders (jver the age of 16 l)y giving Courts power to subject them for an extended period of time, up to a maximum of three years, to the system of moral instruction, teaching and industrial training established at Borstal Prison; and giving power to the Prison Authorities to place tliem out on license; and (2) for the prolonged detention of habitual criminals under conditions somewhat less severe than those of ordinary penal servitude. [Cap. 59.] Coal Mines Regulation Act. — Provides a legal limit to the hours to be spent below ground, such limit to be 8 hours plus the times of winding the shifts up and down the mines. This is equivalent to an average time of 8^ hours below ground for each man. (The proposal of the Government was to make this system temporary for a period of five years, and for an average 8 hours' day, bank to bank, to l)e established thereafter. An amendment inserted l)y the House of Lords removed the limitation of five years.) [Cap. 57.] Children Act. — Consolidates and amends a large number of Acts relating to Cruelty to Children, Reformatory and Industrial Schools, Youthful Offenders, etc. The provisions of the Infant Life Protection Act are extended to cases where only one infant is received to nurse, and the questions of the inspection of voluntary institutions, the overlaying and the accidental burning of infants, juvenile smoking, the education of vagrant children, the taking of children into public houses, the safety of 103 [Home Office] cliildren at entertainments, and many other matters affecting tlie health and well-heing of children arc dealt with. The imprisonment of children (under fourteen) and, with slight exceplions, of young persons between fourteen and sixteen, is forbidden, places of detention being arranged for throughout the country, and Juvenile Courts are established. The responsibility of the parent for offences committed by a child is increased. [Cap. 67.] Poisons and Pharmacy Act. — (1) Amends in important particvdars the list of scheduled poisons; (2) permits persons other than registered chemists to sell sheep dips, weed, insect, fungus or bacteria destroyers in which the poisons are arsenic or tobacco or tobacco alkaloids, subject to licensing of such persons by the local authority, according to the needs of the locality; (3) settles the long-standing controversy as to companies keeping open shop for sale of poisons and using titles protected under the Pharmacy Acts, by laying down the conditions, which have been accepted by all ]mrties, under which companies may do these things ; ( 4 ) imposes further restriction on the sale by retail of certain mineral acids and other poisonous substances, and gives poAver by Order in Coimcil to bring the sale of other substances under the same restrictions. The provisions of sub-heads (2) and (4) are applied to Ireland. [Cap. 55.] White Phosphorus Matches Prohibition Act.— Prohibits the manufacture, sale and importation of matches made with white phosphorus. [Cap. 42.] BILL PASSED IN HOUSE OF COMMONS— 1908. Licensing Bill. — A comprehensive Measure of Temperance Reform, directed to three main ends, viz.: — (1) An immediate and progressive improvement in the circumstances attending the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor ; ( 2) A gradual but complete recovery for the community, with due regard for existing interests, of its dominion over and property in licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquor ; and (3) Greater power of preventing the growth of drinking clubs. The provisions for these purposes may be stated shortly as folloAvs : — ( 1 ) Reduction witliin a limited time of the excessive number of on-licenses by the application of a considered scale, graduated according to population and allowing due consideration of local circumstances; power to impose conditions year by year on the conduct of licensed premises ; reduction of the hours during which licensed premises may be open on Sundays and re(|uirement that they shall be closed during polling hours at a Parliamentary election ; exclusion of children from the bars of licensed premises; further restrictions on betting in licensed premises and on the sale of liquor from door to door and on board passenger vessels, &c. (2) Termination by means of a notice of the expectation of annual renewal of licenses, leading to complete freedom every year to grant or refuse licenses, and at the end of a given period to the payment to the State of the monopoly value of licenses. [H.iiue Ottice] 104 (^ \ Annual revision of register of clubs, with i)0\ver to ) on premises licensed for the purpose by the local authority. [Cap. 30.] Workmen's Compensation (Anglo-French Conven- tion) Act. — Gives effect to the AngloFrench Convention signed in July, 1909, securing to British workmen employed in France the same rights under French Compensation Law as French workmen ; the Act gives power, by Order in Council, to modify the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, in its application to workmen wlio are French citizens in certain minor points of procedure required ])y the Convention. [Cap. 16.] Police Act. — (1) Provides for an increased contribution from Imperial Funds towards the expenses of the Metropolitan Police ; (2) makes certain financial provisions in connection witli the grant of one day's rest in seven to the Metropolitan Police ; (3) provides for the appointment of an additional Assistant Commissioner of Metropolitan Police ; (4 ) provides for the extension to officers of the clerical staff at New Scotland Yard and at the Metropolitan Police Courts of any additional superannuation benefits which may be conferred by the Superannuation Act, 1909, or by subsequent enactment, on officers of the permanent Civil Service of the State ; (5) increases the pensions to be paid to the widows of police officers serving in Great Britain who are killed in the execution of their duty. [Cap. 40.] Asylum Officers' Superannuation Act.— Imposes on Visit- ing Connuittees of Asyhuns an obligation to grant superannuation allowance to estal)lished officers and servants of Asylums in place of the discretionary power given by the Lunacy Act, 1890. [Cap. 48.] Police (Liverpool) Inquiry Act.— Facilitates the holding of the Inquiry respecting the conduct of the police of the city of Liverpool in dealing with the sectarian disturbances in that city, by giving the Commissioner power to take evidence on oath, and the other powers and privileges that were conferred by Statute on the Metropohtan Police Commission in 1906. [Cap. 35.] 1910. Mines Accidents (Rescue and Aid) Act.— Gives the Home Secretary power to make Orders requiring provision to be made at all mines or any class of mines for the supply and maintenance of app]ianc(>s for use in rescue work, tlie formation and training of rescue brigades, the su])i)]y and iiiaintcnanrc of ambulance appliances and the training of men in ambulance work. [Cap. 15.] 105 [Home Office] Police (Weekly Rest-Day) Act.— Facilitates tlie grs'-t to members of Police Forces in Eiiglaiul ami Wales of one day's ri'.r'off duty in every seven, a i)rivilege which had already hcen promised to the Metropolitan Police, and ■which is being extended to them by instalments. [Cap. 13.] 1911. Shops Act. — Kecpiires that on at least uiie week-day in each Aveek a shop assistant shall not Ije employed after 1.30 p.m., and that shop assistants be allowed intervals for meals; reqiiires shops, with certain exemptions and excejitions, to close at one o'clock on one afternoon in the week; gives the Home Secretary power to order local inquiries to facilitate and promote early closing; requires local authorities to appoint inspectiirs and to enforce the Shops Acts. [Cap. 54.] Coal Mines Act. — Consolidates and amends the law as to coal mines ; authorises the institution of a Central Board for Mining Exami- nations; requires special qualifications for persons acting as firemen, examiners and deputies, assigns them duties to which their whole time is to be devoted, and limits the amount of work to be imposed on them; requires owners to provide all materials for propping, &c; imposes new requirements as to Ventilation, Safety Lamps, Shafts, Winding, Roads, Haulage, Propping, &c., of Roofs and Sides, Signalling, Machinery, Electricity, Explosives, Prevention of Coal Dust, and generally as to safety; also requires certain steps to he taken to insure sanitation, cleanliness and prevention of risk of disease through siliceous dust, and the notification of certain diseases ; extends the eight hours day to winding enginemen; requires weekly payment of wages if a majority of workmen desire ; enacts regulations for the proper treatment of animals in mines and empowers appointment of special inspectors to secure their observance; raises to 14 the age for the employment of boys below ground and to 13 the age for the employment of girls and boys above ground, and imposes further restrictions on the em])loyment above ground of boys under 16 and girls and women. [Cap. 50.] Factory and Workshop (Ootton Cloth Factories) Act. — Enables the Home Secretary to make Regulations to give etiect to the recommendations of the Committee on Humidity and Health in Cotton Cloth Factories. [Cap. 21.] Protection of Animals Act. — Consolidates and amends the principal laws relating to cruelty to animals. [Cap. 27.] Aerial Navigation Act. — Empowers the Secretary of State, for the purpose of })rotecting the public from danger, to prohibit, liy Order, the navigation of air craft over any area or areas. An Order may apply either to all aircraft or to any particidar class of aircraft, and may prohil)it their navigation at all times, or at any specified times, or on any particular occasions; it may further make exceptions and prescribe conditions. [Cap. 4.] 1912-13. Metropolitan Police Act. — Raises the limit on the amount which may be raised by rate for the purpose of the Metropolitan Police from 9d. to lid. [Cap. 4.] [Home Office] 106 Shops Act. — Consolidates the Shops Acts, 1892 to 1911. [Cap. 3.] Criminal Law Amendment Act,— Gives increased powers uf (k'aling with tht; White Slave traffic, bi'othels, male procurers, and persons living on the earnings of prostitution. [Cap. 20.] BILL PASSED IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, 1912-13. Established Church (Wales) Bill.— A measure intended to terminate the establishment uf the Cliurch uf England in Wales and Monmouthshire, and to make provision in respect of its temporalities. It puts an end to the estabhshment by — (a) Abolishing the present system of patronage in the Cluu'ch in Wales. (b) Dissolving all ecclesiastical and cathedral cor})orations in W^ales, whether sole or aggregate. (f) Putting an end to the right of the Welsh Bishops, as such, tu be summoned or qualified to sit and vote as Lords of Parliament. (d) Eemoving the existing disability of the clergy of the Churcli in Wales to sit and vote in the House of Commons. (e) Abolishing the coercive jurisdiction of ecclesiastical courts and persons in Wales. Ecclesiastical law will cease to exist as law, but the laws, articles, doctrines, rights, &c., of the Church of England, sulgect to any alterations that may be made in them liy the disestalJislied Church, will, however, be binding on a contractual basis on the members of the Church in Wales, and will be capable of being enforced in the temporal courts, subject to certain conditions, in relation to any property held on behalf of the Church. (/■) Powers are given to the disestablished Church to set u}) courts of its own, and to form its own constitution. (g) Bishops and clergy of the Church in Wales will cease to be members of, or to be represented in the Houses of Convocation of the Province of Canterbury. As regards the temporalities of the Church, the P.ill appropriates to national purposes (defined in tlie Bill) the ancient endowments of the Clmrch (^>., those in existence in 1662): the parochial burial groiuids being transferred to burial authorities ; other parochial endowments to county and county borough councils- and tlie episcopal and capitrdar endowments to the University uf Wales. Definite conditions are laid down as to the application uf the pr(jpe]'ty by the pul)lic bodies to whom it is transferred. All other property is left to or may be transferred by the Church. All existing interests in property are strictly safeguarded and l)reserved, but the Bill contains a scheme by which the Church is given an ui)tion uf taking over the liability for the existing interests in exchange for the payment uf a ca])ital sum equal tu the actuarial value of thuse interests. 107 INDIA OFFICE. Secretary of State \ The Viscount Morlky, O.M. {1906-10.) for India I The Marquis op Crewe, K.G. (1910.) f The Rt. Hon. J. E. Ellis, M.P. {1905-6.) j The Rt. Hon. C. E. Hobhouse, M.P. (1906-8.) ParUaincntary I The Rt. Hon. T. R. Buchanan, M.P. {1908-9.) Under Secretary \ The Right Hon. The Master op Elibank, M.P. I [Lord Murray of EliJ>an]c] {1909-10. ) ^- The Hon E. S. Montagu, M P. {1910.) ( Sir Arthur Godley, G.C.B. {1883-1909.) ) Sir Richmond Ritchie, K.C.B. {1909-12.) ( Sir Thomas Holuerness, K.C.8.1. {1912.) ADMINISTRATION. Permanent Under Secretary Constitutional. — The Council of India having iK'cn enlarged hy Uie Act of 1907, tlie Secretary of State appointed two Indian gentlemen (one a Hindu and the other a Muhaniniadan) to l)e Members. This admission of Indian Members to the Coiuicil of India w^as held by some Avell-qualified to judge to be, in its direct and indirect effects, not only on puljlic business, but also on feeling and manners, the most important step since the as.sumption of full regal authority nearly half a century ago. But further im|)ortant ])roposals for giving Indians a larger political representation and wider op[)ortunities of expressing their views on admini- strative matters in India were under consideration l)y his Majesty's Govern- ment in consultation wath the Government of India and in the Session of 1909 the Indian Councils Act, 1909 (9 Edw. VII., c. 4) was passed. The effect of this measure, which was the suT)ject of nmcli discussion in India previous to its introduction and during its passage through Parliament, may l)e briefly summarised as follows:— (1) The principle of election of memliers of Legislative Councils, in partial sulistitution for nomination, received legal sanction; previously, all members had been nominated by the Head of the Government, although a certain number of nominations had been made on the " recommendation " of bodies defined by the Rules made under the Act of 1892; (2) Tlie number of members of the various Legislative Councils was greatly enlarged ; (3) The number of members of the Executive Councils of Madras and Bombay, heretofore two, was increased to such number, not exceeding four, as the Secretary of State in Council may from time to time direct ; (4) Power was taken for the Governor-General in Council, with the approval of the Secretary of State in Council, to create an Executive Council, consisting of not more than four meml)ers, to assist the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal in the Goverinnent of the Province ; (5) Power was taken to create a similar Executive Council in any other Province under a Lieutenant-Governor, provided that in the case of such a Council a draft of the proposed proclamation creating [India Office] 108 it ninst 1)6 laid before Parliament for not less than sixty days dining the Session, and if, before the expiration of that time, an address is presented to His Majesty hy either House against the draft, no further proceedings thereon can he taken; (6) Authority was given to frame rules for the discussion, at any meeting of the Legislative Councils, of the Annual Financial Statement of the Empire or Province, and of any matter of general pid)lic interest ; and the prohibition against proposing any resolution, or dividing the Council, in respect of any such financial discussion, or the answer to a qiiestion asked, imposed by the Councils Act of 1892, was removed; (7) Power was given to the Governor-General in Council to frame, sul)ject to the approval of the Secretary of State in Council, regulations for carrying the Act into effect ; and the Act prescribed that all ])roclamations, regulations and rules made under it should lie before Parliament after being made. Separate regulations were , hut a short account of them may be attempted. In the first place, as regards the transfer of the seat of Government, if a change was to he made, the choice of Delhi as the new capital was the only possible one. Not only does it possess such material advantages as a commanding and central situation conveniently placed in com[)aratiA'e proximity to 8inda, the hot weather station of the Government, hut its great historical associations give it an overwhelming claim to the senti- mental attachment both of Hindus and of Muhannuadans. With both it has almost the traditional prestige as an imperial city which is })Ossessed by Rome or Constantinople in the West. There was thus no difficulty in choosing a new capital; the only question requiring decision was whether the old one should be relinquished. The desiraliility of Calcutta as the seat of the supreme Government in Inci.ia has always been an open question, and the advantages of making a change of capital have often previously l)een discussed. Before the whole country had been opene(l up l)y rail and telegraph there were obvious reasons against establishing the capital in the interior. But these drawltacks have dis- appeared with the s]iread of means of communication. A position in Upper India to-day has the unqualified advantage of being more central, whereas in former times it would have been more inaccessil )le and remote, While the objections to withdrawing the capital from the seaboard had disappeared, the disadvantages of Calcutta had recently become more prominent. Calcutta was the seat of the local Government of the Province of Bengal, as well as of the Government of India. The co-existence in the same city of the Supreme Government of India and the subordinate Government of one of India's most important Provinces was bound to result in considerable administrative and, to some extent, political inconvenience of the kind which has been purposely avoided elsewhere, e.g., in the federal constitutions of the United States, of the Dominion of Canada, and of the Commonwealth of Australia, by the choice of a federal capital distinct and separate from any State capital. While the Government of India resided in Calcutta, the influence of purely local opinion was able to make itself felt with a strength out of proportion to its real value ; there was, consequently, some danger of a Government duly sensitive to public opinion being only obscurely conscioiis of p\il)lic o})inion at large. The intimate connection of the Government of India with a single Province was unfair to the other Provinces. Moreover, the responsiljility for events in that Province was apt to be wrongly attributed tere were then some grounds for regarding a transfer of the capital as undesirable, the proposals then mooted had to Ije abandoned. Under other powers provided by the Act of 1853 a Lieutenant- Governor of Bengal binder the Governor-General had been appointed in 1854, and other Lieutenant-Governorships liad been formed out of the expanded territories of the old Bengal Presidency under powers given in this or previous and subsequent Acts. It was thus that in 1905 Bengal proper was divided between two Lieutenant-Governor- ships, the western portion remaining with the non-Bengali territories of Bihar, (3hota Nagpur and Orissa as " Bengal," and the eastern section being amalgamated with Assam under a new Lieutenant-Governorship. This division of Bengal was never popular with the Bengalis, and after the establishment of the new Legislative Councils the reality of their grievance became much more obvious. There was a great increase in the elective element in the new Councils (see above), and the Hindu Bengalis found themselves in a minority in the representation on the Cfiuncils both of " Bengal," where they were outiunnbered l^y the Biharis and inhabitants of Orissa, and in Eastern Bengal and Assam, Avhere the Muhammadans of Eastern Bengal and the Assamese Avere in a majority. At the same time the Biharis and the (Juriyas felt that their growth as individual units was l)eing checked by their union Avith Bengal. The province of Bengal as it existed before 1905 had been found too large for a single administration, and this had been the cause of its partition. A modification of the partition being desired, it naturally took the form of the separation of Bihar and the two other sub-provinces, the re-uniting of the tAvo sections of Bengal proper and the return of Assam to its original status of a Chief Commissionership. This arrangement was favoural)le to all the interests concerned, except, perhaps, to those of the INIuliammadans of Eastern Bengal; but the Muhammadans in the re- united Bengal remain approximately equal in point of numbers to the Hindu Bengalis and enjoy special representation on the Legislative Council Moreover, the ncAV Bengal is a territory of comparatively modest extent, easily maintained under the direct surveillance of the new Ill [India Office] Governor, who will treat Dacca, the old capital of Eastern Bengal and the chief centre of Muhannnadan interests as his second capital. A separate University is to 1)e established at Dacca, which has hitherto only possessed a College affiliated to the University of Calcutta. The changes announced at Delhi were rapidly carried out in 1912. Under the powers reserved to him hy the Act of 1853 (see above) the Secretary of State in Council made a declaration that the Governor- General of India shoidd no longer be (Jovernor of the Presidency of Fort William (Bengal), and that a separate Governor should be appointed. Lord Carmichael, the new Governor of Madras, was appointed first Governor of Bengal (he has since been succeeded in Madras Ijy Lord Pentland). An Executive Council w^as appointed for the Governor of the Presidency. Proclamations were issued delimiting the territories included in the Presidency constituting the province of Bihar and Orissa, and forming Assam into a Chief Commissionership. The changes, which required legislation in Parliament, were effected b}" the Govern- ment of India Act, 1912 (2 & 3 Geo. V., c. 6). This Act placed the Bengal Presidency in the same position as those of Madras and Bombay as regards the powers, &c., of the Governor in Council; it also provided for the creation of an Executive Council in the new province of Bihar and Orissa, and for the creation of Legislative Coiuicils for Chief Com- missioners. These latter changes were necessary to avoid any loss of status on the part of the neAv provinces of Bihar and Orissa, and of Assam, since the former had previously been part of the province of Bengal under a Lieutenant-Governor assisted by an Executive Council, Avhile the province of Eastern Bengal and Assam had had a Legislative Council. A proclamation was subsequently issued creating an Executive Council for the Lieutenant-Governor of Bihar and Orissa, and steps were taken for the constitution of the Assam Legislative Council. In order that the immediate environs of the new capital at Delhi might be xmder the direct control of the Government of India, a separate small province or enclave of Delhi was subsequently created, to be aoard should contain a representative element. A Royal Commission was ap})ointed to inquire into Trinity College, Dul)lin, and the University of Dublin, thus comi)leting the Inquiry into the condition of Higher Education in Ireland which had been partly investigated by a previous Royal Commission which reported in February, 1903. An Inquiry was also instituted into the working of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in Ireland. Many of the recommendatiiins of the Committee have already been adopted by administrative action. A Viceregal Commission appointed to inquire into the system of Inspection of National Schools in Ireland and certain kindred matters is now at work. Annual Government Grants of £10,000 and £40,000 have been ottered conditionally for scholarships from Primary to Secondary Schools and for the improvement of the position of Secondary Teacliers respectively. Schemes for the disposal of these grants are under consideration. Commissioners of Intermediate Education. — In 1908, the appointment of six permanent Inspectors provided for by the [Irish Office] 124 Intermediate Education Act of 1900 was finally sanctioned. The Board have under consideration a gradual introduction of a scheme whereby the Inspector's Report will he a chief factor in determining the school grant : a.s part of this scheme, they have recorded their opinion that Pass Examinations might he abolished and Honour Examinations alone held. The first step in this direction has been taken by abolishing the Preparatory Examination in 1913. Valuable assistance has l)een given by the Inspectors in the matter of rules, programmes and style of examination papers. The grouping of sul:)jects and the number of languages required for a pass have been altered from time to time, and special attention has been devoted to subjects which were being ignored by the schools, as well as to the system of Honour and Special papers. Owing to the shrinkage in the Board's income, the value of Exhibi- tions has had to be reduced, and the qualifications for Aviiuiing them altered from time to time, and in 1909 a Rule was introduced that they must be a^tplied either to the winner's education or to his maintenance. Commissioners of National Education, — The most inii)ortant measure of administrative policy carried out in this Department since the beginning of 1906 is the settlement of the long-standing question of grants for school buildings and the revision of the plans according to which new schools Avill be built. Next in importance and general interest has been the restoration of the special fees for teaching the Irish language, and for teaching Mathematics, in the primary schools in Ireland, which were Avithdrawn in the year 1905. Special facilities have also been given for the first time for the training of teachers to give instruction in Irish in the National Schools. The arrangements for organising the introduction of l^etter metliods of teaching young children, the teaching of Domestic Arts — for example. Cookery, Laundry and Needlework — the teaching of Drawing, have also been develo})ed and inqiroved. The acconnnodation iov Students in Training Colleges recognised by the Board has been increased, and various alterations have been made in the training courses for teachers : the general inspection staff of the Board of National Education has been strengthened, including that dealing with musical instruction. In 1908, the sum of i:l 14,000 was voted in annual augmentation of the salaries of National School Teachers. In 1909, the appointment of Women Inspectors for National Schools was sanctioned for the first time. In 1911 a sum was voted for recouping school managers for expenses incurred in heating and cleansing schools, and towards the encouragement of gardening classes. In tlie same year a rule came into force which reduced the average attendance required to be maintained in schools in order to qualify for the grant to Assistant Teachers and Junior Assistant Mistresses. In 1912, the Grant in aid of the Teachers' Pension Fund was increased from £18,000 to £43,000 per annum. New Rules calculated to encourage the formation of Evening Schools in towns have been promulgated. 125 [Irish Office] Local Government Board.— The Annual Reports of tlie Board (leal in detail with the many hranches of the administration. The followinff paragraphs deal with the developments of the i)olicy of the Board which have Iteen carried out since the present Government took office. The passing of the Lahourers Acts oi 1906 and 1911 threw \;pon the Local Government Board tli(>. duty of organising a special J>rancli in the Department for the administration of the Acts, and of framing Administrative Regulations under the Acts. The Board, therefore, have i)re[)ared elab(irate Orders with a view to cheapening and expediting procedure under the Acts, and have prepared and issued to the Local Authorities in Ireland which are concerned in the administration of the Acts model plans of labourers' dwellings. A special staff of inspectors has been appointed for holding local inqiiiries into schemes under the Acts. In all, the sum of £5,250,000 is to be expended on labourers' cottages and allotments under these Acts, while special })rovisions for the demolition of labourers' dwellings proved to l)e unfit for human habitation are contained in the Act of 1911, which has given a great stimulus to operations which had already attained con- siderable magnitude. The Housing of the AVorking Classes (Ireland) Act which came into operation in 1908 amended previous enactments relative to Urban Housing. Among the facilities it affords for the erection of dwellings for the working classes, the following may be mentioned : — The extension of the period for the repayment of loans ; the removal of the existing limitation of borrowing powers ; provision for enabling reborrowing to pay off previous housing loans ; the simplification of procedure for the acquisition of land ; and provision for granting loans at the minimum rate of interest permissible. The erection of working-class lodging houses by local authorities is being largely undertaken under this Act. During the spring and summer of the year 1907, it was necessary to midertake relief measures under the Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905, and Section 13 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, and to give employment to some six thousand families during the s})ring months. The crops of potatoes and oats having been very poor in twenty counties ill the autumn of that yeai*, loans were advanced to Boards of Guardians for the ]nircliase of sound and healthy seed for distril)ution among small lantlholders. The bulk of the seed potatoes came from the north of Ireland, and the seed oats were mainly imported from Scotland. The Unemployed Workmen Act was also put into operation in the towns of Dublin, Galway and Ennis in 1907, and in Dublin, Belfast and other towns in subsequent years. Distributions of grants under the Act have been made by the Board from time to time. As op})ortunity arises, the Government continue the policy of vesting all duties of nominated bodies in the hands of the elected Local Autho- rities. Since the present Government came into power, there have lieen, in pursuance of this policy, transfers to County Councils of the powers of Drainage Boards and of Local Fair Authorities. Several of the Irish towns which have corporate estates have sold their property to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, upon terms approved by the Local Government Board, [Irish Office] 126 Miicli has been done to improve the arrangeraents for the Niirsing of the Sick Poor. A large uuml)er of additional trained nurses have been appointed in the Workhouses and Infirmaries, and in the Western districts some thirty or forty additi(jnal midwives have been appointed. The high death-rate, and the general state of tlie public health in Belfast, had given rise to much anxiety, and the Board therefore held an Inquiry into the matters. The Inquiry was one of great importance, and gentlemen of large knowledge of the sanitary administration of large industrial towns in England and Scotland placed their services at the disposal of the Local Government Board for the investigation. Tlie Report of this Committee of Inquiry has lieen received, and it is hoped that the adoption of the Committee's recommendations will be of great service to the city. In Belfast and in other parts of Ireland sporadic outljreaks of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis appeared. The Local Government Board took immediate steps to notify the Sanitary Authorities of the symptoms of the disease, and urged them to improve the general sanitary conditions of their respective areas. The disease was maile notifiable in forty-eight Urban and fifty-five Riu-al Districts. As the result of the Board's action the disease disappeared. The very high death-rate in Ireland from pidmonary tu])erculosis is the subject of grave concern to the Board. They have procured a special Report dealing with the various defensive measures which have been adopted with success in other countries, and they have circulated this Report amongst the Sanitary and Poor Law Authorities in Ireland, with suggestions sliowing the measures which can be adopted with a view to checking the spread of the disease. A sanatorium has been established in Belfast, and steps for the purpose have also been taken in Dul)lin and Cork. In other counties also the question of providing sanatoria is now l^eing considered. Proposals for combating the disease have been formulated in the Tuberculosis Prevention (Ireland) Act, 1908, which was passed at the end of the Autumn Session. The provision of sana- torium accommodation and of otlier forms of treatment for persons affected with tuberculosis has assumed new importance in view of the enactment of the National Insurance Act, 1911, and the Parliamentary Grant available under that Act will afford a valuable inducement to the establishment of special institutions for the care of tuberculous patients. In addition, recoupment will be made from the Exchequer in respect of half the net expenses incurred by County Councils in the treatment of tuberculosis. In 1908 an Order relating to dairies, cowsheds and milkshops was issued by the Local Government Board. This Order provides for the better control and supervision of the soiirces of the milk supply. The proper supervision of meat exposed for sale in towns has lieen provided for ])y the Public Health Act of 1911. The Board have endeavoured to promote an agreement between the Local Authorities and the Medical Officers of the Authorities with a view to establishing uniform scales of salary and settling other points about which difficulty has arisen. An important reform in the matter of Vaccination has also been made, and the Poor Law Meilical Officers of Ireland will in future be requii-ed to obtain, as a condition to appointment, certificates of proficiency 127 [Irish Office] in vaccination from the special teachers who have been appointed by the Board. The Board are ciiutinuing to call the attention of County Authorities to the advantages of maintaining roads by direct labour instead of by contract. The Development and Road Improvement Funds Acts of 1909 and 1910, the provisions of the Finance Act, 1910, dealing with the applicati(Mi of motor-car licence duties to road improvement, and the Public Roads (Ireland) Act of 1911, are already tending, and will to a greater extent in the futiire tend, to improve the Irish roads. The increase in motor traffic has necessitated the issue l)y the Board of various (Jrders connected therewith, and the Irish Automobile Club and Automobile Association and Motor Union have been delegated powers with reference to Irish-owned motor cars in use in foreign countries. The Board are endeavouring to place upon a more satisfactory basis the system of lioarding-out pauper children, and have introduced a new dietary system in workhouses which it is believed will aiford a more varied and nutritious diet for the inmates and at the same time will tend to a considerable economy. The duty devolving upon the Board of deciding appeals upon Old Age Pensions proved to be much more onerous than was anticipated. Over 56,000 appeals had been received up to March, 1912, of which some 54,800 had been dealt with. The Old Age Pensions Act of 1911 has been of much assistance in defining more clearly the powers of the Pension Authorities. Orders have from time to time been issued regulating local election procedui'e, and in 1911 an Act empowered women to l)ecome candidates for the post of County or Borough Councillor. The decennial adjustment of contributions to be made between certain suburban areas and the City of Dublin led to a protracted Inquiry by the Board in 1911-12, and an Order fixing the adjustment has now been issued. Irish Land Commission. — ^The Regulations made in 1905 under the Irish Land Purchase Act of 1903 were cancelled by the Lord Lieutenant, and new Regulations in lieu thereof were issued on the 13th February, 1906. The new Regulations give greater oppor- tunities to the Estates Commissioners for carrying out certain important objects of the Irish Land Purchase Act; for example, the acquisition of untenanted land for the reinstatement of evicted tenants, and for the improvement of uneconomic holdings. The Regulations also remove certain restrictions in the former Regulations which limited the freedom of the Estates Commissioners in utilising such untenanted land as came into their possession. Xew Instructions to the officers employed by the Estates Commis- sioners, iipon the inspection of estates proposed to l)e sold under the Act of 1903, have ])eeu framed by the Estates Commissioners, under the direction of Government, and have been sul)stituted for the previous Instructions, which were issued by the Lord Lieutenant in Fel)ruary, 1906. Eighteen Assistant Inspectors were appointed for a limited period, for the purpose of investigating applications lodged by persons seeking [Irish Office] 128 reinstatement as evicted tenants ; and fourteen Inspectors were ajipointed for a year for the inspection of untenanted land, with a view to its acquisition for the reinstatement of evicted tenants, and for other purposes of the Act of 1903. A special Report was issued by the Estates Commissioners in 1907, showing the results of the investigations which the Commissioners had made of the applications from persons claiming to be evicted tenants, and in 1907 and. 1908 Evicted Tenants Acts were passed. Particulars of the reinstatement of evicted tenants are to be found in the Annual Reports of the Estates Commissioners. In March, 1909, the Outdoor Statf of the Estates Conmiissioners was reorganised with a view to increased efficiency, and the numbers of Assistant Ins})ectors and of Surveyors were increased. The result has been a considerable acceleration in the making of advances for Land Purchase. With the rapid progress of Land Purchase, the immber of applica- cations to fix fair rents has naturally diminished. It was consequently found possible, in April, 1909, to effect a considerable reduction in the Staff of Assistant Commissioners and Assessors engaged upon the fixing of fair rents. This reduction has been continued, the majority of the Assistant Commissioners being transferred as Inspectors to the Staff of the Estates Commissioners. In connection with the finance of the Land Act of 1909 a sum of £150,000, which will increase annually, has been provided on the Land Commission Vote for 1913-14 to meet the charges that would otherwise have fallen on the Ouarantee Fund, and also a sum of £75,000 for the improvement of Estates, the Reserve Fund referred to in the Act of 1903 having been exhausted. Up to the end of 1905, 383,996 applications to fix fair rents had been received under the Land Acts, both in the Land Commission and Civil Bill Courts, and 367,996 of these cases had been disposed of ; 89,840 appeals re Fair Rents had been received and 78,591 disposed of. From 1906 to 1912, 28,468 fresh applications were received, and the total amount of arrears on the last day of 1912 was 5,238. In the same period 11,086 fresh appeals were received, and the arrears thereon on 31st December, 1912, stood at 1,298. The total advances made by the Land Commissioners, including the Estates Commissioners, up to the end of 1905 amounted to £9,037,353, and during the years 1905-12 to £45,754,38?. Advances under the Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906, amounting to £3,812,056 were made in the period ended 31st December, 1912. Congested Districts Board. — The Board's operations were circumscril)ed till the passing of the Land Act of 1909. Until that year, land to the value of only 2^ million pounds had been purchased. In the years 1910, 1911 and 1912 estates to the estimated value of between seven and eight millions have been offered for sale to the Board, and terms of sale have been agreed upon to the extent of £3,151,536. The 1909 Act more than doubled the Congested Districts area, which is now about one-third of Ireland. In each year since 1909 a sxun of £20,000 has been assigned by the Board for house improvement schemes under Parish Committees in 129 [Irish Office] addition to the amount expended upon new l)uildings and house improvements on estates owned by the Board. Full particulars of all land purchases are given in the Board's Annual Reports, and also details of the steps taken' to develop sea fisheries and minor domestic industries. Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruc- tion. — Special additional })rovision has been made for the development of agriculture in the congested districts itf the West of Ireland. An Irish Draught Horse Stud Book and an Irish Cattle Herd Bdnk have been established since 1905, and s})ecial measures have been taken to push the sale of Irish produce in Great Britain. Shows of Irish produce have been held in Great Britain to advertise the improved character of Irish agricultural produce, and the Department have encouraged the formation of a Society with the object of securing to Ireland the supply of seed potatoes to the English market. A special Inspector has been ajipointed to watch the interests of agricultural produce in the markets of Great Britain ; and the Depart- ment have obtained, in the interests of agriculture in Ireland, the insertion in Railway Bills of beneficial clauses relating to rates. A list of Irish Exporting Manufacturers, with the names of the goods exported listed in five languages, has been prepared and circulated extensively abroad. Evidence has been given before the Select Committee in the House of Commons appointed to inquire into the Butter Trade; and the Department has secured amendments in the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Bill of 1906. Orders have been issued regulating the importation of horses, asses, mules and fodder into Ireland, with a view to greater precautions against the introduction of disease; and the compulsory dipping of sheep annually throughout Ireland has been prescribed by Order. The extirpation of a serious outbreak of glanders, which appeared at the end of 1905 among the horses on one of the Irish canal systems, was satisfactorily accomplished; and the dangerous exotic disease of horses, known as epizootic lymphangitis, was finally suppressed in Ireland. A sum of £10,000 was provided in the Estimates for 1911-12 and 1912-13 for the encouragement of horse-breeding, and the Department drew up a scheme for its allocation. An Inquiry into Irish Imports and Exports has been actively carried on, and eight Reports have been issued on the subject. Systematic Crop Reports are now furnished to and issued by the Department, and the system of collecting agricultural statistics in Ireland is being generally improved. A revised scheme of ^\ Grants for Technical Instruction, which, amongst other things, enables Grants to be earned in apprenticeship classes in connection with works and technical institutions, has been introduced. A system of examinations for Technical Schools has lieen established. A scheme of Apprenticeship and other Scholarships has been put into operation. The numbers attending technical classes increase yearly, and the Department's summer classes for teachers are well attended, [Irish Office] 130 The whiter agricultural classes continue to extend in size and number, with consequent increase in the number of instructors, and new agricultural schools have been founded in various parts of the country. The Staff of the National Museum of Science and Art has been strengthened in various Departments. The Museum Annexe has been enlarged; and a Headmaster has been appointed for the Metropolitan School of Art of Dul)lin, whose work has lieen reorganised and developed. Substantial improvements have been made by which certain harbours in Ireland will be rendered more useful to the fishing industry, and various experiments in fishery matters have been made. The Department have secured the allocation of a grant of £50,000 from the DeA'elopment Fiuid for the improvement of harbour accommodation. An Irish Crown Brand for cured herrings has been established. Much attention has been given to the development of motor boat fishing. Orders have been issued with the object of preventing the spread of the diseases of American gooseberry mildew and black currant mite, and also dealing with the disease in potatoes known as Black Scab. Under the Weeds and Agricultural Seeds Act, 1909, useful work has been done in preventing the spread of noxious growths and in testing samples of seeds being sold throughout the country. Provision was made in the Finance Act, 1908, for the removal of the restrictions on the growing of tobacco in Ireland, so as to permit the continuance on a larger scale of experiments in the cultivation of this crop, and in 1909 the rebate on duty hitherto allowed to tobacco-groAvers was discontinued, and instead thereof a sum of £6,000 was placed on the Department's Vote for the purpose of assisting in the continuance of experiments in growing tobacco. Advances from the Development Fund not exceeding £35,000 in all, to cover a period of ten years, have been sanctioned in aid of further experiments. Series of experiments have been inaugurated to test the results of winter dairying in Ireland, and a system of Veterinary Dispensaries has been established in the congested districts. The Department is paying much attention to the Poultry Industry of Ireland, which is now one of very large volume. Special precautions were siiccessfully taken in 1908, 1910 and 1911, to prevent the extension to Ireland of Foot-and-Mouth disease, which appeared in Great Britain in those years. The serious outbreak that occurred in Ireland in 1912 was energetically and effectively suppressed. A diagnosis laboratory has been establislied for the better investiga- tion of diseases of live stock. Special arrangements have also been made for work of a technical scientific nature in relation to plant diseases and diseases of animals and the breeding of the best varieties of cereals. A Departmental Committee was appointed in 1907 to hold an Inquiry into the question of Forestry in Ireland, and the Committee's recommendations are to be found in the Deiiartment's Eighth Annual Report. As a result, a sum of £6,000 has been provided in the Parlia- mentary Estimates each year since 1909-10 to enable the Department to purchase, by means of aniuiities under the Land Purchase Acts, woodlands and lands adapted for forestry comprised in estates which are being sold under these Acts. Various purchases of suitable lands were 131 [Irish Office] made, and in 1910 an advance of £25,000 l)y the Development Commis- sioners for a similar purpose has widened the area of operations. The Avondale Forestry Station continues its work. The grant to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society, which had been made by the Department for a number of years, was discontinued since 1909. In 1911 the Royal College of Science was moved to the new buildings. Schemes to co-ordinate technological work have been or are being framed between the College and the National and Queen's Universities. A chair of Forestry has been established and a Professor of Forestry appointed. In consequence of representations that loss and injury was being caused to the Irish butter industry by the use of false trade descriptions, a Departmental Committee was appointed to inquire into the matter and to suggest what measures the Department might take in the interests of the industry, and its Report was presented in 1910. The Irish Creameries and Dairy Produce Bill now before Parliament is the result of this Report. A Departmental Committee is at present sitting to inquire into the question of agricultural credit in Ireland, more especially in its relation to the new state of affairs created by the Land Acts. The Report of the Departmental Committee on the Irish Flax- Growing Industry has been presented and effect has already been given to some of the recommendations of the Committee. A Departmental Committee appointed in 1911 to consider the effect of the Irish Land Acts on Irish Fisheries reported in 1912. The recommendations of this Committee are also being considered by the Department. General Prisons Board. — The policy of concentration of prisons has been continued since 1906, Ivilmainham Prison and three Bridewells being closed, also Clonmel Prison has been converted, in 1910, wholly into a Borstal Institution in consequence of the Prevention of Crime Act, 1908. During the year ended 31st December, 1912, there were in it a daily average of 80 juvenile male offenders wbo had been sentenced for a period of detention of from 1 to 3 years in lieu of penal servitude, or had been transferred from prisons on the recommendation of Governors. Instruction in trades and physical drill are given, and prison life is largely modified. No similar provision has been made for females, owing to the smallness of their numbers. New Rules have been issued granting privileges to long sentenced convicts as a reward for good conduct, the period of sepai-ate confinement has been reduced and the prison system generally has been improved in the direction of encouraging self-respect among prisoners, and instructitjns have been issued to Prison Governors with this end in view. Various economies have been effected in the Staff' of the Prisons Board itself. i2 [Irish Office] 132 LEGISLATION. 1906. Charitable Loan Societies (Ireland) Act.— Remedies certain defects in pvevinus Acts relating to Loan Societies in Ireland. [Cap. 23.] Seed Potatoes Supply (Ireland) Act. — Makes provision with respect to Icians and sales for the purpose of supplying seed potatoes to occupiers of land in Ireland. [Cap. 3.] Labourers (Ireland) Act.- — Amends the law relating to the jn-ovisidn of laliourers' dwellings in Ireland; provides for more simple and efficient administration and cheaper loans. [Cap. 37.] 1907. Evicted Tenants (Ireland) Act.— Supplements the powers given in the Irish Land Act of 1903, under which evicted tenants can be restored to their holdings or provided with new holdings, in each case, as purchasers under the Land Purchase Acts. It was estimated that there were still some 2,000 evicted tenants suitable for farms. It had not been found possil )le under the voluntary scheme of the Act of 1 903 to make very rapid progress with the work of reinstating evicted tenant.s, and it was clear that the 2,000 cases outstanding could not be disposed of for a very considerable time unless powers were ol)tained to get the necessary land by compulsion. The Act, therefore, enables the Estates Commissioners to obtain the land they want, and the owner is to receive compensation, to be fixed by tlu; Estates Commissioners in the first instance, subject, however, to an a[)peal upon value. If the new tenant who has succeeded the evicted tenant in his holding is a bona fide farmer, and is unwilling to leave, his farm cannot be acquired under the Act. The Estates Commissioners have powers to give the new tenant another farm, or to give him monetary compensation if he prefers it. [Cap. 56.] Irish Land Act.— Under the Irish Land Act of 1903 it was provided that when an estate is sold under the Act to tenants, the exclusive rights of mining and taking minerals and digging and searching for minerals was to l)e reserved to the Irish Land Commission. It was further ]tr(tvided that this right was to l)e disposed of as Parliament should subsequently direct. The ])uri)ose of the Irish Land (No. 2) Act is to enable these riglits to be exjjloited, and for the purpose the Irish Land Commission are given power to let or sell the rights, and also to make experimental workings to ascertain their value. Some small amendment of the general law as to charges created by Will on lands in Ii'eland is also made by this Act. f Ca]i. 38.] Supreme Court of Judicature (Ireland) Act.— An Act was passed last Session making cousideiable (hanges in the law of Housing in the Rural districts in Ireland. Under that Act certain Irisli Funds are ct^lected for the purpose of relieving the rates of the 133 [Irish Office] Rural l)i.strict!< in respect of labourers' cottages and allotments proA'ided under the Act ; and it was intended that the Fund should be augmented by tlie savings eftected by reducing the salary of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland from £8,000 to £6,000, and by reducing the nund)er of Judges of the King's Bench Division by two as the next two vacancies occurred. The Bill for effecting these reductions was introduced last Session, but did not become law ; and it was therefore necessary, in order to carry out the financial scheme of the Labourers Act of 1906, to bring in and pass this measure. [Cap. 44.] Prisons (Ireland) Act. — This Act enables prisoners in Irish Prisons to earn rcmissiuns uf their sentences by good conduct. This has for some time been the law in England. [Cap. 19.] 1908. Irish Universities Act. — This Act abolished the Eoyal Lhii- versity of Ireland, which was a purely examining body, and created in its place two new Universities, to have their seats in Dublin and Belfast respectively. These new LTniversities are to be autonomous and free from tests. The first governing bodies are nominated for fi\e years ; afterwards, the governing bodies will be mainly elective. The new University having its seat in Dublin has three constituent colleges, namely, the existing Queen's Colleges at Cork and Galway, and a new college in Dublin, known as University College, Cork, Galway and Dublin respectively. The University in Belfast absorbs the Queen's College, Belfast, and is known as the Queen's University, Belfast. Power is also given to each L^niversity to recognise other colleges. The existing endowment (£20,000 a year) of the Royal University is to be divided equally between the two new Universities, and a further annual grant of £82,000 is to be provided in certain proportions for the new Universities and colleges. In addition, the sum of £230,000 is provided for lands, buildings and equipment. The University of Dublin (Trinity College) is not aliected by the Act. [Cap. 38.] Bee Pest Prevention (Ireland) Act. — Enables the Department of Agriculture and lucal authorities to deal compulsorily Avitli the disease of bees known as "foul brood." [Cap. 34.] Whale Fisheries (Ireland) Act. — Whale fishing having been started nn the Irish coast, this Act pnivides for the regulation, licensing, and inspectidu by the Fishery Authority of the whaling industry. Whale fishing withcjut a licence is }irohibited. Generally, the Act provides safeguards against interference with herring and mackerel fisheries. [Cap. 31.] Grand Jury (Ireland) Act (1836) Amendment Act.— Empowers county councils to make increased eontriliutions towards the erection of pier.s, quays, and shuilar works. [Ca]). 29.] Seed Potatoes and Seed Oats Supply (Ireland) Act. —Similar to the Act of 1906 (r/.f.). [Cap. 19.] Constabulary (Ireland) Act. — Gives increasi-d pay to the Royal Irish Constabidary, and raises the pensionable age of the force, [Irish Office] 134 upon the lines recommended hy the Committee (if Inquiry presided over by the late Sir Howard Vincent. [Cap. 60.j Tuberculosis Prevention (Ireland) Act. — Provides for the compulsory notiticatiun of tuhc^rcnlosis in districts Avhich adopt the Act. Also for the provision l>y local authorities of hospitals and dispensaries for the treatment of tuberculosis; for the inspection of milk and milk products, and for the destruction of cov^s affected with tuberculosis of the udder. [Cap. 56.] Evicted Tenants (Ireland) Act. — Amends Section 1 of the Evicted Tenants (Ireland) Act, 1907, so as to give full legal effect to the intentions of that Act. [Cap. 22.] 1909. Weeds and Agricultural Seeds (Ireland) Act. — This Act empowers the 1 )e})artment of Agriculture to serve notice upon occupiers of land to destroy noxious weeds which are injurious to agriculture, and provides penalties against defaulters. It also empowers the Department to take samples of agricultural seeds Avhich are on sale by dealers, to test such seeds, and to publish the results. [Cap. 31.] Fisheries Ireland Act. — Provides for the payment from Parliamentary Votes of the expenses incurred by the Department of Agriculture in connection with applications for altering close seasons for fishing. [Cap. 25.] Merchandise Marks (Ireland) Act. — Confers upon the Department of Agriculture powers to undertake jirosecutions in Ireland in respect of offences against the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, similar to the powers already possessed by the Board of Agriculture in Great Britain. [Cap. 24.] Local Registration of Title (Ireland) Act. — Cures a defect in the law with respect to the local registering authority for County Cork. [Cap. 36.] Irish Land Act. — Amends the financial provisions of the Irish Land Act of 1903 in respect of land purchase, and provides further means for the relief of congestion in the West of Ireland. (1) Finance. — The finance of the Act of 1903 had broken down by reason of the impossibility of floating Stock at or near 2^ per cent., that being the rate at Avhich advances are made to purchasing tenants. The average rate of issue of the Stock had been 88. Under the Act men- tioned, the hisses due to the flotation of Stock at a discount were to fall upon the Irish ratepayers after the exhaustion of the Irish Develop- ment Crant of £160,000 a year. The present Act relieves the ratepayers from this liability, and imposes the charge upon the Exchequer so far as completed and pending- transactions are ctmcerned, while for future transactions a system of tinance is established which will in the main be self-supporting. This latter is effected by raising the rate of interest payable by tenant- purchasers from 2| per cent, to 3 per cent., the vendors being paid in 135 [Irish Office] 3 per cent. Stuck at its face value instead of in cash as under the Act of 1903. The 1903 Act provided fur the payment, from tlie State to the vendor, of a honus of 12 i)er cent, on the purchase-money advanced, subject to a hmit of £12,000,000, this being the amount necessary to provide the l)onus on £100,000,000 of purchase-money, which was the estimate of the size of the land purchase prol)lem when the Act was passed. That estimate has proved to he very much below the mark. Sales amounting to 85 millions had in 1909 been agreed upon, and it is now estimated that the total amount of sales will be from 160 to 180 millions. The present Act ratifies the 12 per cent. Ijonus for all pending transactions, and provides for future transactions a bonus upon an inverse sliding scale, the principle being that, the higher the number of years' purchase obtained by the vendor, the lower shall the l)onus be. It is estimated that the averar/e l)onus payable under this scale will 1 )e between 7 and 8 per cent., and that over £3,000,000 will be added to the total bonus of £12,000,000 provided by the 1903 Act. (2) Congestion. — The previous area administered by the Congested Districts Board consisted of about one-sixth of the total area of Ireland, and the annual funds of the Board Avere limited to £86,000. The Act extends the area of the Board to about one-third of Ireland, consisting of the entire Avestern seaboard. The Board's annual income is raised to ■£250,000, which will mainly be expended upon the enlargement and improvement of uneconomic holdings, and the creation of new holdings for " congests." The Board, moreover, is strengthened by the addition of two paid members, and is made a cor})orate body. Compulsory powers are given to the Board for the acquisition of land for the relief of congestion within its own area, and similar poAvers are given to the Land Commission for a like purpose outside that area. The Act contains many other provisions for the amendment of the existing Land Acts, the most important being a provision that a certain class of tenants, hitherto excluded, may have fair rents fixed by the Land Commission Court. [Cap. 42.] 1910. Census (Ireland) Act. — Provides for the taking (if the Census of Ireland on 2nd April, 1911, and for the preparation and issue of such forms and instructions as are required. [Cap. 11.] 1911. Labourers (Ireland) Act. — This Act continues and enlarges the ])r()visi(>ns of the Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906, under which Kural District Councils in Ireland were empowered to obtain advances out of the Land I'urchase Fund for the purpose of providing cottages and allotments for labourers, and extends to ,£5,250,000 the limit of £4,250,000 imposed by the Act of 1906 on the anu)unt that might be so advanced out of the Land Purchase Fund. It also empowers the Board to direct councils to demolish houses unfit for human habitation. [Cap. 19.] [Irish Office] 136 Local Authorities (Ireland) (Qualification of Women) Act. — Enables women to be elected as Members of County and Borough Councils in Ireland. [Cap. 35.] Public Health (Ireland) Act. — Authorises Urban District Ciiuncils to })rovide for the ins[)ection nf meat for sale. [Cap. 12.] Public Libraries (Art Galleries in County Boroughs) Ireland Act. — This Act empowers the Council of a County Borough in Ireland to levy a rate of \^d. in the pound for the purposes of the Public Libraries (Ireland) Acts, 1855 to 1902, in any Borough in which an Art Gallery is provided under those Acts. Wliile the previous limit of Id. continued in force, the Council of the County Borough of Dublin were unable to accept the valuable collection of modern paintings offered to them through the munificence of Sir Hugh Lane and others, the rate not being sufficient to provide for the expenses of the Art Gallery containing the collection, which, pending the extension of the above limit, was maintained by private subscriptions and guarantees. Public Roads (Ireland) Act. — Amends the law with respect to the use of locomotives on public roads and with respect to extra- ordinary traffic. [Ca]>. 15.] Resident Magistrates (Belfast) Act. — Amends the law with respect to the salaries, superannuation, appointment and powers of Resident Magistrates for the City of Belfast. The Act provides for the payment by the Corporation of Belfast of an additional salary of £200 a year to each of the two Resident Magistrates in Belfast. It also provides that no one shall be appointed a Resident Magistrate for Belfast who is not a practising Barrister or Solicitor of six years standing or a Resident Magistrate, and gives to a Resident Magistrate for Belfast power to do alone any act which may be done by two or more Justices of the Peace sitting in Petty Sessions. [Cap. 58.] 1912-13. Tuberculosis Prevention (Ireland) Act. — Amends the Tuberculosis (Ireland) >Vct, 1908, and the Irish Puljlic Health Acts so as to enal»le Comity Councils to avail themselves to the full of the new powers and resources for the treatment of Tid)erculosis provided Ity the iS^ational Insurance Act. It also removes some minor difficulties in the administration of the existing law on the subject. [Cap. 25.] GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND BILL, 1912. Tliis liill provides for the establishment of a subordinate Parliament in Ireland comprising two Houses, the Irish Senate and the Irish House of Commons, and having power to make laws in respect of matters exclusively relating to Ireland, with the exception of certain sidjjects Avhich are permanently excluded from their jurisdiction, and certain other matters which are reserved for the ])resent l)ut may hereafter be trans- ferred to the Irish Government under the ])rovisions of the Bill, including Land Purchase, (Jld Age Pensions, National Insiirance, the collection of taxes, the Royal Irish C(jnsta1)ulai'y, Post Office and Trusti'c Saving Banks, and Pulilic Loans. The Irish Parliament is further prohibited from making laws interfering with religious equality, &c., and the 137 [Irish Office] Imperial Government retains the power of withholding assent to Bills passed by the Irish Parliament. Executive Power. — The executive power in Ireland will con- tinue to be vested in His Majesty, but will be exercised as respects the administration of matters within the legislatiAC powers of the Irish Par- liament by the Lord Lieutenant through Irish departments to be established luider the Act. Finance. — Under the Bill an Irish Exchequer and an Irish Con- solidated Fund are to be set uj). The proceeds of all taxes levied in Ireland will be paid into the Imi)erial Exchequer, and a sum will be transferred every year to the Irish Exchequer which shall l)e equal to the cost of the Irish services at the time of the passing of the Act, together with a sum of £500,000 a year for three years, subsequently to be reduced by £50,000 a year until it reaches the sum of £200,000, and a further sum equal to the proceeds of any additional taxation imposed by the Irish Parliament luicler the Act, which gives it power to vary any Imperial tax and to impose new taxation subject to certain limitations. When any one of the reserved services above referred to is trans- ferred to the Irish Government, the transferred sum is to be increased by an amount e(iuivalent to the saving to the Exchequer of the United Kingdom by reason of the transfer, and wdien the total revenue received from Ireland by the Inq)erial Treasury has been sufficient for three years to meet the total charges for Irish puri)Oses, the whole financial scheme may 1)6 revised. The Bill establishes a Joint Exchequer Board to determine questions of fact arising from time to time under the financial jirovisions of the Bill. There are further provisions precluding the Irish Parliament from establishing an independent i)rotective system. Miscellaneous. — Permanent tenure of the same character as at pii'seut is secured t(i Judges to be appointed under the Act. The Bill substitutes an appeal from Irish Courts to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council for the present right of apj)eal to the House of Lords, and provides for the decision of constitutional questions l)y that Committee and for an appeal in every case where the validity of an Irish law is I'hallenged. The Bill removes the existing religious disqualihcation in the case of the office of the Lord Lieutenant and provides that his term of office shall be six years and shall not be affected by any change in the Ministry. The Bill further makes provisions as to the existing Judges and other persons having salaries charged on the Consolidated Fund and as to the continuation of service of and compensation to existing officers, anil ])rovides for the establishment of a Civil Service Committee to deal \vith (luestions arising with res})ect to such existing officers. The Bill also provides for the continuation and adaptation of existing laws, institutions, &c., and also for the use of Crown lands by the Irish Government, for arrangements between the Imperial Parliament and the Irish Parliament for the exercise of powers and duties, and contains special provisions as to Dublin University, Trinity College, Didilin, the Queen's University, Belfast, and as to Freemasons. 138 LAW OFFICERS OF THE GROWN. 8iR John Lawson Walton, K.C, M.P. (1905-8.) The Kt. Hon. Sir William S. Kobson, K.C, M.P. Tlie Attorneij-Geneml { [Lord Bohson] (1908-10.) The Rt. Hon. Sir Kufus Isaacs, K.C.V.O., K.C, M.P. (1910.) (Tub Rt. Hon. Sir William S. Rob.son, K.C, M.P. [Lord Bobson] (1905-8.) The Rt. Hon. Sir Samuel T. Evans, K.C, M.P. (1908. ) The Rt. Hon. Sir Rufus Isaacs, K.C V.O., K.C, M.P. (1910.) The Rt. Hon. Sir John Simon, K.C.V.O., K.C, M.P. (1910.) TJie Solicitor-General ( (For Law ( )t!icer.s in Scotland and Ireland, see under Scottish and Irish Offices.) LEGISLATION. In addition to the measures of other Departments which they assisted in carrying, the Law (Officers of the Crown introduced and carried through the following Acts : — 1906. Marine Insurance Act. — Coditics the law relating to Marine Insurance. [Cap. 41.] Trade Disputes Act.— Restores the position of Trade Unions in trade disputes to the status quo ante the Taff Vale decision. Section 1 adds tlie following paragraph to Section 3 of the Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act, 1875: — "An act done in pursuance of an agreement or combination l)y two or more persons shall, if done in coiitenii)lation or furtherance of a trade dispute, not be actionable unless the act if done witli(jut any such agreement or combination would be actional )le." Section 2 declares " peaceful -picketing " in a trade dispute to be hnvful, i.e., tlic attendance of two or more persons before a house or place of l)usiness, " if they so attend merely for the purpose of peacefully obtaining or communicating information, or of peacefully persuading any person to work or abstain from working." Section 3 declares an act done in a trade dispute not to l)e action- able on the ground only that it induces some other person to break a contract of emjjloyment, or that it is an interference with the trade, 139 [Law Officers] business or employment of some other person, or with the right of some otlier person to dispose of his capital or his labour as he will. Section 4 prohibits actions against trade unions, whether of masters or workmen, or against any members or officials thereof, on l)ehalf of themselves and ' all other members of the trade union, in respect of any tortious act alleged to have been committed by or on behalf of the trade union. But nothing in the Act is to affect the liability of the trustees of a trade union to be sued under the Trades Union Act, 1871, Section 9, except in respect of any tortious act committed by or on behalf of tlie union in contemplation or further- ance of a trade dispute. [Cap. 47.] Public Trustee Act.— Under this Statute a Government official was created by means of whom the State acts as executor and trustee luider a Will, or as trustee under a Settlement, whether new or old, and in other minor capacities of a like nature. In all ranks and conditions of life, it has been foiuid increasingly difficiUt to induce private persons to undertake the office of executor and trustee. Moreover, in recent years, owing to the incompetence, negligence or fraud of executors and trustees, there have been considerable losses of trust property, accompanied, in not a few cases, l)y very real distress. The Act was passed, after 21 years of Parliamentary effort, with the express object of enabling the public to guard against these difficulties, inconveniences and risks, and substitutes for the employment of private individuals in trust matters a trustee who, being a corporation sole, will never die, will never leave the country, never become incapacitated, and whose integrity is guaranteed by the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdom. The number of current trusts administered in the first 15 months, viz., 1st January, 1908, to 31st JNIarch, 1909, was 444, valued at .£3,517,840, whilst the value of Wills lodged with the Department, Imt which had yet to mature, was £18,000,000. The number of trusts in the present year, viz., 1912-13, is nearly 4,500, valued at £35,000,000, and the value of Wills has now reached £53,000,000, so that, in all, the value of the business at present being administered and negotiated has reached a total of £88,000,000, and is likely to reach a total of £100,000,000 within the next 12 months. The Staff, which at the o})ening of the Office numbered 5, now numbers 275. The Department is now carried on without any cost to the taxpayer, its expenses being provided out of the fees paid by those who resort to it. The fees earned since 1908 have i)rovided the whole of the expenses and leave a small surplus in hand. The Act, which extends only to England and Wales, has been taken advantage of by all classes in all i)arts of the country, meeting evidently a widely sjjread ])ublic need. The powers of the Public Trustee have no compulsion behind them, and resort to the services of the Department is entirely voluntary on the part of the public, which renders the success indicated above all the more satisfactory and striking. The Department is administered upon prompt and businesslike l)rinciples of jirocedure. Great attention is paid to the work of invest- ment and to the human and personal details of any trust committed t(j its care. In small cases of under £1,000 in value, and in taking care of moneys awarded in compensation cases in the High Court, the Depart- [Law Officers] 140 nient has special powers and facilities, rendering the administration of a direct and economical character which has proved of great advantage to those concerned. [Cap. 55.] Justices of the Peace Act. — Alxdishes the property qualification previously required of County Magistrates. [Caj). 16.] Bills of Exchange (Crossed Cheques) Act.— Kcmedies a defect in the law relating to dishonoured cheqvies received hy Ijankers. [Cap. 17.] Prevention of Corruption Act.— Makes it punishable to give or accept ln'ibes, .seci'ct conniiission or other considerations to or from an agent in relation to his principal's affairs. [Cap. 34.] Licensing Act. — Corrects an error in the Licensing Act of 1904, which, according to a decision of the High Court, would have })revented the reduction of licenses under the Act. — [Cap. 42.] 1907. Criminal Appeal Act. — Creates, after previous futile attempts, renewed again and again during the last sixty years, a tribunal of review in criminal cases, "wdrich places within the reach of persons convicted of crime rights of appeal similar to those enjoyed by persons who have verdicts against them in civil causes. Liberty has thus, for the first time in the history of our law, similar safeguards to those which have long protected pro}>erty. There will on all questions of law be an appeal as of right to the Court of Criminal Appeal, and on all questions of fact an appeal by leave, either of the Judge who tried the case or of the Court of Appeal. An otHcer will he ap})ointed to assist every poor aj)pellant in bringing his case l)efore the Court, and will, if necessary, assign him legal assistance for this purpose. The principles and provisions of this Act (which differentiate it from all })revious Bills of the same character) remove a blot which has long rested upon our jurisprudence and add largely to the legal safeguard of innocence. [Cap. 23.] Matrimonial Causes Act. — Remo\es defects in the procedure under the Divorce Acts truly recpiiring, and at last receiving, a remedy. [Cap. 12.] Commissioners for Oaths (Prize Proceedings) Act. — Enables iS'aval Officers in Prize cases to swear affidavits. [la}>. 25.] 1908. Appellate Jurisdiction Act. — Strengthens the position of the fludicial Committee of the Privy Council as a liigh Inq)erial Cf the Treasury Solicitor. [Cap. .3.] Costs in Criminal Cases Act. — Consolidates and simplifies the law aud practice relating to costs in criminal cases, hitherto contained iu many old and scattered Statutes. [Cap. 15.] Criminal Appeal (Amendment) Act,— Makes all the Judges of the King's Bench Oi vision .ludgcs of the Court of Criminal Appeal. [Cap. 46.] ■ Statute Law Revision Act. — Brings the Kevised Edition of the Statutes down to the year 1900. It eliminates all repealed or altered Statutes or parts of Statutes, so as to show the "living law" in a clearer form. [Cap. 49.] Registration Act. — -Adjusts the date for an appeal from the decision of a Re\ising Barristei', so as to conform with the altered date for the termination of the Long Vacation. [Cap. 21.] 1910. County Common Juries Act. — The Juries Act of 182.5, section 22, limits the number of common jiu'ors who may be summoned to 144. This Act removes that limitation aud empowers the High Coui't to make rules to ensure that there shall be no excessive summoning of county jurors. [Cap. 17.] Supreme Court of Judicature Act. — Carries out the recommendation of tlie Joint Cumuiittee of both ll(»uses (1909) that two additional Judges of the Higli Court be appointed. [Cap. 12.] 1911. Conveyancing Act. — Amends the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, 1881. [Cap. 37.] Lunacy Act. — Provides inr the appointment of two additional Couimissioners in Lunacy, aud for the transfer of the ^lower of making vesting orders from the Judge iu Lunacy to the High Court. [Cap. 40.] Perjury Act. — Consolidates aud simjJifies the law relating to perjury and kindred offences. [Cap. 6.] 1912-13. Trade Union Act. — Reverses the Osljorue Judgment delivered iu 1909 (which decided that Trade Unions had no power to collect or administer funds for political purposes) and provides that any member of a Trade Union, on giving notice of his unwillingness to conti'ibute to the political fund of the Union, shall be exempt. [Cap. 30.] U2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD. President - The Et. Hon. John Burns, ]\I.P. (1905.) /• The Rt. Hon. Walter Runciman, M.P. (1905-7.) ParUavieniary \ The Rt. Hon. T. J. Macnamara, LL.D., MP. (1907-8.) Secretary 1 The Rt. Hon. C. F. G. Masterman, M.P. (1908-9.) ' J. Herbert Lewis, Esq., M.P. (1909.) Pprmment f Sir Samuel B. Provis, K.C.B. (1898-1910.) Secretary ) Sir H. C. Monro, K.C.B. (1910.) POOR LAW. The Royal Commission appointed to consider the Poor Law and the Relief of Distress issued its Report in 1909. Already, before the issue of the Report, the Local Government Board had undertaken several administrative measures for improving the conditions under the Poor Law, and had thus anticipated many of the suggestions of the Commission. These efforts have been continued since the issue of the Report, with very satisfactory results, and the Local Government Board have generally endeavoured to carry into effect the recommendations of the Commission so far as was possible without legislation. Two circular letters were issued to Poor Law authorities in 1910, dealing com- prehensively with the question of out-relief and with the treatment of children. Boards of Guardians were urged to adopt arrangements in accordance with suggestions made in the circular letters, so that each case should be treated individually and in a manner suited to its particular requirements. Poor Law Orders Coraraittee. — The need of consolidating the Poor Law Orders was urged l)y the Royal Commission, and a Committee has been appointed by Mr. Burns for this purpose. The Out-Relief Regulation Order, which was leased on a Report made by this Committee, was issued in 1911, and came into force after the 31st March, 1912. This Order applies a uniform code to the whole of England and Wales. It allows more scope to Boards of Guardians in the kind of relief which they may give, while retaining the restrictions which experience has shown to be essential to good administration. In certain cases, Guardians can give in-relief or out-relief at their discretion. In other cases, they can give in-relief to a man and his family, or. in exceptional circumstances and subject to certain conditions, may give (a) modified in-relief (in which case the husband is received into an institution and the wife and children are given out-relief), or (b) out- relief to the whole family with a labour test for the husband. Guardians thus liave ready means at hand for aut, as in the case of the Belmont Institution, cases may be received from any Metropolitan Union. The institution has accommodation for 650 cases. At the Bow institution the nursing is done by men, and male nurses are trained there. Something will thus be done to meet the need for trained male nurses, a need which is felt not only in the Poor Law service but generally. An instructive indication of the great improvement effected in recent years in the nursing of the sick in Poor Law institutions is given by the very large increase of the number of nurses employed. In 1897 the total number of nurses was 4,100; in 1907, 6,500; in 1911, nearly 7,500 ; in 1912, over 7,600. There has likewise been a large increase in the number of doctors employed. Aged. Pauperism. — The conditions of the aged poor have been revolutionised by the passing of the Old Age Pensions Act. Compara- tively few persons over 70 years of age are now in receipt of outdoor Poor Law relief other than medical relief. The following table shows the enormous reduction in aged pauperism in consequence of the grant of old age pensions. Persons who had Ijeen in receipt of Poor Law relief ceased to 1)e disqualified for pensions in the year 1911, and it is from that date that the great reduction in aged pauperism has taken place. Number of Persons of 70 years of ar/e and over in receipt of Poor Law relief in England and Wales : — Iniloor relief. Outdoor relief. Total, On 31st March, 1906 ,.. 61,378 168,096 229,474 On 4th January, 1913 ... 49,207 8,563 57,770 Reduction 12,171 159,533 171,704 Reduction per cent. ... 20 95 75 It will be seen that outdoor aged pauperism has practically ceased. A large num])er of aged persons still receive indoor relief. But this is mainly due to the fact that the persons relieved are suffering from ailments which need frequent, often skilled, attention which they cannot receive outside an institution. In many cases, also, aged persons already in a Poor Law institution preferred to continue the sheltered and in many ways comfortable life in the institution rather than to leave and claim their pension. It is estimated that the poor rates of England and Wales have been relieved to the extent of considerably over £1,000,000 a year by the grant of old age pensions to persons who would otherwise 145 [Local Govt. Board] have been a charge on the rates. A Parliamentary Return is in prepara- tion, showing for each union in England and Wales the effect of old age pensions on pauperism over 70 years of age. Children. — Special attention has been given in recent years to the treatment of children. Reference has already been made to the issue in 1910 of a circular letter on the subject. The efforts of the Board have been made especially in three directions : (1) Guardians have been pressed to remove children from work- houses. The efforts of the Board have been very successful. The number of children betMcen the ages of 3 and 16 years who were in work- houses, other than in infirm wards, on the 1st January, 1912, formed only 12 per cent, of the total numl)er of Poor Law children in institutions on that date, and a large proportion of these children were in workhouses only temporarily or for special reasons: thus, a considerable number were being retained only pending arrangements for their being boarded out or removed to a suitable institution. Some Guardians are reluctant to remove children from workhouses, because of the expenditure involved ; but the Board are continuing to exercise steady pressure so as to secure that all children of school age may in ordinary circumstances be maintained away from the workhouse. Numerous Boards of Guardians have provided accommodation for children separate from the workhouse, and new schemes for this piirpose are constantly being submitted to the Board. (2) It has been felt that more supervision was needed of children whose parents are in receipt of outdoor relief. This need has been impressed on Poor Law authorities by the Board by means of circular letters issued by them and l)y the constant advice of their inspectors. Guardians have been urged to appoint women assistant relieving officers, and a large number of authorities have done so, Avith excellent results. Other special arrangements are in force in a number of unions, and in some instances the Guardians instruct their medical officers to report periodically on cases of women with children who are in receipt of out-relief. (3) More systematic provision has been made for the supervision of children boarded out. An Order was issued in 1909, making improved Regulations with regard to the boarding out of children within the union to which they were chargeable. In 1911 a fresh Order was issued consolidating the Regulations with regard to the boarding out of children, applying both to cases where children Avere boarded out within the union of chargeability and to cases where they were placed in homes in some other uni(^n. The Regulations provide for the services of women being utilised to a mucb greater extent than was formerly the case. Three lady inspectors have been added to the staff of the Board, making a total of seven Poor Law lady inspectors in all. Part of the duty of these officers is the inspection of children boarded out. It is also the duty of the lady inspectors to take part in supervising the provision made for the sick poor. Special attention has been given to the inspection of maternity wards, and statistics respecting such wards, published in the Annual Reports of the Board for 1910-11 and 1911-12, indicate that efficient service is being provided. K [Local Govt. Board] 146 Statements have been made that infant mortality is very high in Poor Law institutions. In a special Memorandum* issued by the Board, reference was made to the fallacy of comparing the death-rate in an institution with frequent batches of fresh inmates with the death-rate of the general population. It was further explained that the mortality in these institutions was high Ijecause of " prenatal and maternal conditions entirely unconnected with and inde})endent of the character of the administration of the lying-in- wards." This is very strikingly borne out by the statistics published in the Reports for 1910-11 and 1911-12. Thus, in the former year, 4,502 children were born in certain work- houses, out of which 142 died in the first week of life. Of these deaths 81 were due to premature births, 46 to congenital defects, atrophy, &c., and 3 to congenital syphilis. Information was furnished of the weights at birth of 105 out of the 106 infants in the institutions of the Metropolitan and adjoining unions who died within the first week of life. The average weight at birth of infants in the general population is about 7| lbs. Only 11 of the 105 infants attained this standard. Of the remainder, 91 infants weighed under 7 lbs. at birth, 85 under 6 11)S., 67 under 5 lbs., and 23 under 3 lbs. The average weight of the 105 infants was 4 llis. 6 oz. These figures are very striking. ( )nly a remarkably small proportion of the children who have been brought up for any length of time in Poor Law institutions, and placed out in employment from the institutions, become dependent on the Poor Law in later years. To improve still further the measures now taken by Poor Law authorities for placing out boys in good situations, Mr. Burns has appointed a Committee to make inquiries into the question. The Board consider that emigration affords one of the surest methods of extricating children from pauperism. During the past ten years 4,200 children have been emigrated to Canada under conditions which specially ensure their supervision until they are of an age to support themselves. The reports received from the Canadian Govern- ment Inspectors show that the Poor Law child has done remarkal)ly well in Canada. Mr. Bogue Smart, Chief Inspector of British Immigrant Children in Canada, reports that of 1,744 Poor Law children inspected during 1911, only 16 were found by him to be in homes and situations regarded as unsuitable and unsatisfactory, and only 5 were in indifferent health. Only 29 were found by the Government Inspectors not to be making satisfactory jirogress. For these excellent results "the credit," according to Mr. Bogue Smart, "must be given to the early training of the children." The Casual Poor. — With a view to securing greater uniformity of administraticm in tlie 28 casual wards of the Metropolis, it was decided by the Board to place all the wards under the control of the Metropolitan Asyhims Board ; and this change took effect as from 1st April, 1912. Foiir of the wards were discontinued, Imt the remaining 24 Avere handed over to the Metropolitan Asylums Board, wlio at once took steps to see that the regulations were carried out uniformly in all the establish- ments, that the tasks were equalised and the dietary made the same in all. The effect of administration by one central l)ody has l)een to bring * •' Memorandum by the Locf\l Government Board on Deaths among Infants in Poor Law Institutions,"* 7th April, 1909, II. C. No. 99. Price \d. 147 [Local Cxovt. Board] about a general elasticity in the allocation of accommodation. In addition, all the wards have been connected up by telephone and a central index of vagrants has been established. The inauguration of the new system immediately brought about a marked diminution in the numbers resorting to the casual wards, and whereas prior to the Lst April, 1912, the average daily numbers were Ijetween 1,000 and 1,100, these have now been reduced to an average of al)Out 600. It is interesting to note that this reduction has not increased the numl)er of vagrants making use of the casual wards in the areas adjacent to the Metropolitan area. A comparison of the number of vagrants making use of the casual wards in the 12 imions adjoining London shows that the figures since the 1st April, 1912, have been almost identical with the figures for the corresponding period of the previous year until about October, 1912, when they fell below the figures of the previous year. The reduction in the number of vagrants seeking relief in the London casual wards has enabled the managers to close temporarily no less than seven of the 24 casual wards taken over by them, and am})le and easily accessible accommodation is provided by the 17 casual wards at present open. The problem of how to deal with those who preferred to sleep out of doors still remained, for, though the police could direct such persons to casual wards and charitable agencies, it was difficidt for them to know whether there was vacant accommodation in the casual ward or other institution to which they might send a homeless person. With a view to meeting this difficulty, the formation of a central office was suggested to the Local Government Board by the Metropolitan Homeless Poor Committee. This Committee was formed in 1911 and contains representatives of the Board, other Government Departments, and of charitable agencies. It was suggested that such office might be in touch both with the casual wards and with the various charitalde associations who were willing to co-operate by receiving cases which might be sent to them. The Metropolitan Asylums Board were accordingly invited Ijy the Local Government Board to undertake, as an experimental measure, the inauguration of a scheme of this character for a limited period over a selected area. The Managers readily agreed, and the co-operation of the police and of various charitable agencies having been secured, the scheme Avas brought into operation at the end of October, 1912. The area selected in the first instance for the ex].)eriment covered those portions of the A and E Police Divisions that were adjacent to the Tliames and included the Endxinkment. In February, 1913, it was decided to extend the selected area to the whole of the C and D Police Divisions. The procedure adopted is as follows: — Police officers on duty between the hours of 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. are pro\ided with special tickets, which they distril^ute to persons found wandering or sleeping out in the areas referred to. The tickets are to Ije presented at a central office at Waterloo Bridge. At this office a person presenting the ticket is interviewed by an officer of the Metropolitan Asylums Pxiard, Avho, after taking particulars of the case, gi\'es an order either on one of the co-operating charitable agencies or for a casual ward, as he deems most k2 [Local (rovt. Board] 148 suitahle, and where lie knows that vacant accommodation exists. Every one to whom the ticket is given is assured of food and shelter somewhere if he likes to accept it, while opportunity is afforded through the charitable agencies of helping any case that seems at all likely to respond to remedial treatment. The result of the working of the schemes during Novemher and December, 1912, and January and February, 1913, is shown by the following table : — Nov., Dec, Jan., Feb.. 1912. 1912. 1913. 1913. Total. Tickets issued by Police 2,966 1,600 1,675 1,246 7,487 Tickets presented at (Men ... 2,514 1,396 1,488 1,142 6,540 Central (Jffice "j Women 96 32 36 27 191 Tickets given at Central Office for Charitable Agencies 595 328 537 607 2,067 Which were used... { ^"^'J^^-^ 542 9 302 6 499 14 561 16 1,904 45 ISTot used ... ... i ^jr 1 Women 32 18 21 28 99 12 2 3 2 19 Tickets given at Central Office for Casual Wards 2,015 1,100 987 562 4,664 "\\niich were used ... \ ^^j { Women 967 31 628 8 625 8 331 3 2,551 50 Not used ... ... < ^^r I W omen 973 44 448 16 343 11 222 6 1,986 77 Total numl)er of tickets used . . . 1,549 944 1,146 911 4,550 Percentage of tickets issued by the Police which were used to obtain shelter for the night . . . 52% 59% 68% 73% 61% It will thus Ije seen that of the 7,487 persons to whom tickets were issued l)y the police, 4,550, or about 61 per cent., made use of them and obtained shelter for the night. It must not be assumed that the remaining 39 per cent, were shelterless. In the opinion of many, a large proportion of this class are possessed of means to provide a lodging at their own expense. Those to whom orders for the casual wards are given are nearly all persons who are known frequenters of casual wards, or who have previously had orders on a charital)le agency and have come back again, or whose verminous or dirty condition suggests that it is desirable that they should have the advantage of the opportunities for Ijathing and disinfection of clothing afforded by the casual ward. The charitable agencies report that they have already been al)le to help some of the cases sent to them to a fresh start in life by emigration or otherwise. It is too soon to speak with certainty as to the complete success of the scheme ; ])ut the four months' experience certainly points to success. Thanks to the co-operation of the charitable agencies and the kindly personal efforts of the police, it has already proved possible under the 149 [Local Govt. Board] above scheme to deal with the problem of the Embankment. Tlie object which the Local Government Board and the other authorities concerned had in view was not only to help the deserving members of the class resorting to the Embankment, but to prevent that place remaining, as it has been in the past, a danger spot which has attracted so many in their first moments of adversity and has ultimately brought about their ruin. By clearing this place, a most fruitful recruiting ground of vagrancy has been closed. The success which attended the London experiment prompted the Board to endeavour to effect an improvement in the conditions as regards the relief of casual paupers outside the Metropolitan area. This problem presented some difficulties, since bodies such as the Metropolitan Asylums Board, Avith authority extending over considerable areas, were not available to secure the end in view. The Board issued a circular letter in February, 191.S, ui'ging Guardians to establish Committees consisting of representatives of the different Boards of Guardians in the county, and, if possible, representatives of the Standing Joint Com- mittee. Such Committees would arrange for the uniform administration of the regulations, a discrimination in favour of wayfarers genuinely in search of work, and the provision of a mid-day meal for vagrants. The last arrangement would remove the main excuse for begging, and thus take away a reason for indiscriminate giving of alms which is so strong an encouragement to vagrancy. The Board also issued an Order authorising the Guardians to incur reasonable expenditure in the matter. Economy, &C. — Special attention has been given by the Board to economy in the Poor Law service. Proposals for capital expenditure have been closely scrutinised, and the Board have been able to effect large reductions in the sums which would otherwise have been spent. Among other steps taken by the Board in this direction was the appointment of a Committee to consider the installation and use of engineering plant at Poor Law institutions. A valuable report was produced, which has been of material assistance to the Board and to local authorities in securing a more efficient and economical service. Special inquiries have been made by officers of the Board Avith regard to the proceedings of some Boards of Griardians whose administration seemed to be seriously defective, at Poplar, West Ham, Mile End, Leeds, and elsewhere. These inquiries, with the consequent prosecutions which took place in some of the cases, have had a very salutary effect in securing a higher standard of administration. To prevent the appointment of persons not possessing proper qualifications and to improve administration, the Board issued a circular letter in June, 1910, stating that they would not be prepared to assent, except in special circumstances, to the appointment to a Poor Law post requiring their sanction of any person who had within twelve months of the date of his appointment been a member of the authority making the appointment ; and another circular letter in March, 1912, stating that as a rule they would not be prepared to sanction the appointment of a person to the important office of relieving officer unless he had had experience of duties similar to those which would be required of him. [Local Govt. Board] 150 UNEMPLOYED. The Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905, which came into force on the 11th August, 1905, set up special machinery for providing work for persons who were unemiiloyed owing to exceptional trade depression. It established a Central Body for the whole of London, with Distress Committees for each Metropolitan Borough, and also provided for the setting up of Distress Committees, with the same powers as the Central Body and Distress Committees in London, for the larger l)oroughs and urban districts oiitside London where trade distress might be acute. The Act does not allow of the expenditure of moneys ol)tained from rates for the payment of wages in respect of work i)rovided under the Act. Money required by the Central Body or Distress Committee to meet their expenses in the payment of wages must, therefore, be obtained from voluntary subscriptions, or from grants made by Parliament. Since 1906 Parliament has voted each year a sum to be distributed among the local authorities established under the Act in the United Kingdom. In the first two years of the period, and again in 1909-10, sums of £200,000 were voted. In the year 1908-9, when trade depression was exception- ally severe, the grant was £300,000. In each of the last three years, in view of the improved state of employment, sums of £100,000 only were voted. The distribution of the part of the Parliamentary grant allotted to England and Wales is entrusted to the Local Government Board. During the six years ended the 31st March, 1912, nearly £750,000 was thus distributed. The money was allocated mainly for the execution of works on which persons otherwise unemployed were set to work. Much the largest amount distributed in any year was that for 1908-9, when it amounted to £220,000. Work was provided for nearly 90,000 cases by the Distress Authorities dining that year. From the date of the opera- tion of the Act up to the 31st March, 1912, work has been provided for 313,000 cases in all. The Central (Unemployed) Body for London and the Distress Com- mittees for Districts outside London are also authorised to assist persons to emigrate. More than 21,000 persons have been so assisted since the Act came into operation, and nearly £61,000 of the Parliamentary grant for England and Wales has been allocated for this purpose. In addition, the Central (Unemployed) Body for London and the Distress Committees have spent over £100,000 from local rates in aid of emigration. It has to be remembered that the work of the distress authorities represents only one section of the assistance which is rendered to emigra- tion from public funds. Emigration is also assisted by Poor Law authorities. Special measures, other than those mentioned, were taken during 1908-9 to meet the exceptional amount of unemployment then i)re vail- ing. The Board pressed local authorities to undertake necessary public works during the period of depression, so that work should be found for the unemployed. All that was possible was done to expedite the sanctioning of loans for this [mrpose. Thus the total amount of loans 151 [Local Govt. Board] in respect of public works which were accelerated in consequence of local unemployment was : — During the year ended 31st March, 1908 ... £201,593 „ „ „ „ „ „ 1909 ... 1,707,555 Mention may also be made of some special measures taken to meet the distress due to the coal dispute. Sums amounting to £3,550 were graciously given by Their Majesties the King and Queen and Queen Alexandra and His Koyal Highness the Prince of Wales for the relief of the distress. Mr. Burns was asked to undertake the distriljution of this money. He also received various siims frotn private sources amounting to a little over £300. The moneys received were distributed to districts in which Mr Burns ascertained there was exceptional distress. It is interesting to note that considerable sums were also distributed towards the relief of distress by the High Commissioner of New Zealand, and by the Agent- General of New South Wales, these sums having been contributed in the two Colonies for assisting necessitous persons. Operations under the Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905. Year ended Persons provided with work. Moneys paid from Parliamentary grant. Number of persons 31st March. For execution of works. For emigration. assisted to emigrate. 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 41,321 36,280 37,092 88,190 58,603 28,993 23,011 £ 95,920 110,597 213,435 132,485 67,221 60,933 £ 9,500 1.3,598 7,050 9,600 10,450 10,700 685* 4,532 6,066 1,139 1,702 2,775 4,283 P''or 6 months only. OLD AGE PENSIONS. The Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, which received the Royal Assent on the 1st August, 1908, constituted the Local Government Board the Centi'al Pension Authority. The principal function of the Board is to decide appeals made to them against the decisions of local pension Qommittees allowing or disallowing a claim to an old age pension. An [Local Govt. Board] 152 appeal may be made to the Board liy the pension officer, by the claimant, or by any other person aggrieved by the decision. As will be seen from the Table given at tlie close of this section, a large number of appeals have been received, and the decision of the cases has thrown much work on the staff of the Department. The establishment of local pension committees and of the necessary machinery for deciding appeals had to be undertaken without delay, because the Act provided for the payment, as from the 1st January, 1909, of a pension to every person of 70 years of age or over Avho complied with the statutory conditions and was not disqualified. The claims and appeals were very numerous at first. Tlius between the 1st October, 1908, and the 31st December, 1908, over 5,000 appeals were received by the Board. The Table at the close of this section gives information as to the principal grounds on which appeals have been made. About one-half of the appeals relate to the means of applicants, and the questions to be decided often present many difficulties. Wliere necessary, the Board have caused local investigations to be made by their inspectors. After that of means, the age of claimants has recently been the question most frequently at issue. At first many appeals were received against the refusal of pensions on the ground that the claimant was disqualified by reason of having received ordinary poor relief since the 1st January, 1908. This disqualification was allowed by the Government to expire on the 1st January, 1911, and many persons who had previously been debarred from receiving pensions then became entitled to them. Particulars respecting the remarkable reduction in aged pauperism which has resulted are given in pp. 144-5. It may be added that a person is still disqualified from receiving an old age pension while he is actually in receipt of poor relief not being medical relief or other relief excepted by the Act of 1908. The partial removal of the poor relief disqualification caused a large increase in the number of claims to be considered by pension committees in the latter part of the year 1910, and a corresponding increase in the number of appeals to the Local Government Board against their decisions. Of the 5,455 appeals made during that year, 2,912 were received during the last four months of the year, and a large proportion of these related to claims made by persons who had previously been disqualified by the receipt of poor relief. By the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, some of the provisions of the Act of 1908 which were found by experience to 0})erate harshly on claimants were amended. Thus a number of widows who were originally British subjects but who had ceased to be British subjects by reason of having married aliens, were rendered eligible for pensions by the Act of 1911, and the requirement of residence in the United Kingdom for the 20 years preceding the receipt of a pension was relaxed so as to allow of the payment of a pension to a person who had resided in the United Kingdom for 12 years in the aggregate out of the period of 20 years above mentioned. The mode of calculating the yearly means of a claimant prescribed by the Act of 1908 was also modified by the Act of 1911. and tbe means of one of a married couple living together are now in every case allowed to be taken at one-half the total means of the couple. It was also provided that poor relief given to or in respect of the wife or 153 [Local Govt. Board] relative of a clairaont or pensioner should not disqualify the claimant or pensioner for receivin<>- ov continuing to receive a pension. The modifications made by the amending Act of 1911 have already resulted in qualifying for old age pensions a largo number of persons wlio were previously excluded under the provisions of the Act of 1908. The following Tal)le gives information respecting the appeals made to and decided bv the Board : — Classification of decided Appeals. (Percentage of total number decided). 6 O O' CO 35 CO o^ O 35 -+ t^ lb CO f^5 35 -;t- CO CC I;- o~^ 35 -+ -+ CO t^ CO (N -^ o < — t- ^ CO X 0^ lb CO lb CO 00 -^ ■M CO CO 'M Means. p 35 p !N C<1 o^ lb 35 CO "N 00 ~i- ^f ~T in -f oo Number of Appeals disposed of. "3 8.975 5.662 4.884 6,552 4,985 cC' CO Withdrawn, out-of-time, ?-l O r- -t' "M O i.O 35 CO lO (^ M C^ CO M CO co^ Decided. 8.278 5.412 4,587 6.218 4,738 CO Number of Appeals received. 10.068 5,662 5,455 6,045 4,326 31,556 O 0) 1st October, 1908, to 27th Marcli. 1909 29tli March. 1909, to 81st March, 1910 Year ended 81st March, 1911 Yeai- en. let 1 8 1 st March ,1912 Year en.led 81st March, 1918 Total to 31st March, 1913 ... [Local Govt. Board] 154 The following Table gives the number of persons in receipt of old age pensions on the last Friday in March in each year, and the amount paid in pensions during the financial years ended the 31st March : — Year. England. Wales. Scotland. Ireland. Total United Kingdom. Amount paid in pensions during the iinancial year ended :-ilst March. £ 1909 369,037 24,663 70,294 183,500 647,494 # 1910 414,108 27,381 76,889 180,974 699,352 8,468,128 1911t 575,789 38,084 91,805 201,783 907,461 9,683,441 1912 602,441 40,083 94,319 205,317 942,160 11,714,433 1913 626,753 41,893 96,239 203,036 967,921 (not available) * The scheme of old age pensions came into force on the 1 st January, 1 909, and pensions were, therefore, only payable in respect of the last three months of the financial year. t After relaxation of pauper disqualification on 1st January, 1911. HOUSING AND TOWN PLANNING. Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act, 1909. Additional powers have been conferred on local authorities by the Housing, Town Planning, &c.. Act, 1909, for the purpose of enabling them to deal with insanitary areas and unhealthy dwellings, for facili- tating the provision of houses, and for bringing under control the develop- ment of land in the vicinity of growing centres of population, with a view not only of securing improved .sanitary conditions but also greater amenity and convenience. This important measure may be conveniently summarised as follows : — I. — Sanitary Matters. 1. The Act requires every County Council to have a Medical Officer of Health. He is to devote his whr)le time to his office. The Local Government Boary the Board's CJeneral Order of 13th December, 1910, which made it the duty of IVfedical Officers of Health outside the Metropolis to send to the Board every Monday a statement of the number of cases of infectious disease notified to them during the preceding week. Figures for the Metropolis liave been received weekly for many years. These statements will be of great administrative value to the local Medical Officers of Health. Rag Flock. — Eepresentations having been made to the Board by various local authorities and manufacturers as to the use of dirty tlock in the manufacture of bedding and upholstered furniture, the Board iiistructed one of their medical inspectors to inquire into the matter. It was evident from his report, which was published in 1910, that in some instances rag flock Avas being produced under very unsatisfactory conditions, and it was decided to promote legislation to deal with the matter. The Rag Flock Act, 1911, which was introduced to Parliament by INIr. Burns, prohibits the sale and use of flock manufactured from rags for the purpose of making bedding and upholstered furniture unless the flock conforms to a standard of cleanliness prescribed by Regulations to be made by the Local Government Board. Mr. Burns issued Regulations on the 8th June, 1912, prescribing the standard of cleanliness, and the Act and Regulations came into force on the 1st July, 1912. Intercepting Traps. — There has been much controversy as to the need of providing intercepting traps in house drains in order to prevent foul air from sewers passing into house drains. The Board appointed a Departmental Committee to consider the question. The Committee made a thorough investigation, and reported in December, 1911. The Committee came t(j tlie conclusion that the necessity of providing intercepting traps had not been established on bacteriological grounds ; that traps should not be compulsorily required in ordinary circumstances; that the desirability of requiring traps depended on local conditions; and that the question whether traps should be provided in any particular case should be left to the decision of the local authority. REPORTS ISSUED BY THE MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. Numerous Reports have been issued by the Medical Department of the Board. The Reports are of two main classes : — 1. Reports of inspections and investigations of particular localities. 2. Reports on general subjects. This latter class includes not only Reports made by medical inspectors of the Board, but also Reports made by specially qualified persons not on the Board's stafl'. The following are among the most important of the general Reports : — 1907. Tl\e lodging and accommodation of hop-pickeis and pickers of fruit and vegetables - - - . by Dr. R. Farrar. [Local Govt. Board] 170 1909. The conditions under which pea-pickers are employed - Ijy Dr. 11. Farrar. The lodging of navvies employed on the construction of public works by Dr. R. Farrar. . Preservatives in cream by Dr. Hamill. Flies as carriers of infection (l'J0'J-l'J12), o Reports - by Dr. S. Monekton Cope- man and (Others. The nature, use and manufacture of ferro-silicon - - by Dr. Monekton Copeman. 1910. Enteric fever among hoi)-pickers in Staffordshire and Worcestershire by Dr. Wheaton. Enteric fever carriers by Dr. J. C.G. Ledinghara. Rag iiock by Dr. Farrar and others. Infant and child mortality by the Medical Officer. Entei'ic fever in County Durham - ... by Dr. Wheaton. 1911. On susi)ected cases of human plague in East Suffolk. and on an epizooty of plague in rodents - - by Drs. Bulstrode, Fletcher and Reece. Bleaching of flour ....... by Dr. Hamill and Dr. Monier Williams. Nutritive value of bread made from different varieties of wheat flour ....... ])y Dr. Hamill. Condensed milk ....... by Dr. ('outts. Shell-fish, other than oysters, in relation to disease - by Dr. Bulstrode. 1912. Epidemic poliomyelitis by Dr. Reece and others. Infectious Disease Statistics — England and Wales. r.»ll - by the Medical Officer. Value of boiled milk as a food for infants, (Sec. - - by Dr. J. Lane Claypon. Nature of the colouring matter of flour - - - by Dr. Monier Williams. 1913. Biological propel ties of milk by Dr. J. Lane Claypon. LOANS SANCTIONED TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES. Loans for Sanitary Purposes. — The Local Government Board i.s the Central Department entrusted w'ith the administration of the sanitary laws. ITrhan Councils and, to a smaller extent, Rural District Councils have wide powers of boirowing for sanitary puri)0ses with the sanction of the Board, and the amoiuits, the borrowing of which 171 [Local Govt. Board] liy these authorities has been sanctioned in recent years, are shown in the following Table : — Year ended 81st December. 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911-12 (1st January, 1911 to 31st March, 1912) .. Total (1st January, 1906, to 31st March, 1912) ... 6,214,709 6,041,493 6,531,401 6,252,889 5,553,363 7,460,761 £38,054,616 These loans were largely for purposes of sewerage and sewage disposal, street and highway im})rovenients, including the construction of new streets and bridges, electric ligliting, water supply, housing of the working classes, public walks and pleasure grounds, gasworks, public offices and hospitals. Particulars as to loans for purposes of the housing of the working classes have l)een given in pp. 158-160. The following Table shows the total amounts of the loans sanctioned by the Board from 1st January, 1906, to 31st March, 1912, in respect of some of the other chief items : — Year ended 31st December. Water Supply. Sewerage andSewage disposal. Gasworks. Electric Lighting. Street and Highway Improve- ments. 1906 1907 1908 1909... '.. 1910 1911-12 (1st Jan., 1911, to 31st ]\larch, 1912) £ 431,598 62£,899 369,524 464,877 406,068 568 751 £ 1,698,620 1,117,062 1,026,857 2,100,119 1,432,627 1,685,604 £ 358,450 504,219 325,795 134,075 189,659 223,482 £ 802,678 1,247,781 1,377,268 835,068 814,746 1,374,531 £ 1,488,138 1,130,580 1,592,890 1,257,457 1,252,764 1,529,893 Total (1st Jan., 1906, to 31st Marcb, 1912) 2,870,717 9,060,889 1,735,680 6,452,072 8,251,722 [LocarCrovt. Board] 172 Small Holdings Loans. — The local authorities for purposes connected with the ju'ovision of small holdings are coiuity councils and the councils of county Ijorcjughs. The amounts of loans sanctioned by the Board in this connection were as follows : — Year ended 31st March. County Councils. Year ended 31st December. Councils of County Boroughs. 1908 £ 10,209 1908 f Nil 1909 258,964 1909 35,489 1910 802,967 1910 7,439 1911 761,484 1st. Jan., 1911 to 31st March, 1912 50,926 1912 898,288 ... Total (1908- 1912) ... 2,731,912 Total (1st Jan., 1908, to 31st March, 1912) 93,854 The passing of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, has led to an enormous increase in the number of small holdings and allot- ments. The following Table gives the numlier of acres acquired or agreed to be acquired for small holdings, and the number of applicants provided with small holdings : — Year. Number of Acres acquired or agreed to be acquired. Applicants provided with Small Holdings. 1908 1909 .. ... 1 1910 1 1911 1912 21,653 79,255 35,615 30,540 504 ( 2,321 ( 2,517 2,387 2,463 Total (1908-1912) ... 157,063 10,192 173 [Local Govt. Board] Allotment Loans. — The following Table shows the total amounts sanctioned for the purposes of allotments during recent years : — Year ended 31st December. Urban Councils. Rural District Councils. Parish Councils. Total. 1906 £ 3,718 £ Nil £ 60 £ 3,778 1907 3,940 3,408 Nil 7,348 1908 9,490 — 7,018 16,508 1909 30,979 — 7,032 38,011 1910 12,826 — 2,565 15,391 1st Jan., 1911, to 31st Mar., 1912 30,081 8,080 38,161 Total (1 St Ja to 31st M ruary, 1906, arch, 1912) 119,197 The powers and duties of Rural District Councils under the Allotment Acts were transferred to Parish Councils from the 1st of January, 1908. Loans under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act, 1899. — The following Table gives the amount of the loans sanctioned by the Board: — Year ended 81st December. £ 1906 17,548 1907 10,289 1908 24,867 1909 6,758 1910 28,972 1911 34,220 1912 50,347 Total (1906-1912) £173,001 Loans sanctioned to Parish Councils.— Under the Local Government Act, 1894, Parish Councils arc empowered, with the consent of the Local Government Board and of the County Council, to borrow for certain purposes. Loans have been sanctioned in respect of burial [Local Govt. Board] 174 grounds, recreation grounds, alldtnients and other purposes, amounts sanctioned were as follows: — Year ended 31st December. 1906 £7,338 1907 14,990 1908 32,570 1909 28,063 1910 16,017 1911 17,615 1912 1906- -1912) 39,304 Total ( £155,897 The total Outstanding Loans of Local Authorities.— The anrount of the outstanding loans of Local Autliorities in England and Wales at the end of March in the years 1906 to 1912 was as follows: — 1906 ^ ... ... £479,513,081 1907 ... ... 489,912,388 1908 ... ... 498,092,796 1909 ... 506,024,810 1910 ... ... 536,002,529 1911 ... ... 540,211,480 1912 ... ... 542,400,000* * Approximate only aud si;bject to revision. MISCELLANEOUS. Among matters with which the Board have had to deal in recent years, to which reference has not already been made, may be mentioned the following : — Motor Cars. — Under Section 8 of the Motor Car Act, 1903, the Board are empowered to prohibit or restrict the driving of motor cars or of any special kind of motor cars on any specified highway or part of a highway which does not exceed 16 feet in width, or on which ordinary motor car traffic would, in their opinion, be especially dangerous. Under Section 9 of the Act, with a view to the safety of the public, and on the application of the local aulhority of the area afiected, the Board are empowered to prohibit the driving of motor cars at a speed exceeding 10 miles per hour on any public higlnvay witliin any specified limits or place. Numerous applications have been made from time to time for regulations under these sections, and between the 1st January, 1906, and the 1st October, 1912, Regulations had been issued in 8 cases under Section 8, while in 135 cases Regulations had been issued or promised under Section 9. In consequence of numerous representations which had been made, both in Parliament and elsewhere, respecting the danger and annoyance not infrequently caused by the driving of motor cars, the Board issued a circular in September, 1908, calling attention to the subject. The circular stated that the Board could not but feel that thei-e was good ground for some at least of the complaints that have been made; at the same time they gladly noted a growing desire among motorists to check such abuses as disregaid of the ordinary courtesies of the road and of the rights of wayfarers ; and it was pointed out that the avoidance of such 175 [Local Govt. Board] abuses would do much to reduce the autipathy and resontnicut whidi motor car drivino; often arousecl. Tlie ^lotor Car Acts also empower the Board to make Jvegvdations as to the "use and construction" of motorcars, and in pursuance of these powers the Hoard, in February, 1912, issued Regulations prohibiting the use on motor cars (other than motor cycles) of a "cut-out" or other similar apparatus which jiermits the exhaust gases from the engine to l)ass into the air without first passing through a silencer. In November, 1912, new Regulations Avere issued, of which the effect Avas to extend this prohibition to motor cycles as well as to motor cars. The Board have under consideration the question of issuing regulations to prohil>it the use of dazzling head lights (»n motor cars, and also to deal with what are known as "enclosed cars." A Convention was concluded between various European Powers in October, 1909, for the purpose of facilitating the circulation in foreign countries of motor cars owned by British subjects, and in the United Kingdom of motor cars owned by foreigners. Legislation was necessary to yive effect to the Convention in the United Kingdom, and the Motor Car (International Circulation) Act, 1909, was accordingly passed An outline of the measure is printed on page 177. Under powers con- fer! ed on them by an Order in Council, the Board have delegated to the Royal Automobile Club and the Automobile Association and Motor Union their poAvers as regards the issue of passes in respect of motor cars from this country Avhicli are being used in foreign countries. Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1907.— By this Act Town Councils, Urban District Coiuicils and Rural District Councils were empoAvered to ol)tain, Avithout the troul)le and exi)ense of pronioting Private Bills, A'arious additional poAvers Avhich are based upon certain special provisions contained in recent local Acts. The poAvers thus obtainable relate to streets and buildings, sanitary provisions, infectif)us diseases, common lodging houses, recreation grounds, police, fire lirigades, sky signs and certain miscellaneous objects. Any of the Parts of the Act, or any section in such Parts, may l)e applied to the district of a local authority by an Order of the Board, or, as regards the Parts relating to police, fire brigades and sky signs, liy an < )rder of the Secretary of State. The Act does not extend to the Administrative County of London. The folloAving statement gives the number of a[)plications received by the Board from ToAvn Curials. [Cap. 44.] Removal of Offensive Matter Act.— Removes a difficulty which had arisen from a dilference in the rules as to the hours for removal of offensive matter inside the County of London and in the parts of the MetropoHtan Police District which are outsitjc the County. [Cap. 45.] 1907. Vaccination Act. — Substitutes a statutory declaration as to conscientious objection to vaccination for the certificate of justices hitherto required. [Cap. 31.] Public Health (Regulations as to Food) Act.— Enables the Local Government Board to make regulations authorising measures to be taken for the prevention of danger to public health arising from the importation, storage and distribution of articles of food intended for sale for human consumption. [Cap. 32.] Qualification of Women (County and Borough Councils) Act. — Provides that a woman shall no longer be disqualified by sex or marriage for being elected and acting as a County or Borough Councillor or Alderman. [Cap. 33.] Public Health Acts Amendment Act.— Particulars of the Act are given in p. 175. [Cap. 53.] 1908. Public Health Act. — Enables Rural District Councils for the first time to provide and regulate markets, subject to the consent of the Local Government Board. [Cap. 6.] 1909. Motor Car (International Circulation) Act. — Gives effect to a Convention concluded between various European Powers for the purpose of facilitating the circulation in foreign countries of motor cars owned by British subjects and in the United Kingdom of motor cars owned by foreigners. The Act provides for the issue of an Order in Council, authorising tbe grant and authentication of travelling passes, &c., for the use of residents in the United Kingdom when temporarily taking their motor cars abroad, or to drivers when proceeding abroad, and also for modifying the provisions of the Motor Car Act, 1903, relating to the registration of motor cars and the licensing of motor car drivers in the case of motor cars brought temporarily into the United Kingdom by persons resident abroad and of drivers entering the United Kingdom for the purpose of driving any such cars. M [Local Govt. Board] 178 Tlie idontification of British motor cars travelling in foreign countries and of foreign motor cars travelling in the United Kingdom will thus be secured without the observance of the ordinary formalities attending registration. [Cap. 37.] County Councils' Mortgages Act.— Removes a limitation on the borrowing powers of County Councils imposed by s. 69 (9) of the Local Government Act, 1 888. Tlie sub-section provided that where a County Council had borrowed by means of stock, they should not borrow by way of mortgage, except for a period not exceeding five years. This restriction did not afford any additional security to borrower.s, and was found in practice to lead to inconvenience, particularly in connection with loans desired by County Councils for the purpose of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908. The sub-section in question is repealed by the new Act. [Cap. 38.] Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act.— Amends the law relating to the housing of the working classes ; simplifies and cheapens the existing procedure for acquiring land for housing purposes ; deals with insanitary areas and unhealthy dwellings ; extends and amplifies the provisions of previous Acts requiring landlords to keep in repair houses let to persons of the working class ; gives power to the Local Govern- ment Board to enforce the execution of the Acts ; and makes some useful amendments with respect to financial matters, joint action by local authorities, and so on. Further, the Act is the first placed upon the Statute Book for dealing with Town Planning. Particulars respecting the Act are given in pp. 154-161. [Cap. 44.] 1910. Municipal Corporations Amendment Act. — Limits the right of aldermen of municipal boroughs to vote in the election of mayor and aldermen of the borough. [Cap. 19.] Census (Great Britain) Act. — Provided for the taking of a Census for Great Britain in 1911. [Cap. 27.] 1911. Old Age Pensions Act. — Modifies certain of the statutory conditions for the receipt of an Old Age Pension. Particulars respecting the Act are given in pp. 151-154. [Cap. 16.] Rag Flock Act. — Prohil)its the sale and use for purposes of manufacture of flock which does not conform to a standard of cleanliness prescribed by Regulations of the Local Government Board, [Cap. 52.] 179 [Local Govt. Board] Provisional Orders. 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 Total. Issued by the Board . . - . 49 55 47 35 53 50 59 348 Confirmed by Parliament — Extensions of Cities and Boroughs - — 4 1 4 2 9 5 25 Constitution of County Boroughs 1 1 — — — — 3 5 Alteration of County Boundaries 2 2 — — — — — 4 Compulsory Purchase of Land- 13 8 19 9 15 6 11 81 Alteration, itc, of Local and Confirm- ing Acts 24 34 25 1(5 28 31 26 184 Constitiition of Joint Boards under the Public Health Act, 1875 - 3 2 — 3 3 2 1 14 Untler the Gas and Water Works Facilities Acts, 1870 and 1873 3 — — 2 — 3 3 11 Various --.... 2 3 — 1 2 — — 8 Total 48 54 45 35 50 51* 49 332 * Including one Order carried over from the previous year. The cities and boroughs of which the boundaries were extended by Provisional Orders above referred to were : — Bath. Batley, Birmingham. Burnley. Bury. Cambridge. Carlisle. Chelmsford. Chesterfield. Christchurch. Dewsbury. Dunstable. East Ham. Halifax. Kidderminster. Leeds. IS^orwich. Queenborough. Reading. Sheffield. Southport. Stoke-upon-Trent. Wakefield. Wallsend. The county boroughs constituted were : — Barnsley. Smethwick. Dewsbury. Wallasey. Merthyr Tydvil. M 2 180 POST OFFICE. The Rt. Hon. Sydney Buxton, M.P. „ ^ , ; (1905-10.) Postmaster-General - - - < ^ _ ^^ _ ^ ^^ ^, Ihe Rt. Hon. Herbert Samuel, M.P. (1910.) Minister assisting the Postmaster- ] rv -r? n ii r^r^n r, \ ^ 7 -^ >The Earl of Granard (1906-9.) General . . - . | v / .... D J J ^ 7 f Sir Henry Norman, M.P. (1910.) Assistant Postmaster-General - \ 5 \ / ICapt. Cecil Norton, M.P. (1910.) (^ Sir Henry Babington Smith, K.C.B., C.S.I. (190S-9.) ^ , Sir Matthew Nathan, G.C.M.G. Secretary to the Post Office - - , ^ ^ ^ (1909-11.) Sir Alexander F. King, K.C.B. (1911.) ADMINISTRATION. In the Post Office the work of Administration far exceeds in importance the work of Legislation. The general policy, both of Mr. Sydney Buxton and of Mr. Herbert Samuel, has been to consider alike the interests of the Public whom the Post Oflfice serves and of the employees who serve the Post Office. During their Administrations there has been devoted to these interests jointly, with the assent of the Treasury, a total sum exceeding a million sterling a year. PRINCIPAL DOMESTIC POSTAL IMPROVEMENTS. INLAND POST. Letter Post. — Sale of letter cards at face value — Id. each. Postcards. — Sale of thin postcards at face value — ^d. each. Halfpenny Packet Post. — Simplification and extension of the description of packets that are transmissible by tlie Halfpenny Packet Post. Parcel Post. — (a) Reduction of rates of postage on parcels weighing more than 4 lb. (b) Discontinuance of charge for return of undelivered parcels to the senders. Certificates of Posting. —Issue of certificates of posting for unregistered letters at a fee of ^d. each. 181 [Post Office] His Majesty's Ships. — Further transmission, without charge, of Inland parcels for His Majesty's ships, addressed in prescribed manner, which arrive at a port after ship has left. Blind Literature Post. — Keduction of rates of postage on literature for the blind. Postal Orders. — Reduction of poundage on Postal Orders of 2.s'. and 2s. 6d. from Id. to ^d., and on those of Us. to 15s. from l^d. to Id. Savings Bank. — (a) Introduction of Home Safes for the purpose of encouraging thrift and of effecting economy in the working of the Savings Bank, (b) Introduction of a Coupon System for small accounts in order to diminish working expenses without diminishing public facilities, (c) During the year ended the 31st December, 1911, deposits exceeded withdrawals by £3,528,600 and, adding accrued interest, the total increase in the amount standing to the credit of depositors was £7,623,600, which was a greater increase than in any year since 1897. Government Stock. — Distribution, in September, 1911, of two million copies of a iianiphlet explaining facilities for investment in Government Stock through Savings Bank, followed by a substantial increase in the number of such investments. Postage Stamps. — (a) Issue of Books of Stamps at face value of the stamps they contain ( 2;?. each), with the result that the sale has increased from about one million to six millions, (b) Issue of rolls of postage stamps suitable for use in stamp-aflfixing machines. Stamped Stationery. — Reduction in price of wrappers and enveloites bearing embossed ])Ostage stamps, and issue of such stationery in packets of more convenient size. Delivery of Letters. — Increased frequency of delivery freely given in Rural Districts, even in remote places, with the view of assuring at least three deliveries a week. Earlier delivery and later despatch aftbrded by increased use of cycles by postmen. Conveyance of Mails by Road.— Many horse-drawn vehicles have been replaced by motorHlriveu vehicles, Avith advantage to the postal service and economy to the taxpayer, and motor vans have been introduced with success for conveyance of parcel mails over considerable distances. PRINCIPAL INLAND TELEGRAPHIC IMPROVEMENTS. The use of the telephone by the public for dictating telegrams, and by the Post Office for delivering them to telephone subscribers, and the use of telephone addresses for telegrams, have l^een introduced ; deposit accounts have been opened with senders of inland telegrams ; the validity of reply-paid vouchers has been extended from 2 to 12 months; in certain circumstances press telegrams are accepted in advance, to be sent at night at the night rate ; priority has been granted to Weather Reports or Storm Warnings telegraphed to or by the Meteorological Office. A system of "Night Telegraph Letters " has been introduced at offices open all night for telegraph business. [Post Office] 182 The Coast Communication System, for enaliling Light- house keepers, Coastguards and others, to communicate with Lifeboat and Life-saving apparatus stations in cases of shipwreck, has been extended. The system (if Underground Telegraph Lines to protect the telegraph wires frdui tlic eli'ects of storms lius 1)een considerably extended. The use of telegrapli and telephone wires for either service as may be expedient has lieen deve]o[)ed, and the use of liigh-speed telegraph machines has been extended. Many ncAv technical devices and improve- ments in organization have been adopted. THE TELEPHONE SYSTEM. In the six years ended the 31st March, 1912, the Telephone Trunk Lines were increased by 99,683 miles of wire, and £2,703,585 was expended in extending the system. Local Exchanges were opened in 685 places, nearly all of which were not served by the National Telephone Company, and in these extensions the interests of the fruit- growing business and of other rural industries were specially considered. In many country districts Telephone Call Offices were opened at the village Post ( )ffices to give communication with the market towns. Special cheap rates for Trunk Calls between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. were instituted, and have been much appreciated. The accounts of the Telegra})h and Tele})hone systems were separated so as to show the commercial position of the two services, and to enable the Telephone system to be conducted on a business footing. The progress of the Trunk and local Telephone systems of the Post Office from the 31st March, 1910, to the 31st March, 1912, is shown in the following statement: — Trunk System. Trunk Line Exchant^cs - Mileai^e of wire in working trunk circuits Capital Expenditureou tiunk system Number of trunk conversations during year Provincial System. Post Ottiee I'rdvineial Exeiianges - Mileage of working wire in Post OflSce Provincial Exchange system Capital Expenditure on Provincial system Exchange Receipts (booked revenue) for year London System. Post Office Subscriljeis and Otticial telephones Mileage of underground wires - Capital Expenditure on TiOndon Ex- change system Exchange lleceipts (booked revenue) for year 31st March, 1910. 31st March, 1912. 643 192,770 £5,0.54,572 26,566,318 81)5 58,259 £1,453,456 £192,627 64,200 479,899 £3,630,100 £471,188 714 227,746 £5,601,088 33,499,495 1,141 68,220 £2,036,844 £244,000 81,381 552,973 £4,440,989 £576,000 71 34,976 £546,516 6,933,177 246 9,961 £583.388 £51,373 17,181 73,074 £810,889 £104,812 183 [Post Office] The period has hecn a strenuous one in tJie Telephone Service on account of tlie preparation for and the carrying out of the transfer of the National Telephone Company's plant and assets to the State. On the 1st January, 1912, Post Office telephones were increased sixfold by the transfer; and the fusion of the two systems is well advanced. Nineteen thousand persons were transferred from the service of the National Telephone Company to that of the Post Office. The last two years have also been rich in study and experiment in the engineering and telephone traffic l^ranches of the Post Office. Automatic Exchanges have been opened at Epsom and in the Official Exchange at the head quarters of the department, and are working well. A further Automatic Exchange is being installed at Hereford, and others on a larger scale will be introduced at Leeds and elsewhere. The advantages of the various semi-automatic telephone systems are being investigated. The new Common Battery Exchange, recently opened to replace the National Telephone Company's Avenue Exchange, has been fitted with an improved type of switchboard not hitherto used in this country, and a very quick service is being given during the busy hours by means of the new arrangement, which makes it possible for any of nine operators in the Exchange to attend to a call, whereas under the old method any of three operators only could do so. The new telephone cable, laid between England and France in 1910, is fitted with inductance coils at regular intervals. The efiect of these coils is to reduce the distortion and attenuation of speech, and consequently to increase consideral)ly the ranges over which conversation can be carried on. A new telephone cable, also fitted Avith inductance coils, was laid in 1911 l)etween England and Belgium. The French Administration has just eonq)leted the laying of a cable between England and France, and the rates for telephonic conversations between London and Paris will shortly be reduced by one-half, and at the same time considerable reductions will Ijc made in the charges for communications between provincial towns in the two countries. Telephonic communication will soon be established with Switzerland, and a direct telephone cable between England and Holland has been agreed to. The provision of a new telephone cable fitted with inductance coils between England and Ireland has been authorised. The success shown to attend the use of inductance coils now renders possil)le the provision of much longer underground telejihone lines than was formerly practicable. Experiments are also being made in loading overhead lines in order to get from wires of small gauge the same efficiency as from unloaded circuits of heavy gauge. An effort has been made to increase the use of trunk lines during periods when they are not usually busy, by ofi"ering reduced rates for the use of telephone wires at night for six hours or more, and in respect of extended calls for quarter-hour periods during the slack hours of the day. The terms for extended calls of more than half-an-hour have recently been further reduced. Th(> acquisition of the National Tehqihone Com])any's system affords increased opportunities for combining economically the tele})hone and telegraph services, and in view of this special steps are being taken to bring to the notice of telephone subscribers and of the public generally [Post Office] 184 the advantages of teleplionic delivery of telegrams and of the nse of the telephonic addresses of suhscribers in connection with telegrams. In many cases the telephonic address can now he restricted to three words, and may conveniently he given by a suljscriber on his notepaper as his address for telegrams. The scheme for Rural Party line Telephones for farmers "and other rural residents has been revised, and is meeting with considerable success. Local Advisory Committees have been formed in several large cities in order to bring the Post Office Administration into closer touch with local needs. WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY. The development of this invention and its increasing use have given rise to problems which have lieen closely watched by the Postmaster- General in the public interest. In 1906 Delegates from this country attended the Conference held in Berlin, and took a leading share in framing regulations by which wireless communications between ships at sea and shore stations could be carried on with the minimum of confusion, and intercommunication between the difterent systems arranged. Regulations were also made for the acceptance, transmission and delivery of such messages by means of the ordinary telegraph systems of the various contracting countries. Four experimental stations Avere erected in 1906. In 1908 a commercial shore station for communication with ships was erected at Bolt Head, the Post Office thus being able to keep in close touch with wireless developments in general, and with the development of Channel traffic in particular. In September, 1909, the Postmaster- General entered into agree- ments with the Marconi Company and with Lloyd's, under which all the stations in the United Kingdom used for ship-to-shore messages, and controlled by these two bodies, were bought on favourable terms by the Post Office. By these agreements the State has acquired for a small sum a telegraphic system which will no doul)t be increasingly valual)le to the community, and which ensures that the development of "Wireless" for ship-to-shore purposes shall be conducted for the advantage of the public, and not in the interests of any private monopoly. The right to use the Marconi system for communication Avith the Channel Islands, the Hebrides, the Orkneys and Shetlands, and other islands was also secured. The Post Office now has stations for ship and shore purposes at CuUercoats (Northuml^erland), Caister (Norfolk), North Foreland (Kent), Niton (Isle of AVight), Bolt Head (Devon), Lizard (Cornwall), Seaforth (Liverpool), Rosslare (Wexford), Crookhaven (Cork), and INIalin Head (Donegal). The expansion of the service has shown that a reorganisation of the Coast Stations is necessary, and an expenditure of £16,000 has been authorised for this purpose. An additional station is to be erected in the neighbourhood of the Island of Valentia, in the West of Ireland. Ncav stations will be erected at St. Catherine's Point and Lands End to replace those at Niton and the Lizard respectively, while the station at Rosslare will be transferred to Fishguard. 1 85 [Post Office] The Coast Station antl inland charge of 6^d. a word was reduced on the 1st July, 1911, to 3|r?. a word with a mininuun of l.s. 9d. for radio- telegrams exchanged with ships trading to the Baltic, or to ports less than 1,000 miles distant from the Uniteil Kingdom, and to 2d. a word with a minimum of l^'. 8^. in the case of ships engaged in the Irish and Continental Services, or trading to ports less than 200 miles distant. Radio-telegrams can be accepted at Post Offices for transmission at the rate of Ss. a word by way of the Marconi Company's long range station at Poldliu, in Cornwall, when the ships for which they are intended are beyond the range of the Post Office Coast Stations. Telegrams are also accepted at Post Offices for transmission to North America by the Marconi Company's service via Clifden and Glace Bay at rates less by 4:(L a word than the rates for ordinary telegrams by cable. Special arrangements have l)een made for the free transmission of radio-telegrams to warn ships of the position of derelicts dangerous to navigation. Reports in regard to the weather conditions prevailing at a wireless Coast Station or Lloyd's Signal Stations in the United Kingdom are furnished to ships on payment of a charge of 5s. Por a further payment of 6d., in addition to the cost of the inland telegram and reply, weather reports and forecasts are oljtained from the Meteorological Office. Arrangements have also been made for supplying information as to the state of the weather or a shi})'s position for a payment of 6^/. in addition to the cost of the telegram and reply. Steps are being taken to improve the wireless installations on board tlie Trinity House Lightships stationed at the a])i)roaches to the Thames. The second International Conference on Wireless Telegraphy was held in London in June, 1912. The Berlin Regulations were revised, and many improvements of detail were introduced which are likely to result in the smoother and more efficient working of the service, especially as regards greater security of navigation and saving of life at sea. The revised Regulations will come into force on the 1st of July, 1913, and will apply to the service between ships at sea as well as between ship and shore stations. COLONIAL POSTAL IMPROVEMENTS. Imperial Penny Postage.— From October, 1907, the unit of weight that could Ije sent for a penny was raised from half an ounce to one ounce, so that a letter weighing one ounce now costs Id. instead of -Id. The Imperial Penny Postage scheme has been extended to Brunei, tlie Malay States, the Friendly Islands, Gilbert and EUice Islands, British Solomon Islands, and to the British Indian Post Offices in the Persian Gulf. Australia and Rhodesia reduced their })Ostage rates on letters for the rest of the Empire on the 1st of May, 1911, to Id. per half ounce, thus comi)leting the Imperial I'enny Postage scheme, which now embraces the whole Empire with the exce})tion of Pitcairn Island. The Railway Letter Service has been extended to the Colonial Post. [Post Office] 186 Colonial Parcel Post. — The Postage rate on parcels sent to Canada was rednced on the 1st of January, 1910, from Sd. for the lirst 11). and Qd. for each subsequent lb. to Is. for parcels not over 3 lbs. in weight, 2s. for parcels over 3 lbs. but not over 7 lbs. in weight, and '3s. on parcels over 7 lbs. but not over 1 1 lbs. in weight ; and the rate on parcels sent in the opposite direction has been reduced to 6d. per lb. The rate on parcels for the })rovinces of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State has l)een reduced from Is. to 9d. per lb., which thus l)ecoines the uniform rate for the whole of the Union of South Africa. Magazine Post. — In order to meet the special case of Canada, the postage on newspa})ers, magazines and trade journals for Canada was very largely reduced in 1907 — from 4rf. to Id. per lb. The circulation in Canada of British literature has thereby been largely encouraged, to the benefit of the Imperial and commercial connexion. The weight of newspapers, magazines and trade journals sent to Canada Ijy Magazine Post during the year 1911 was 4,717,000 lbs., as com})ared with 3,836,000 ll)s. in 1910. The benefit of this Post was extended to Newfoundland in 1909. Cash on Delivery (Colonial). — This service, enaljling a customer aljroad to pay the postman on delivery for goods ordered in this country, and vice versa, has been estaljlished between the United Kingdom, Egy[)t (including the Soudan), the British Agencies in Morocco and in the Levant, and many of the smaller Colonies. The service has justified the hope expressed at its estaldishment, that it would hel}) to foster within the Empire a trade in small articles which can conveniently be sent by post. Imperial Postal Orders. — Imjierial Postal Orders are now cashed at the most important city Post (Offices in Canada. Witli the exception of the Commonwealth of Australia, the system now includes practically the whole of the Empire. Money Order System. — A system by means of which the sender of a Money Order may l)e advised of its delivery is now in force almost throughout the Empire. The charges on Money Orders have been substantially reduced. Telegraph Money Orders have been exchanged with Canada since the 1st of January, 1910, and with Newfoundland since June, 1910. FOREIGN POSTAL IMPROVEMENTS. Foreign Postage.— (a) Ou the 1st of Octol)er, 1907, substantial reductions were made in the rates of jiostage on letters sent from the United Kingdom to foreign countries. The initial rate, wliich remains at '2\d., now covers a weight of one ounce, instead of only half an ounce, the second rate, instead of being 2^d., is \^d. only, and this charge covers an additional ounce instead of only half an ounce. For every additional ounce the charge is only l|rf. Thus, a 2-ounce letter that previously cost \Qd. now costs only Id. {b) In order to enable the return postage on foreign letters to be jiaid, or a small remittance to be sent, a " Keply Coupon" has been introduced, (c) Writing on the address side of }iost cards is now [)ermissil)le. {d) The Railway Lettei' Service has been extended to the Foreign Post. l.'^T [Post Office] American Penny Post. — Mr. Buxton i)rnp((se(l ami the Post- mastev-Geiieral of the United States of America agreed to a special arrangement, under wliich the scale of the British Imperial Penny Post (viz., Id. \wv ounce) was introduced between tlie two countries on October 1st, 1908. In conjunction with the reform in Foreign Postage mentioned above, the reduction in rates is striking. A letter which \i\) to Sei)tember, 1907, cost 5cZ., can now go to the United States for Id, and one whicli cost lOd., now costs 'Id. only. The reduction in the postage has resulted in a substantial increase in the amount of correspondence sent by letter post between this country and the United States of America. Foreign Parcel Post. — The Official Parct-l Poc^t to the United States of America has been extended to include Parcels up to 11 lbs., and the rates have been reduced to Is. 3d. for parcels not over 3 l])s. in weight, 2.S'. 3(L for parcels over 3 lbs. but not over 7 lbs. in weight, 3s. 3d. for })arcels o\er 7 11)S. but not over 11 lbs. in weight. The rates on parcels for Japan were reduced in October, 1907, to '2s., 3s., 4s. for the same three points of the scale. Reduced i)arcel jjostage rates were brought into operation in Octol)er, 1912, with all European countries, except France, as well as with many extra-European countries. Negotiations are proceeding for similar reductions with other countries, including France. New services have been estaljlished with several States in Central and South America. A service with Russia in Asia, Ja})an and Northern INIanchuria by the Siberian Railway is noAV in force. Insured Letter and Parcel and Box System.— The Insured Box I'ost has been estaljlished l)etween this country and the principal Continental countries, to enable articles of value, jewellery, &c., to be sent by Post. The fees for the Insurance of letters, parcels and boxes have been reduced from 5d. to id. for the first .£12 of the insured value, and from '2^d. to '2d. for every additional sum of £12 of insured value. The maximum of the insured value has been raised in many cases to £400. Foreign Money Orders. — The Money Order Service has been consideral )ly extended. The Telegraph Money Order Service has Ijeen extended to the United States of America and to Japan, as well as to most European countries. The Advice of Payment System is universal throughout Europe, with the exception of Finland. FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TELEGRAPH IMPROVEMENTS. Telegraph Conference. — As a result of the Lisbon Conference, the rates for telegrams t(j many European Countries have been reduced by ^d. a word since June, 1909. From To M. 2^d. b^d. 4d.. 8hd. 5^d. 3d. 2^d. Sd. 1\d. V- 4id 4/2 4/2 3/- to 6/5 4/2 5/6 & 5/9 2/9 2/9 1/7 to 5/- 2/9 2/9 & 3/- 4/2 3/4 4/2 3/11 & 4/2 4/2 2/9 3/1 k 3/4 2/9 4/2 & 6/2 2/9 & 4/9 3/6 & 3/9 4/2 3/1 & 3/4 2/9 [Post Office] 188 In addition the following reductions have heon made in the past two years: — Denmark ... Faroe Islands Iceland Norway Sweden Eussia in Asia Central and South America — Argentine Republic ... Bolivia Brazil ... Chili Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Nicaragua Paraguay Peru ... Salvador Uruguay The rates to places in West Africa have been reduced by amounts varying between 4(i. and 1/4 a word. Non-urgent }ilain language telegrams at reduced rates were intro- duced with places in Canada, Newfoundland and the United States on the 15th December, 1911, by means of "Day" and "Week end" Cable Letter services. Day Cable Letters are accejited on any day, and are not delivered before the next day. Week end Cable Letters are accepted up to Saturday, and are not delivered before the following Monday. For " Day Letters " the rates are al)0ut one-third, and for " Week end Letters " about one-fourth of the ordinary rates. In November, 1912, a service of Week end Cable Letters with South Africa, Rhodesia and British Central Africa was introduced, the rate being about one-fifth of the ordinary rate. In January, 1913, a service of Week end Cable Letters with Australia and New Zealand was introduced at about one-fourth of the ordinary rate, and in March, 1913, a service of Week end Cable Letters with the Argentine Republic was introduced, the rate being less than one-third of the ordinary rate. In all these services delivery is not made before Tuesday. On the 1st January, 1912, the rates for plain language telegrams to the British Oversea Dondnions and the United States were reduced by 50 per cent, on the condition that the telegrams may, if necessary, l)e deferred for not more than 24 hours in favour of full rate traffic. This system has since been extended to a number of other places, including Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the treaty ports of China, and French, German and Portuguese Colonies. On the 1st January, 1913, the rates for this class of telegrams to Canada, Newfoundland and the United States were further reduced. 189 [Post Office] A reduced rate for non-urgent Press telegrams between the United Kingdom and places in North America and Australasia was introduced on the 6th Deceml)er, 1911. The charge for those to North America was reduced from 5d. to 2^d. a word, and those to Australasia from 9d. to 4:^d. a word. An improvement was made in the conditions of this service in September, 1912, the rate for ordinary Press telegrams being at the same time reduced to 3^d. a word in the case of North America and to 2^d. a word in the case of Australasia. The rate of S^d. a word had been adopted in the service of ordinary Press telegrams with the South African Union since the 1st of March, 1912. On the 1st of October, 1912, the rates for Press telegrams to India and Ceylon Avere reduced from 9d. to 4c?. and from 9|r?. to 4|f7. respectively. Fast speed apparatus, especially the Baudot type, has lieen intro- duced with considerable success on the Continental circuits. The Anglo-Norwegian Telegraph Service was acquired by the British and Norwegian Governments on the 1st of January, 1911, and a new cable was laid between the United Kingdom and Norway for the purpose of improving the service. Arrangements are being made to secure Government control over the rates charged by Cable Companies, through their licences to land cables. The proposal is that, whenever such a course appears necessary, the rates should be fixed by the Government at whatever amount appears reason- able Avith reference to the Company's receipts and expenditure, and that in the event of difference the matter should be referred to arbitration. BUILDINGS. In connection with the provision of new buildings care is taken that, so far as is practicable, such buildings should be of a design likely to meet the wishes of the community and to be in harmony with surrounding Iniildings, and permis.sion is readily granted to Town Councils and other public bodies to inspect the elevation sketches. In dealing with buildings of historical or antiquarian interest the Postmaster-General follows the most conservative course open to him in each particular case. Chetwynd House, Stafford, for example, has been converted to the uses of the Post Office Avithout any disturbance of the existing fa§ade. THE POSTMASTER-GENERAL AS EMPLOYER. CONTRACT LABOUR. Mail Cart Drivers. — Every representation comiilaining of low rates of wages or long hours of Mail Cart Drivers is carefully examined, and in London and several provincial towns considerable improvements have been obtained, either under the Pair Wage Clause, or by special negotiation. Slack Times. — Where it can conveniently be arranged, Post Office Contract work is performed, and delivery made, at times of year when the particular trade generally is slack, [Post Office] 190 Inspection. — A Post Office Inspector lias been appointed, to enable the Postmaster-General to obtain information in reference to, and to exercise control over, the laljour conditions under which contracts are carried out. The resulting inspections have enabled eiTective communi- cations to be made to Contractors. In a few cases the inquiries have resulted in a firm being struck off the Post Office list. Fair Wage Clause. — In March, 1909, Mr. Buxton, on behalf of the Government, moved and carried the following as an amendment to a Resolution of the Labriur Party: — "That in the opinion of the House the Fair Wages Clauses in Government Contracts should be amended so as to provide as follows: — The Contractor shall, under the penalty of a fine or otherwise, pay rates of wages and observe hours of labour not less favc^urable than those commonly recognised by employers and trade societies (or, in the absence of such recognised wages and hours, those which, in practice, prevail amongst good em})loyers) in the trade in the district where the work is carried out. Where there are no such wages and hours recognised or prevailing in the district, those recognised or prevailing in the nearest district in which the general industrial circumstances are similar shall be adopted. Further, the conditions of employment generally accepted in the district in the trade concerned shall be taken into account in considering how far the terms of the Fair Wages Clause are l)eing observed. The Contractor shall be prohil)ited from transferring or assigning, directly or indirectly, to any person or persons whatever, any portion of his contract without the written permission of the Department. Sub-letting, other than that which may he customary in the trade concerned, shall l)e prohibited. The Contractor shall be responsible for the observance of the Fair Wages Clauses by tlie sub-Contractor." Fair Wages Clauses, based on this Resolution, are now inserted in all Post Office and other Government Contracts. The Fair Wages Advisory Committee was appointed by the Treasury in March, 1909, to advise Government Departments how to carry these clauses into effect. On this advice the Post Office has strengthened its enforcement of the Fair Wages Resolution. POST OFFICE CONTRACTS. The Contracts for Lead-glazed Insulators now provide that the amount of soluble lead in the glaze shall not exceed 2 per cent. ; and eft'ect has thus been given to the recommendation of the Committee on Lead in Potteries that the percentage of soluble lead should be kept as low as possible. The use of leadless glazed insulators has increased. In 1910 the Post Office took over from the War Office the work of making contracts for the cloth, tweed, &c., required for Post Office Uniform clothing. Since 1908 it has been the practice, whenever possible, to invite separate tenders for stores earmarked for use in Ireland — to be delivered in Dublin. 191 [Post Office] POST OFFICE STAFF. In 1906 (a) A Parlianientary Committee was appointed to consider the question of tlie wages and conditions of service of the various chisses of Post Office servants. Under the recommendations of this Committee, which the Postmaster-General carried out, the pay of numerous classes was increased, and the conditions of service materially improved. The increase in the wage l)ill of the Post (!)ffice, resulting from the " Hohhouse Revision," ultimately amounts to more than £700,000. (b) The question of the employment of Ijoys as messengers has received very careful consideration in order that the services of as many of them as possible may be retained by the Post Office. The Standing Committee appointed to consider the problem of Boy Labour has presented two Reports, and substantial progress has been made in giving effect to their recommendations. The principle of compulsory attendance at evening classes has been introduced at many Offices, (c) The u^se of overtime and of auxiliary labour has been discouraged and reduced where possible. In 1911, as compared with 1910, a decrease of 1,568 in the number of unestablished and part-time persons employed was accompanied l)y a substantial increase in the number of full-time established staff. No separate attendance of an Auxiliary now counts as less than one hour, (d) Telegraphists' Cramp has been scheduled as an occupational disease. A Departmental Committee, including a representative of the Staff, has made an exhaustive examination of the prol)lems presented by this disease, and action is being taken upon its re})ort. (e) Inquiry has been made into the effect of stair climl)ing and cycling and into the pro})er weight to ])e carried ])y Postmen. (/') At the Mount Pleasant and Holloway Factories the work and the staff have been, as far as possible, placed on a uniform basis, so as to minimise ups and downs, undue engagement of men at one time, with consequent discharges and short time at another. ((/) A " Suggestion Scheme " has been introduced under which awards are made to workmen for suggestions tending to the improvement of machines, tools, apparatus, methods of manufacture, prevention of accidents, ifec. It has had valuable results. (h) In providing the additional staff required at Christmas, preference is given to those who are out of Avork. Many of these men are obtained through Labour Exchanges. Their wages have been raised in London from '20s. to 24s. a week. (i) With the approval of numerous Local Authorities,- the hours of business on Sunday in England, Ireland and Wales have been generally reduced by half an hour, and are now usually 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday labour is thereby appreciably diminished. At Telegraph Sub-Offices the grant of half-holidays and the restriction of attendance on Bank Holidays has been extended. Since the passing of the Shops Act into law the grant of a weekly half-holiday has been extended to many more Sub-offices. One shilling has been fixed as the least amount payable to an Indoor Officer for attendance on Sunday. (J) The scheme of Meal Relief has been improved, (k) Several con- cessions have been made to Scale Payment Sub-postmasters. (I) A general revision of subsistence allowances has been carried out. More recent concessions have lieen the reduction in hours of Female Typists in London, the restoration of a 7 hours day to Assistant Supervisors [Post Office] 192 (Class IT.) employed on Postal and Telegraph work in London and the () largest provincial offices, and the ivtention of the scale of pay recom- mended for an 8 hours day, the conversion of a large number of unesta1)lished Assistantshijjs intf) posts for estahlished Sorting Clerks and Telegraphists, the imi)rovement of the pay of the Surveying establish- ment, a reduction in the amount of stair-climbing to be done by Postmen in L(mdon, important changes introduced on medical advice to benefit the health of Teleijhonists, such as the provision of rest rooms, the abolition of long and short duties, ersonal relations between the Postmaster-General, the Secretariat, and the local officials, and the representatives of the Staff" have been estal)lished. Associations may now make representations on the conditions of service of individuals and, within certain restrictions, on individual discipline cases. The right of appeal by individual officers to the Postmaster-General, wliere thoy consider they have a grievance, has been emphasised. Political Influence. — Political considerations have been excluded in the appointment of sub-postmasters and medical officers. OLD AGE PENSIONS. The first ])ayments under the Old Age Pension Act of 1908 were maile on the 1st of January, 1909. The duty of paying Old Age Pensions and of furnishing information and help to applicants for pensiims was placed upon the Post (Mce. The necessary arrangements were made and the work performed throughout the country with entire success. During the year ended the 3 1st ^Nlarch, 1912, the number of Pension (Orders paid was 47,991,464, re})resenting an amount of £11,704,396. The removal on the 1st January, 1911, of disqualification for pension in respect of previous receipt of Poor Relief was responsible for a large increase. Certain duties connected with existing fimctions of the Post Office are undertaken by the Post Office in connexion with the Labour Exchanges and the National Schemes of Health and Unemployment Insurance, 193 [Post Office] COMMITTEES. Committees have been api»oiuted to inquire into the following subjects, amongst others : — (a) Whether the Post Office should under- take "Workmen's Compensation Insurance, (h) How the Telegraph and Telephone Accounts of the I'ost ( )ffice should best be kept separately. (r.) Whether the method of dealing with Press Telegrams could l)e improved. (c7) "\\^iat steps could he taken to prevent trawlers from damaging cal)les. (e) Whether the Life Insurance system of the Post Office sliduld be encouraged. (/') Whether further decentralisation is possilile in Post Office Administration. {(/) Wliether the organization of the Post Office Factories can be made more economical and efficient. {h) Whether the fittings in use in the Post Office can be improved and standardized, (i) Whether steps can be taken to reduce the strain of their duties upon Telephonists, (j) Whether anything can be done to render cases of the disease known as Telegraphists' Cramp still rarer than they are. Committees have been appointed to deal with questions in connexion with the National Telephone Company's transfer, the (Organisation of the Returned Letter Office, the Standardisation of Forms, and other administrative questions. A Standing Committee on Boy Lal)our in the Post Office has been set up. These Committees have reported and in most cases efiect has already been given to their recommendations. LEGISLATION. 1906. Wireless Telegraphy Act. — Continues the Act of 1904. [Cap. 13.] Post Office (Literature for the Blind) Act.— Enables the Postmaster-General to make arrangements for literature used by blind persons to be sent through the post at reduced rates. [Cap. 22.] Post Office (Money Orders) Act. — Enables small sums of money to be sent between British Protectorates and foreign countries on the one hand and the United Kingdom on the other. [Cap. 4.] 1907. Telegraph (Money) Act. -Provides a sum of £6,000,000 for the more rapid extension of tlie Telephone (Trunk and Exchange) system of the country. [Cap. 6.] 1908. Post Office Savings Bank Act. — Effects economy in the Avorking of the Savings Bank. [Cap. 8.] N [Post Office] 194 Telegraph Construction Act. — Increases the powers of the Postmaster-General to deal with wayleave obstruction, and so to provide telegraph and telephone lines for the advantage of the public. [Cap. 33.] Post OflQce Savings Bank (Public Trustee) Act.— Enables the Public Trustee to open more than one account in the Savings Bank. [Cap. 52.] Post OflBce Act (Consolidation). — Supersedes twenty-six Acts wholly and ten others in part. [Cap. 48.] 1909. Telegraph (Arbitration) Act. — Provides for the arbitration on the purchase of the National Telephone Company's system. [Cap. 20.] Assistant Postmaster-General Act.— Enables the Post- master-General to appoint a paid Assistant Postmaster-General in either House. [Cap. 14. J 1911. Telephone Transfer Act [Cap. 26] and Telephone Transfer Amendment Act [Cap. 56]. — Provide for tlie transfer to the State of the National Telephone Company's Undertaking. The Telegraph (Construction) Act. — Provides for the construction and maintenance by the Postmaster-General of short sections of telegraph (and telephone) lines on railways and canals. [Cap. 39.] 195 SCOTTISH OFFICE. Secretary for Scotland Lord Advocate Solicitor-General The Rt. Hon. John Sinclair, M.P. [Lord Pentland, 1909] The Rt. Hon.T. McKinnon Wood, M.P. The Rt. Hon. Thomas Shaw, K.C, M.P. [Lord Shaiv] The Rt. Hon. Alexander Ure, K.C, M.P. The Rt. Hon. Alexander Ure, K.C, M.P. Arthur Dewar, Esq., K.C, M.P. William Hunter, Esq., K.C, M.P. A. M. Anderson, Esq., K.C Permanent f Sir Reginald Maclbod, K.CB, Undei' Secretai-y ' Sir James Miller Dodds, K.CB. {1906-12.) {1912.) (1900-9.) {1909.) (1906-9.) (1909-10.) (1910-11 ) (1911.) (1902-9.) (1909.) ADMINISTRATION. SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND'S DEPARTMENT. TJic Secretary for Scotland is responsible to Parliament for all branches of Scottish administration excepting services like the Post Office, Collection of Revenue, and Regulation of Mines and Factories, which are vmder the control of a single Minister for the whole of Great Britain or of the United Kingdom. With similar exceptions. Govern- ment legislation aifecting Scotland is conducted by the Secretary for Scotland aided by the Lord Advocate. In addition, the Secretary for Scotland has immediate control of a Department whose province includes advice in matters touching the Royal Prerogative, supervision of the administration of police forces and of prisons, lunatic asylums, institutions for inebriates, &c., the duties of a central authority in regard to Inirgh and county government, the distri- bution of grants in aid of local taxation, the administration of reformatory and industrial schools, ratification in certain cases of the decisions of Departments like the Fishery Board for Scotland, the making of Provi- sional Orders in the sphere of local legislation, and a variety of other subjects. Municipal and County Government.— During the j.ast seven years, the Secretary for Scotland has issued, under various Acts, Orders for altering comity council electoral divisions, for modifying the boundaries of parishes, for meeting cases where an insufficient number of ^2 [Scottish Office] 196 county coTineillors have heen elected, for varying the dates of election of town councillors in fishing burghs. He has annually appointed auditors of the accounts of county councils and town councils, and has decided whether or not surcharges ought to he made in respect of items reported on by county auditors. In a numl:)er of cases he has authorised the exercise of statutory powers to borrow money. In addition to general Orders governing the construction and UvSe of motor cars and heavy motor cars, the Secretary for Scotland has made approximately 100 Orders regulating motor car traffic on the roads of particular burghs and counties. He has made Orders under the Wild Birds Acts for the protection of birds and their eggs. He has issued regulations and memoranda relating to the Shops Acts and has confirmed numerous Orders fixing the times of closing of shops. Orders have been made for the protection of the pul)lic from danger, as, for example, in connection with cinematograph exhil)i- tions. ]!^umerous Bye-laws have been confirmed under the Biu-gh Police Acts, the Local Government Acts, the Licensing Act, the Public Parks Act, &c., &c. As a recent instance, about 60 sets of Bye-laws for the regulation of registered " places for public refreshment " under the Burgh Police Acts, 1903 and 1911, have been confirmed up to January, 1913. On the passing of important Acts affecting Scotland, circulars have been issued to local authorities by the Scottish Office explanatory of the new legislation and of the action required to be taken by local authorities. Prisons, Police, &C. — The Secretary for Scotland has made or approved various Orders relating to the treatment of particular classes of prisoners. Many improvements have been made in the structure and acconmaodation of prisons with regard to considerations of reformation, health, exercise and suitable employment for prisoners. The pay and conditions of the staff of the prisons' service have been materially improved. Ne^v premises at Polmont have been acquired and equipped with a view to the reformation of youthful offenders on the lines of the Borstal system. Rules have been made under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907, which is designed to save, wherever possible, the necessity for im})risonment by siTl)stituting a system of supervision over the laAV-breakers concerned. The Secretary for Scotland has recon- stituted a number of Prison Visiting Connnittees, and has aj^pointed women as members of the Committees in the case of the chief prisons. In regard to local Police forces, the Secretary for Scotland has approved numerous proposals hj local authorities for increases of the numbers and pay found necessary in the interests of the protection of the public and of the efficient organisation of the forces. Instructions and advice have also been given as to the action to be taken in the event of special emergencies. Reformatory and Industrial Schools.— The important amendments in the law made by tlic Children Act, 1908, have been l)rought into practical operation with the co-operation of the local authorities, managers of institutions and others concerned. Additional funds have been provided from the Exche(|uer, on the recommendation of the Secretary for Scotland, to enable Keformatory and Industrial Schools to be more efficiently conduct<'(l with a view to the immediate and future Avelfare of the inmates. After the passing of the Children 197 [Scottish Office] Act, the Secretary for Scotland made Orders adapting the local Acts which Avere in force in Glasgow and Aberdeen to the new conditions. Tlie erection of new schools and of improved buildings has been sanctioned in a nund)er of instances. Measures have been taken to ensure proper safeguards in the case of children who leave the schools to go to tlie Colonies. Fisheries. — Tlie Secretary for Scotland has confirmed numerous Byedaws made l)y the Fishery Board for Scotland regulating special methods of fishing in particular areas. He issued imder the Trawling in Prohibited Areas Prevention Act, 1909, regidations for bringing the Act into operation. He has made a number of Orders varying the period during which rod-fishing for salmon is to be permissible. Upon the passing of the Development Act, 1909, the Secretary for Scotland asked the Fishery Board for Scotland to consider the question of seeking aid from the Development Fund for the development of Scottish fisheries As a result of inquiries and reconnnendations made by the Board, large advances (exceeding £100,000) have been made from the Fvuid for the improvement of Scottisli fishery har])Ours. Under the Whale Fisheries (Scotland) Act, 1907, the Secretary for Scotland confirmed a Bye-law prescribing a close season of 5 weeks during which licence holders are prohibited from killmg or landing whales. (See also pp. 201-2.) Private Legislation. — Under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, 1899, and other powers, the Secretary for Scotland has made during the last seven years about a hundred Provisional Orders conferring powers (subject to confirmation by Parliament) for water, gas, and tramway undertakings and for a variety of other purposes. He has also made Reports to Parliamentary Committees in a number of cases on Private Bills relating to Scotland. Inquiries by Royal Commissions. Departmental Com- mittees. — The Secretary for Scotland has recommended the a})i)ointment of Koyal Commissions, and has himself appointed Departmental Com- mittees of ln(|uiry, on a variety of sulijects, inchiding Scottish Housing, Registration of Title, Ancient Monuments in Scotland, House-letting, Poultry lireeding, Live Stock and Agriculture in the Congested Districts, minor Legal Appointments, Fiars Prices, the law relating to Inebriates, Fisheries, and Bankruptcy Law Amendment. MISCELLANEOUS. Accession and Coronation of H.M. King George the Fifth. — Various arrangements relating to the Proclamation of His Majesty in Scotland, and other matters connected with his Accession and Coronation, were made \)\ the Secretary for Scotland, who also had general charge of tlie arrangements in connection with the visit paid by Their Majesties to Edinlnirgh in July, 1911. Census of 1911. — Tlie Secretary for Scotland, in terms of the Census ((in'aL Ihitain) Act, 1910, superintended the taking of the Census for Scotland, and approved various forms and instructions pre- pared by the Registrar-General for Scotland for that purpose. Various [Scottish Office] 198 changes liave been made in the method of classification of the data obtained by the Census, with a view to rendering the results of greater interest and value. Returns. — Information on a variety of sulgects of pul)lic interest lias heen collected by the Scottish Office or the Crown Office in the form of Returns desired by Parliament, or for other purposes. International Investigation. — The Secretary for Scotland has nominated one of the British representatives at each of the meetings of the International Council for the Investigation of the North Sea. One section of the Investigation is being conducted by the Fishery Board for Scotland. National Galleries. — Following upon the passing of the National Galleries of Scotland Act, 1906, Avliich made additional fmids available for the maintenance of the Scottish National Galleries, greatly improved accommodation has been provided for the national collection of pictures and for the Royal Scottish Academy's annual exhil)itiou and other exhibitions. Important additions have been made to the contents of the galleries, and in order to give the pul)lic wider opportunities for seeing the new pictures they are sent for exhiltition for a period in each of the cities of Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. CONGESTED DISTRICTS BOARD. Extension of Administrative Area. — The question of enlarging the area over which the benetits of the Act might be applied was brought under the notice of the Board, and on 13th April, 1911, a resolution was adopted, which, in effect, increased the number of parishes classed as congested from 65 to 151, and made the congested area coincide with the crofting area, as determined vmder Section 34 of the Crofters' Holdings (Scotland) Act, 1886, with the exception of all town, burghal and large village areas in that area. Small Holdings.— Since the year 1897 the Congested Districts B(jar(l have oljtained over 133,000 acres of land for new holdings and enlargements of existing holdings. As a result, the Board have provided for 640 new holdings and 1,138 enlargements of existing holdings. The total sum the Board have expended during the last fifteen years for the purchase and adaptation of land suitable for small lioldings and for loans for house Ijuilding amounts in all to £380,914, which has l)een wholly paid out of their annual income. The farm of Yatersay having been purchased from Lady Cathcart in the year 1909, the Board arranged a scheme for the settlement of the island l)y dividing it into 58 holdings, grouped in four townships, the utluT portions of the farm being sublet for grazing. The settlers hold as tenants from the Board under the Crofters' Holdings Acts, and partial satisfaction lias thus been given to the demand for land among the cottar poi)uIation at this end of the Long Island. The Board i)ractically completed the work of settKng their estate at Kilmuir, on the lines of retaining their interest as proprietors and 199 [Scottish Office] allowing the settlers, old and new, to hold from them as tenants under the Crofters' Holdings Acts. Existing congested townships have been relieved l)y enlargements, and all the available farms, except Monkstadt, which has been retained as a stud farm, have been subdivided to form neAV townships. During the last year of their existence the Board entered into negotiations for the purchase of the arable farm of Seafield, situated on the isthmus connecting Tarbat Ness with the main portion of the county ()f Ross. These negotiations were concluded at Martinmas, 1911, and tlie lands purchased for the sum of £9,325, with entry at that date. Tlie farm was then subdivided and adapted by the Board for occupation l)y small holders. Twenty-five tenants were settled on the lands, seven of the holdings being of a fairly large type, and the remainder being allotments to neighbouring villagers. The tenant purchasers settled upon the Board's estates of Syre and Barra made representations to the Board that they found it impossible to continue under their agreements, and expressed a desire to abandon their position and revert to ordinary tenancy similar to that conferred by the Crofters' Acts. The Board, after mature consideration, consented to the adoption of this course, and an agreement was entered into with the settlers whereby it was decided that the various holdings should he re- valued by an arbiter appointed by or on behalf of the settlers, and that the new arrangement should take effect as from Martinmas, 1911. Agriculture. — In connection with agriculture the Board have a small stud in Skye, from which pony stallions are sent to various districts. They also aid local conuuittees to obtain stallions. The Board have supplied 679 bulls and 2,378 rams since their constitution in 1897. Works, &C. — Among the important works for which the Board have made recent grants may be mentioned the proposed pier at Gott Bay, Tiree, viz., three-fourths of the estimated cost (.£13,800); boat-slips and piers in Lewis, Sutherland, Caithness and Zetland. The Board have also promised a grant of £3,375 towards the long-contemplated Eastside Road in Skye. Besides making grants for various roads in the Lochs parish of Lewis, they offered the Lewis District Committee £3,000 ]ier annum for five years to help to complete the road system of the island. Considerable progress has been made with all these works. The Board have also helped in the establishment of telegraph offices and mcmey order offices in various districts, and in steamer and motor services for the development of fisheries, &c. They have obtained situations as apprentices for 180 lads, and have trained 129 girls for domestic service. Minor operations in poultry and vegetable growing, &c., have also l)een carried on with fairly satisfactory results. Passing of the Small Landholders Act.— Owing to the l)assing of the Small Landlioldcrs (Scotland) Act, 1911, the Board in terms of that Act ceased to exist at 1st April, 1912. Their powers, with certain modifications, became vested in the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, and the ])alance of their fluids, amounting to £86,264, was carried to the Agriculture (Scotland) Eund, from which the considerable commitments of the Board will be met. [Scottish Office] 200 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE FOR SCOTLAND. General Powers of Board. — Tu the Board of Agriculture for Scotland were transferred the powers of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries exerciseal)]e in Scotland, except the control of the Ordnance Survey and the administration of tlie Diseases of Animals Acts. Tlie Board also took over the "Statistical" and "Intelligence" work of the English Board in Scotland, including the preparation of the Annual Agricultural Returns, the Monthly Report on Agricidtural Conditions, and weekly Market Reports. The Board also succeeded to the general powers of the Congested Districts Board for developing the Congested Districts. When the Small Landholdei's Act came into force, a Minute of the Scotch Education Department transferred to the Board the administration of the grants from public funds received by the three Scottish Agricultural Colleges and the Veterinary Colleges. The Board was charged by its constituent Statute with the duty of promoting the interests of agriculture, rural industries and forestry in Scotland. For these various purposes and for the chief new piece of work laid on the Board (viz., the constitution of new small holdings) a fund called the Agriculture (Scotland) Fund was created by means of an annual Parliamentary Grant of £200,000. In addition to these resources, the Board will have the administration of grants from the Development Fund for schemes of Agricultural Development and Research in Scotland. The ]]oard took up its duties on April 1st, 1912, its head office being in Edinl;)urgh. Formation of Small Holdings. — During its first year of office the energies of the Board have been maiidy absorbed in endeavouring to satisfy the initial demand for small holdings in Scotland. A fair number of applications (chiefly from the crofting counties) were awaiting the Board at the 1st April, and by the end of the year over 5,000 formal applications had been received. The Board's officers, acting under the Small Holdings Commissioner, have ])een occupied in investigating the qualifications of the ap})licants and ascertaining the extent of available land in the districts where the demand was lieaviest. By the end of the year about 2,000 applicants had been interviewed and schemes of settlement had been prepared which should provide for a good proportion of these shortly. Under the scheme of the Act the land made availaljle for small holdings remains the property of the owner and the new holders become his tenants, the cost of adaptation and equipment being borne by the State. In cases where there is an urgent demand for land in a district and no landlord can be induced to make land available by agreement, the 1 >i lard may, if they think the public interest requires it, apply to the new Scottish Land Court for an order for the compulsory assignation of land. The Land Court at the same time fixes the fair rents of the holdings to be formed on the land thus assigned, and orders the payment by the Board of Agriculture to the landlord and to any dispossessed tenant farmer of suital)le conq)ensation for any loss suffered by them through the formation of the new lioldiny-s. i:01 [Scottish Office] In cases where the landowner is not actually ojiposed to a proposal to form small holdings, but where agreement as to details has not been reached as between the Board and him, similar recourse may be had to the Land Court. The Board had not actually taken any case to the Land Court by the end of the year 1912, but they liad formed one or two schemes hj agreement with landowners, and had a great num])er of others ready to go to the Court at that date. Besides the demand for new holdings, tlie Board had a number of applications for enlargements of existing holdings The 8mall Land- holders (Scotland) Act having also conferred a statutory tenure of varying degrees of completeness on existing small holders in Scotland, the Board were much occupied in giving advice to persons in this position. The Board were Ijrought into contact with them during the course of compiling the register of small holdings, laid upon them by the Act. Agriculture. — On the agricultural side of their work dining the first year, the Board did not do much more than extend the existing schemes of the Congested Districts Board so far as the improvement of live stock was concerned ; Init they elaliorated a scheme to embrace the whole country, to take effect during the second season. In this was included the light horse lireeding scheme taken over from the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries shortly before the end of the year. On the purely administrative side of their work the Board Avere occupied, inter alia, with measures against plant disease, certain forms of which were troublesome in definite districts owing to the wet summer. Public Works in Congested Districts. — The Board were interested in three fairly important schemes for the improvement of conimunications, &c , in the Highlands, in the extension of the pier at Ullapool to enable herrings to be landed there, the extension of the road system in Shetland and the provision of a pier at Armadale in Skye. Forestry. — In Forestry the Board could not go much further than a preliminary survey. An Advisory Committee was appointed liy the Secretary for Scotland to assist the Board, and this Committee has been engaged in considering sites for a possible State Demonstration Forest Area. FISHERY BOARD FOR SCOTLAND. The Fishery Board for Scotland, in addition to its current work, has recently had placed upon it duties of considerable importance arising out of the creation of the Development Fiuid. On the establishment of that Fund, the Board directed its attention in the first place towards securing necessary improvements in harbour accommodation. Committees of the Board considered the question as affecting different ports, visited the localities and conferred with the various harboiu" authorities and with the Development Commissioners. Advances amoimting in all to £1.38,350, whereof £60,250 represented free grants and £78,100 loans, have l)een sanctioned l)y the Treasury, and other applications are under consideration. The advances Avill be made through the Board, which is [Scottish Office] 202 also to collect repayment of the loans, and the Avorks are to be execnted under the supervision of the Board. The Board have also made application for a grant for Scientific Investigations and Salmon Researches, and other matters in this connection are occupying their attention. In accordance with the Prevention of Trawling in Prohihited Areas Act, 1909, the Board have notified the Customs Authorities of the principal fish-landing ports as to the foreign- -or pseudo-foreign — trawlers observed in the areas in question. Few attempts to land fish caught in those areas appear to have been made ; so far as the Board are informed, only four catches have required to be confiscated. Under the Whale Fisheries (Scotland) -Act, 1907, Licence Fees amounting to £1,100 have been collected by the Board annually and paid into the Exchequer. The General Inspector of Fisheries has annually })aid a \'isit to the Continent to inquire into the conditions of the trade in Scottish cured herrings there, and his reports have been of great benefit to those engaged in the cured herring trade. Various grants have been made from the Board's Harl)our Fund towards the improvement of fishing harljovu'S. During 1 9 1 1 eleven fishery inquiries were conducted 1 )y the Board in various parts of Scotland, and several Committees of the Board are at present engaged on the consideration of various matters of importance connected with its work and Avith the fishing industry. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD FOR SCOTLAND. The Board act as Central Authority iii Scotland for Poor Law, Public Health and Parochial Government. They also administer the Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905, the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, the Housing and ToAvn Planning Act, 1909, and approve Sanatoria and distribute the Grant under the N^ational Insurance Act, 1911. Unemployment. — As Central Authority for Scotland under the Unemployed Workmen Act, 1905, the Board have been called on to con- sider several schemes of work calculated to relieve distress from unemploy- ment, which was exce])tionally severe in the large centres of populatit)n (notably in Glasgow) during the winters of 1907-8 and 1908-9. Since 1908-9, tlie Avork of the Board under this Act has steadily diminished oAving to the revival of trade. They have abolished the Distress Committee of Inverness at the request of the Committee, and the Distress Committees of Govan, Partick and Pollokshaws have now ceased to exist in consequence of the annexation of these ])urghs to the City of Glasgow. During the year 1909-10, the Board receiA'ed £42,726 out of the Parliamentary Grant for the Unemployed, which they distributed among the Distress Committees requiring assistance. In 1910-11 a sum of £14,300 Avas so distributed, and in 1911-12 a sum of £7,000. The bulk of these grants Avas alliK-atcd to the Distress Conmiittees of GlasgOAV and Ediid)in'gh. The applications for Relief ^^'ork during 1909-10 numl)ered 19,876. Of this number, 16,911 cases Avere fully investigated by the Distress 203 [Scottish Office] Committees, and work was provided for 8,763. Puring 1910-11, 8,9'J9 a[iplications -were received and 7,353 wei'e fully iuvestigateil, work l)eing jirovided for 3,532 cases. During 1911-12, 3,503 a]iplications were ivceived. Of these 3,226 were fully investigated, and 1,651 cases were provided with work. During 1909-10, a sum of X35,319 was spent in wages; in 1910-11 a sum of £13,760; and in 1911-12 a sum of £8,376. The Farm Colonies of IMurieston and Palacerigg were utilised by the Distress Committees of Edin])urgh and Glasgow for the provision (jf work. In the former case, the Board have from time to time con- sented to the Distress Committee letting plots of ground that have heen reclaimed by unemjdoyed labour, and they have recently granted their consent to the Committee leasing the house and adjacent grounds to a })rivate Committee to be used as a Farm Home for Boys. Over 200 acres of ground have been reclaimed at Palacerigg and now bear very satisfactory crops. The moss-litter industry is also carried on there and is a source of considerable profit. In the case of the other Distress Connnittee, the men engaged in general labouring work provided by the Local Authorities in the shape of street improvements, stone-breaking, &c., the loss on the work falling on the Parliamentary Grant. Old Age Pensions. — The Avork devolving on the Board as Central Autlioiity under the Old Age Pensions Act continues to be heavy. During tbe year 1910, the Board received 1,965 appeals. In 1911, 3,312 appeals were received and in 1912, 2,148 were received. The large nund)er received during 1911 was due to the partial removal of the })0(ir relief disqualification. The Board have disjtosed of 1,984 of the a])i)eals received this year, i.e.., 92 per cent, of the whole. C)n an average, 40 appeals are received weekly. The Amending Act of 1911 came into force on the 18th August, 1911, and effected certain alterations in the law relating to Old Age Pensions. New Regulations were issued by the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury in conjunction, among other Departments, with the Board. Circulars for the information and guidance of Pension Committees and others engaged in the administration t)f the Acts have lieen issued by the Board from time to time. Children Act, 1908. —The Board have continued to impress on Palish Councils the advisal)ility of exercising their powers under the Children Act, 1908, and, following the receipt of a Special Return of work performed, a Circidar was despatched to Inspectors of Poor, making various suggestions with a view to placing the administration of tlie Act on a more satisfactory basis. Housing and Town Planning. — By the passing of the Housing, Town Planning, iV'c, Act, 1909, the Local Government Board became for the hrst time the central authority for the administration of the Housing Acts in Scotland. The Act came into force on 3rd Decem- ber, 1909. The first step taken by the Board was to issue, on 24th June, 19J0, a Circular explaming to all local authorities the important additional [ScottLsh Office] 204 powers and duties imposed upon them hy tlie new Act. At the same time the Board prepared and issued with the above Circular, an Editi(jn of the Housing Acts tliat formed practically a consolidation of the law relating to housing and town planning as applicable to Scotland. The Act of 1909 empowers the Board to make various Regulations and Orders prescribing the manner in which the different provisions of the Housing Acts are to be administered by local authorities. The Board have issued Kegulations and Orders prescril)ing forms of notices and the procedure to be adopted. On 4tli July, 1912, the Board called for Keturns from all local authorities showing the action taken Ijy them under the Housing Acts since tlie passing of the Act of 1909. From the information contained in these Returns and from their own records, the Board have prepared and propose to issue a Memorandum dealing with the operation of the Housing Acts in Scotland during the past three years. A Memorandum was also issued by the Board to all local authorities on 5th November, 1912, with respect to the provision and arrangement of houses for the working classes. The object of the Memorandum was to stinudate and direct the operations of local authorities in this matter. During 1909 and 1910, the Board called for reports by various County Medical Officers as to the housing conditions of miners in the respective districts. These reports have now 1)een received and should prove of value to the recently ap])ointed Royal Commission on Housing in Scotland. The question of tlie housing of workmen occupied at Rosyth has engaged the attention of the Board, and in July, 1911, they issued a report on the subject by Dr. Dewar, Medical Inspector, and Mr. Wilson, Architectural Inspector. A further report on this question, dated 30th November, 1912, has been prepared by Mr. Wilson, Architectural Inspector, and is now Ijefore the Board. The future development of Rosyth, under Town Planning princi})les, is at })resent receiving the careful consideration of the Local (Government Board, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and the Local Authority of Dunfermline Burgh, within whose recently extended district the Admiralty's estate is situated. The i)rol)leni of the housing of the Admiralty's employees is also receiving the attention of the neiglilioiu'- ing local authorities of the Dunfermline Distiict and the Burgh of Inverkeithin". National Insurance Act. — In connection with the provisions of tin; National Insurance Act, the 15oard have approved numero\;s Sanatoria and Hospitals for the treatment of tuberculosis, a visit of ins])('(;tion having Ijeen made in each case by an officer of the Board. They have also, after due inquiry, ap])roved in many cases the manner of domiciliary treatment of insured persons siitfering from tuberculosis. Th(iy have further urged and are urging County Councils and L(»cal Authorities to provide the additional accommodation necessary for the treatment of cases of tuberculosis, and to extend the scope of their operati(jns against this disease. The Board have also made an Order providing for the compulsory notification, as from 1st August, 1912, of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. 205 [Scottish Office] House Letting and Rating Act. — A Circular to officials of paii.slies atlcc'tcd liy tlic lluusc Lcttin<>- and Kating (Scotland) Act, 1911, lias been issued, allurding guidance on questions of the levying and collecting of rates under the Act. Miscellaneous. — The Board have })repared the annual Adlunie of Local Taxation kStatistics, and have furnished the r)oard of Tradi' with monthly statistics of pauperism. Statistics have also been ()l)tained and compiled relative to Pauperism, Poor Law Expenditure, Infectious Disease, and Samples under the Food and Drugs Acts in Scotland. Revised model forms for the renio\'al of paupers to England and Ireland lia\'e ])eeii issued to all Inspectors of the Poor. Special information as to Medical Attendance and Medicine to the Sick Poor was furnished to the Committee appointed by the Treasury to inquire into the medical service in the Highlands and Islands. The J)Oarding-out of Pauper Children by Parish Councils has been given an increasing amount of attention by the Board and its officials. Information has been collected for the Development Commissioners as to the local authorities possessing land that would be suitaltle for afforestation purposes . Inquiry was made l)y the Board's Medical Inspector, Dr. Dittmar, into the incidence of Enteric Fever in the larger towns of Scotland. The Report thereon was printed and published. In view of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, local authorities and their officers were warned by Circular to exercise strict vigilance in the supervision of slaughter-houses and places where meat is deposited. SCOTCH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. Vice-Preddent uf i The Rt. Hon. J. Sinclair, M.P. the Committee ) [Lord Pentlund] {1906-12.) of Council on \ The Rt. Hon. T. McKinnon Wood, M.P. Education - ( {1912.) Secretary, Scotch \ Education > vSm John Struthers, K.C.B. {1906.) Department - ) The foundations of the present educational system in Scotland were laid by the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872. Subsequent Acts dealing with special branches of ediication have been placed on the Statute Book, but in course of time it became necessary to provide the machinery for a far more ccmiprehensive system. This was provided l)y the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908. This Act made ])Ossible a great advance in the develoi)ment of Secondary Education liy increasing the functions of the Secondary Education Com- mittees. Each of these Committees was made responsible for the general administration and furtherance of Secondary Education in its district. A })rovision was inserted providing for the amalgamation of School [Scottish Office] 20G Board areas in certain circumstances. Twenty Orders of Amalgamation liave been issued, and anotlier is at present under consideration. These twenty Orders in\'olve forty-two School Board districts wliich have now been reduced to twenty in number. The system of finance was altered by the establishment of the Education (Scotland) Fund. All Local Taxation moneys previously ear- marked for any form of education were put into one fund, which was augmented by a contribution from the Treasury and used for the furtherance of Secondary and other forms of Education in accordance with the needs of the several districts. A statement is issued annually giving an estimate of the first charges on this fund, together Avith the allocation of the Ijalance among the various Secondary Education Committees in accordance with a scheme approved by Parliament. Elementary Education.— The Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, conferred additional [towers on School Boards for the following purposes : — (a) Fixing dates for entering and leaving school. {b) Bringing children in outlying districts to a central school. (c) Provision of school books. (d) Issue of certificates showing progress, &c., when a child goes to another school. (e) Medical examination. (/) Provision of apparatus for cooking meals for children, (r/) Provision for physically and mentally defective children and care of neglected children. (h) Establishing agencies for aiding parents in the choice of their children's employment. The Act also simplified the procedure for enforcing attendance. Secondary Education. — Under the Regulations for Secondary Schools which were first issued in 1907, grants (greatly augmented) are paid on the curriculum of the school as a whole, and not, as formerly, on the work in Science and Art only. The Act of 1908 empowered Secondary Education Committees to establish District Bursaries, by which deserving pupils in outlying districts could be given the benefits of Secondary Education in a well- equipped central school. It also provided that the support of the centre schools to which pupils were transferred should be a first charge on the District Funds, and thus ensured a more equital)le distribution of the l)urden which the maintenance of such centres entails. Technical Education. — The Act of 1908 gave a great impetus to the organisation of technical instruction, not only l)y making it the duty of School Boards to provide suitable contin;iation classes for young ])ersons and conferring upon tliem the power of enforcing attendance at such classes, ])ut also by making the adequate maintenance of central technical institutions — in so far as that was not met l)y Treasury contri- Itutions — a first charge on the Education (Scotland) Fund, and by making these institutions ilw centres of organisation of continuation class work in the suiTounding districts, the work of the classes being conducted on lines wliich lead up to tlie Technical Colleges in the case of the more advanced students, 207 [Scottish Office] Circulars have been issued drawing the attention of School Boards to their increased powers in relati(jn to the suitable education of young people l)eyond school age in its various aspects — practical, social and moral. Recommendations have also been made for co-ordinating the work of Employment Agencies under School Boards with that of the Labour Exchanges. Agricultural Education. — Since 1908 the sum a\ailal)le for tliis purpose has been substantially increased, and the work of the Agricultural Colleges has consideral)ly developed, both in the direction of guiding the work in schools and of advising the agricultural com- munity in their practical operations. In 1912, the duties of the Scotch Education Department as regards Agricultural and Veterinary Colleges were transferred to the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. Since 1908 the Code has provided for the payment of grants for practical instruction in Agricidture, Horticulture and Dairying. Tlie f(jrmation of School Gardens has been encouraged. Training of Teachers. — The only Training Colleges in former times were those conducted by the various Churches, but they could not find places for all who were qualified for admission. In 1905, Com- mittees were established for the training of Teachers. The whole country was divided into four areas, each iinder one of these Provincial Com- mittees. In 1907, the Training Colleges of the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church were transferred to the Provincial Committees, which have since taken steps, with the assistance of liberal grants from the Parliamentary Vote, to provide more accommodation. Meanwliile the system of Training was reorganised ])y the issue of the Regulations for the Preliminary Education, Training and Certification of Teachers in 1906. The priucijial changes effected by these Regulations are as follows : — (a) The partial disappearance of the system of employment of half- time pupil teachers. (h) The provision of an adequate supply of certificated teachers, every one of whom will have undergone a course of professional training. (c) The provision of a sufficiency of properly qualified teachers of higher and special subjects for Intermediate and Secondary Schools. Superannuation of Teachers. — In former days a Parochial Teacher was ap]tnint(M| by the heritors of each parish. He held his appointment " ad vitam aut culpam," and was entitled to a pension. Under the provisions of the Education (Scotland) Act, 1872, this lialiility was transferred to the School Boards, who had power to grant Retiring Allowances to any Teacher. A few pensions were also made available under the Code for those in service jirior to 6th duly, 1872. The Elementary School Teachers Superannuation Act, 1898, made provision for granting allo\vances to Certificated Teachers, l)ut took away the power of School Boards to grant allowances to these Teachers. This power was restored by the Education (Scotland) Act, 1908, and a grant in aid of such allowances was made. [Scottish Office] 208 The Superannuation Scheme for Teachers came into operation on lat April, 1912. Under its provisions, Teachers and School Managers pay a percentage of the Teachers' salaries to the Superannuation Fund, a further pajanent being made to that fund from the Education (Scotland) Fund, and a grant in aid of this expenditure is made from the Parlia- mentary Vote. On retirement tlie Teacher receives a retiring allowance, which varies directly as the length of his service and the amount of his salary. It is also provided that under certain circumstances the Teacher may withdraw his contriltutions from the fund. Miscellaneous. — The organisation of the work of Medical Inspection has Ijecn carried out in accordance with the principles laid down in a Memorandum issued shortly after the passing of the Act of 1908, and a Report on the work already accomplished has just been published. In 1912 a grant of £7,500 was provided in aid of Medical Treatment. In response to requests from Teachers and Managers for guidance in the preparation of suitable courses of instruction, a series of Memoranda have been issued containing suggestions for the teaching of English, Arithmetic, Languages, Drawing, History, Nature Study and Science, Music and Geography. Regulations have been issued with a view to the more effective audit of the accounts of School Boards and Managers of Voluntary Schools. A series of evening lecture demonstrations has been given in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinlnirgh. In 1908 and again in 1910 several important branches of the Department's work, and the officers charged therewith, were transferred to Edinburgh, where there is now a large branch office under the charge of the First Assistant-Secretary, Dr. George Macdonald. The Depart- ment's Accountant in Scotland, the Architectural Adviser, two of His Majesty's Chief Inspectors of Schools, and the Medical Officer and Chief Inspector of Physical Training are also provided with accommodation in the Edinburgh Office. LEGISLATION. 1906. Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scot- land) Act. — Remedies defects in the law relating to inquests in Scotland. [Cap. 35.] Statute La^w Revision (Scotland) Act. — Revises the pre- Union Law of Scotland, repeals unnecessary enactments which are ()l)S()lete, and puts the law into one volume instead of ten. [Cap 38.] National Galleries of Scotland Act. — Creates a body of seven Trustees for the Scottisli ]S'ati()nal Galleries, gives increased accommodation to the National Art Collections, provides for the 209 [Scottish Office] buildings being taken over by the Office of Works, empowers the Secretary for Scotland to employ certain funds in aid of Science — as represented by the Koyal Society of Edinbin-gh, and of Art — as represented partly by the proposed Edinburgh Municipal School of Art. [Cap. 50.] 1907. Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act. — Amends and codifies the procedure in civil cases heard in the Sheriff Courts of Scotland. [Cap. 51 .] Qualification of Women (County and Town Councils) (Scotland) Act. — Enables women to sit on County and Town Councils and to act as Provosts of Burghs and Chairmen of County Councils. [Cap. 48.] Whale Fisheries (Scotland) Act. — Regulates the whale killing industry estalilishe(l in the Shetland Isles and the Hebrides, and seeks to prevent any damage therefrom to the herring fishery industry. [Cap. 41.] Vaccination (Scotland) Act.— Enables "conscientious objec- tors," by making a statutory declaration, to escape from the penalties imposed on persons contravening the Vaccination (Scotland) Act. [Cap. 49.] Pubhc Health (Scotland) Amendment Act.— Kelaxes certain of the sections of the Public Health (Scotland) Act, 1897, relating to the prevention of infectious diseases, so as to encourage local authorities to deal with phthisis as an infectious disease under the Public Health Act. [Cap. 30.] Sea Fisheries (Scotland) Application of Penalties Act. — Diverts from tlie Exchequer to the funds of the Scottish Eishery Board penalties inflicted for illegal trawling and other breaches of the Scottish Fishery Statutes. [Cap. 42.] 1908. Education (Scotland) Act. — Confers various new powers upon School Boards, e.g., provision of apparatus for supply of meals, dissemi- nation of information as to employment, provision of school books, &c., special provision for defective children and children in isolated districts The Bill also provides for medical inspection of children and care of neglected children, including supply of food and clothing, by School Boards; it also deals with regular attendance, provides for attendance at continuation classes, deals with the tenure of office of and super- annuation scheme for teachers, pools all the Local Taxation Funds in aid of Education, and provides for their application by the Department and District Committees, regulates the audit of School Board Accounts, alters the franchise for School Board Elections, and deals Avith the transfer of Endowed Schools to School Boards. [Cap. 63.] [Scottish Office] 210 Summary Jurisdiction (Scotland) Act, —Regulates and aiui'iid« the law relating U* 8umiiiary Jurisdiction and Criminal Procedure in Scotland. [Cap. 65.] Local Government (Scotland) Act.— Amends the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, which established County Councils, by conferring on them various new powers, especially in their capacity as Road Authorities, and gives them a new procediire for acquiring land for the purposes of the Local Government Acts. [Cap. 62.] Crofters' Common Grazings Regulation Act.— Enables the Crofters Commission, on their own initiative, to appoint Committees to regulate common grazings in crofting parishes, and to appoint a person to advise such Committees. [Cap. 50.] Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act.— Consolidates the former statiites relating to Agricultural Holdings in Scotland. [Cap. 64.] 1909. Trawling in Prohibited Areas Prevention Act.— Trawling is prohibited in the Moray Firth and other tirths and arms of the sea round the coast of Scotland. A number of British trawlers had been registered in foreign ports apparently in the hope that it would be impossible to enforce the prohibition of trawling against "foreign" vessels fishing in these areas. In 1906, the High Court of Justiciary in Edinburgh held that the bye-law closing the Moray Firth to trawling applied to all persons, British subjects and aliens ; but the Executive Government found it hard to enforce this judgment. Under a Scottish statute, it has been found possible to prevent the landing at Scottish ports of fish caught by the trawl in closed areas such as the Moray Firth. The Act of 1909 was accordingly passed to prevent the sale and landing at British ports of fish caught by the trawl in closed areas round the Scottish coast. During the progress of the Bill, similar areas round the Irish coast were added to the Scottish areas. So far as Scotland is concerned, the procedure is as follows: — The Fishery Board reports to the Board of Customs any case of a foreign vessel detected trawling in any of the scheduled areas, and thereafter the Board of Customs instructs their oificers not to allow that vessel to land any fish at a British port for a definite period. This procedure is alternative to any procedure competent under previous Acts against vessels illegally trawling round the Scottish coasts. [Cap. 8.] Prisons (Scotland) Act.— Enables women to sit on A^isiting Committees of Prisons. [Ca}). 27.] Summary Jurisdiction (Scotland) Act, 1908, Amend- ment Act. — Auiends an oversight in tlie Suunmiry Jurisdiction Act, 1907. [Cap. 28.] 211 [Scottish Office] 1910. Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Amendment Act. — Section 11 of the Agricultural Holdings (bcotland) Act, 1908, had been construed by the Courts as requiring every way-going valuation l)etween an outgoing tenant and his proprietor or the incoming tenant to be determined l)y a single arbiter. The Act of 1910 does away with this requirement, leaving the valuation to be conducted according to the method agreed upon by the parties. [Cap. 30.] Jury Trials Amendment Scotland Act. — Affords Lords Ordinary greater freedoui in fixing diets for trial by Jury in civil causes in the Court of Session, tlms saving delay and inconvenience. Also enables the Court, when unanimously of opinion that a verdict in a civil cause is contrary to evidence, to enter judgment for the party unsiiocessful at the trial, without the necessity of a new trial. [Cap. 31.] Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Amendment Act. — Enables extracts of entries in the Register Books t(j be authenticated, for purposes of admission as evidence, by the affixing of a seal instead of by the signature of the RegistrarTGeneral or his Secretary. [Cap. 32.] 1911. Small Landholders (Scotland) Act.— The main provisions are as follows: — 1. The Crofters Acts (with amendments) are applied to landholders (as defined in the Act) throughout Scotland. 2. Tenants of " small holdings " (i.e., holdings of less than 50 acres extent or less than c£50 annual value) are classified as " landholders " or " statutory small tenants," according as the tenant has or has not provided the greater part of the buildings, &c., and the incidence of each system of tenure are laid down. 3. A Scottish Land Court is established with functions corres- ponding (with certain modifications) to those of the Crofters Commission, which it supersedes, and with increased powers. 4. A Loard of Agriculture for Scotland is established to promote the interests of agriculture, forestry, and other rural industries in Scotlaiid. The powers of the Congested Districts Board and of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries are, with certain exceptions, trans- ferred to it. The Board has power to assist the constitution of new and the enlargement of existing landholders' holdings. The Agriculture (Scotland) Fund, amounting to X200,000 annually, is to be applied by the Board in the exercise of its various powers. [Cap. 49.] Burgh Pohce (Scotland) Amendment Act.— Amends the Burgh Police (Scotland) Act, 1903, so as to provide for the regulation (l)y means of registration and bye-laws j of "places for public refresh- ment" which are used beyond certain houi's or on Sunday. [Cap. 51.] House Letting and Rating (Scotland) Act.— With the object of facilitating short-lets of " small dwclliug-houses," fixes a time limit beyond which missives are not to be binding, prescribes lawful dates for the termination of lets and enables a let to be q2 [Scottish Office] 212 terminated, subject to notice, on the day npon which rent falls due. Makes provision with regard to the rating of " small dwelling- hoiises " to meet the altered conditions due to short lets. Exempts certain property of the occupier and his family from the right of hypothec. [Cap. 53.] 1912-13. The Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act. — Makes certain changes in the procedure ])rescrihpd for Sheriff Coiirts hy the SheriflT Courts (Scotland) Act, 1907, which changes experience has shown to be desirable. [Cap. 28.] The Clerks of Session (Scotland) Regulation Act. — Reduces the number of Prinfipal Clerks in the Court of Session from two to one, and vests that one with the ]iowers and duties of supervision, &c., over the clerical staif conferred on the two Principal Clerks by the Clerks of Session (Scotland) Regulation Act, 1889, thus abolishing the dual control over the staff. [Cap. 2.3.] ISToTB. — The foregoing are additioyial to Ads tvhich ajjply to Scotland as tvell as to other parts of the United Kingdom. BILL PASSED IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, 1912—13. Temperance (Scotland) Bill. — Read a second time by the House of Commons on 1st April, 1912, by a majority of 53, and a third time on 9th October by a majority of 157. The House of Lords passed the Bill with amendments which they insisted on, but which the Govern- ment considered equivalent to the rejection of the Bill. The purpose of this Bill, as set forth in the title, is to promote Temperance in Scotland by conferring on the electors in prescribed areas, control over the grant and renewal of certificates; by securing a later hour of opening for Licensed premises ; by amending the law relating to Clubs and by other provisions incidental thereto. The Local Option provisions of the Bill are contained in Claiises 1 to 6 (which are only to come into operation on the expiration of five years from the 1st June, 1912), and provide that a poll of electors in any ai'ea (as defined in the Bill) shall be taken on a requisition in the form prescribed, signed by not less than one-tenth of the electors in such area. The questions to be submitted to the electors are the adoption in and for such area of either (a) a no-change resolution, or (h) a limiting resolu- tion, or (c) a no-license resolution. To carry (a), a majority only of the votes recorded is necessary. In the case of (h), it is provided that not only shall a majority of the votes recorded be in favour of the resolution, but that not less than 30 per cent, of the electors for such area on the register shall have voted in favoiir thereof. In the case of (c), three- fifths at least in number of the votes recorded must be recorded in favour of the resolution, and not less than 30 per cent, of the electors for the area on the register must also have voted in favour of it. Where a limiting resolution has been carried, the numl^er of existing licenses is to be reduced by one-fourth by the licensing Court, in conformity with a 213 [Scottish Office] scheme (if redTictioii to be adjusted as provided in the Bill. For the period during wliich a no-license resolution remains in force in any area no certificate can be granted; subject to this exception, viz.: — that in special circumstances, certificates may be granted in such an area for inns and liotels and restaurants (as specially defined in the Bill), but only upon condition that there is to be no drinking bar on the premises, and that only persons residing in the inn and hotel or taking a meal in the inn and hotel or restaurant shall be supplied with liquor. Provision is made for further polls being taken at intervals of three years, and for setting ;ip the necessary machinery in connection with the taking of the polls, &c. Clause 7 of the Bill provides for the later opening of licensed premises by substituting the hour of 10 o'clock in the morning for that of 8 o'clock, in all certificates to be granted after the Bill becomes law. Clause 8 of the Bill amends the existing law relating to Clubs by adding to the requirements for registration, and provides that objection may be taken to the grant or renewal of certificates of Registration on a number of grounds additional to those specified in Section 81 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act of 1903. Other provisions of the Bill deal with the restrictions on the sale of exciseable liquors in theatres, the closing of certificated premises in case of riot, the termination of existing leases where (either a license is not renewed OAving to the carrying of a limiting or of a no-license resolution), and the definition of the "areas," &c., referred to in the Bill. The forms of requisition for a poll and of the ballot paper are set forth in two schedules. The Lords, by their amendments, added 403 lines to the Bill (which contained only 468 lines when it came up to them) and altered it very materially in many particulars. Their chief amendments were as follows, viz. : — the extension of the time limit from 5 to 10 years, the insertion of a disinterested management resolution as an additional option, the deletion of the provision enabling the votes recorded for a no-license resolution, when such resohition was not carried, to be added to the votes recorded in favour of a limiting resolution, the addition of the requirements that the requisition for a poll should be signed only in certain specified places, and the insertion in the Bill of a compulsory insurance scheme. Lord Beauchamp, speaking on behalf of the Government, when the Commons' reasons for disagreeing to certain of the Lords' amendments were considered in the House of Lords on February 17th, stated that, taken together, all the amendments inserted by their Lordships were " in the opinion of His Majesty's Government equivalent to a rejection of the principle of the Bill." The Lords thereupon proceeded to restore certain of their principal amendments to which the Commons had disagreed. On the Lords' reasons for insisting on certain of their amend- ments being sent down to the House of Commons, no further steps were taken by the Government, having regard to the action of the Upper House, and accordingly the Bill now falls to be dealt with under the provisions of the Parliament Act. Permanent Secretary 2U TRADE, BOARD OF ( The Rt. Hon. D. Lloyd George, M.P. {1905-8.) Predde7it - \ The Et. Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P. (1008-10.) ( The Rt. Hon. Sydney C. Buxton, M.P. (1910.) iTHE Rt. Hon. Sir Hudson E. Kearley, Bart., M.P. [Lord Devonport.] (1905-9.) Harold J. Tennant, Esq., M.P. (1909-11.) J. M. Robertson, Esq., M.P. (1911.) The Rt. Hon. Sir Francis Hopwood, G.C.M.G., K.C.B. (1901-7.) Sir Hubert Llewellyn Smith, K.C.B. (1907.) ADMINISTRATION. MERCHANT SHIPPING. Safety Regulations. — The tendency of recent years has been towards a steady advance in foreign countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, in the standard of the regulations for securing safety of life at sea. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1906 a})plied the princi[)al British safety regulations to foreign vessels when within ports of the United Kingdom, but provision was made whereby foreign ships could be exempted from all inspection in this country if they were shown to have complied with regulations in their own country which were substantially equivalent to those in force here. Negotiations accordingly took place with the principal maritime countries with a view to making arrange- ments for the recognition of their regulations, with the result that in many cases the standard of the existing regulations Avas raised, and a considerable advance made in the direction of international uniformity. The rules as to the survey of passenger vessels in force in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the United States surveys have already been recognised as equivalent to the British regulations, and negotiations are in train Avith other countries, notably Austria-Hungary, Russia and Sweden. On the important question of load-line, agreements have been entered into with France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden, while negotiations in the matter are proceeding with Denmark, Russia and Spain. It is also understood that the question of load-line is under consideration in Austria-Hungary, and some other countries. Arrange- ments are being made for an International Conference on this subject. The ultimate object is to secure international uniformity in all regaila- tionsfor safety of life at sea. It will take some time to attain this object, but very substantial steps have been made towards it in the last few 215 [Trade, Board of] years, and it is Imped that an important advance will be made in tlie near future. Concurrently with these negotiations for international uniformity, a gradual advance has been made in the standards enforced in this country. The Board of Trade instructions are continually being raised to meet altered conditions — e.g., the issue of amended regulations on the subject of the testing of steel material, as a result of the report of the Engineering Standards Committee, and the issue of regulations for the survey of motor boats. New Eules governing the Life-Saving Appliances to be carried on ships have been issued this year, and came into operation in March. Under these Rules, all ocean-going ships carrying passengers must provide accommodation in boats for all on board, and increased life- saving appliances are required in home trade vessels. Steps are being taken with a view to securing international agreement on the subject of life-saving appliances. In order that the Department may be able to perform adequately the duties involved in the increasing standard demanded, 28 additional Surveyors have recently been added to the Marine Survey Staff, bringing the number of Surveyors up to 178. The Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, Royal Commissions and Departmental Committees. — in preparing the new regulations which have been issued in recent years, the Board of Trade have availed themselves of the advice of various expert Com- mittees. Under Section 79 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, provision was made for the appointment of Committees consisting of representatives of the interests affected, or of persons having special knowledge, to advise the Board of Trade on any rules or regulations which it is proposed to issue under the Merchant Shipping Acts. The first Committee was appointed in March, 1907, for a period of two years, and it has subseqiiently been re-appointed for two further periods of two years. During that time, the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee has dealt with many questions of great importance. In addition to this Statutory Committee, Royal Commissions and Departmental Committees have been appointed from time to time to advise the Board of Trade on particular matters. In 1906, a Royal Commission was appointed to inquire into the operation of shipping " rings " or conferences, with special reference to the system of deferred rebates. Another Royal Commission has investigated the existing system of management of the lights, buoys and beacons on the coasts of the United Ivingdom; and a Committee has sat, under the Chairmanship of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, to consider the question of the supply and training of British boy seamen for the Mercantile Marine. A Departmental Committee was appointed in June, 1910, to consider the question of the sight tests used in the Board of Trade examinations for certificates of competency in the different ratings. Another Connnittee was appointed to consider the action to be taken to bring into operation the })rovisions of the National Insurance Act, 1911, which relate to the Mercantile Marine, and a further Committee, including representatives of shipowners, officers and seamen, was [Trade, Board of] 216 appointed to draw up a scheme and rides fur the Heameu's National Insurance Society under Section 48 of the Act. This Society has now been formed. In July, 1912, a Departmental Committee was appointed to inquire into the arrangements for reporting and removing derelicts and sunken obstructions which are a danger to navigation. The Eeport of this Committee is at present under consideration. Three Departmental Committees are at present (April, 1913) sitting. One, appointed in May last, is investigating the subdivision of ships into watertight compartments in order to secure, so far as possible, that ships may he rendered unsinkable. The Boats and Davits Committee is investigating the problem of stowing, launching and propelling ships' boats in relation to the new Life-Saving Appliances Rules. This Committee presented an Interim Report in Decendjer, 1912, and their final report is expected shortly. Finally, arrangements are being made for an International Con- ference on loaddine, and in preparation for this Conference a Committee has been appointed to consider the important question of the assignment of freeboard, with special reference to the attitude to be adopted at the Conference by the British delegates. Ice-Observation in the Atlantic — An arrangement has been made for co-o})eration between the Board of Trade and the principal Atlantic steamship lines, in carrying out during the present year the recommendations of the Merchaiit Shipping Advisory Committee in their report on life-saving at sea, with respect to stationing an ice-o1jservation vessel to the north of the steamship routes across the North Atlantic. In accordance with the advice of a special Conference summoned by the Board of Trade to consider the best means of giving effect to this recommendation, the " Scotia," a Avhaler formerly employed on the Scottish Antarctic Expedition, has been chartered to carry out this work, and is now stationed off the East Coast of North America to the north of the steamshi}) routes to watch the break up of the ice, and to re})ort its movement on the way to the routes. The vessel has been fitted with a Marconi wireless installation liaving a long range, so that she will be able to keep in touch with the wireless stations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The cost of the expedition will be shared between His Majesty's Government and the principal Atlantic steamship lines. In addition to making the necessary observations in connection with the movement of the ice, the three scientific observers on the vessel will, it is exj^ected, be able to make oceanographical and meteorological obser vations as to currents, &c., which will be of general scientific interest, as well as of direct value to the work in hand. The Language Test. — Since the 1st January, 1908, every sea- man (except British sulyects, lascars and inhabitants of British pro- tectorates) applying for engagement on a British ship at a port in the United Kingdom, or on the Continent within home trade limits, has been required to show that he possesses a sufficient knowledge of English before being allowed to sign articles. 217 [Trade, Board of] Statutory Food Scale. — Section 25 of the INIerchant Shipping Act, 1906, which recpiires that on every British ship (except small coastinc; vessels) provisions shall be supplied to the crew (unless they furnish their own provisions) in accordance with the scale contained in a Schedule to the Act, came into force on the 1st June, 1907. There has l)een no difficulty in the administration of this Section. Inspection of Ships' Provisions. — By Section 26 of the jMerchant Shipping Act of 1906, the existing powers of the Board's inspectors were extended, so as to give them power to inspect any provisions ur Avater intended for the use of the crew of any British ship upon whicli the Act requires provisions to he supplied according to the statutory scale. The administration of this section has worked smoothly, and arrangements have been made, to meet the convenience of the ship store trade, for the inspection of provisions in bulk, i.e., before they are put on l)oard ship. Certificated Cooks. — Section 27 of the INIerchant Shipping Act, 1906, which requires the carriage of a certificated cook on every British foreign-going ship of 1,000 tons gross going to sea from any port in the United Kingdom, or on the Continent, within home trade limits, came into force on the 1st July, 1 908. The Board of Trade have approved cookery schools at the principal ports for the purpose of issuing certificates of competency in cooking. Examinations for Masters', Mates' and Engineers' Certificates. — Since the 1st April, 1908, all candidates for a certificate as Master or Mate have been required to show a knowledge of First Aid to the Injured, and examinations of candidates in practical signalling (voluntary, except in the case of candidates for the Extra Master's certificate) began on the 1st July, 1908. It has been decided to increase the period of sea service required of candidates for First and Second Class Engineers' certificates from 12 to 18 months. The change, which takes eifect on January 1st, 1915, has met with general approval. Arrangements have been made for the issue of certificates as Second Class Engineers for vessels propelled by oil engines. Certificated Hands for Fishing Boats. — Since July 1st, 1910, steam liners and drifters have l)een required to carry certificated Skippers and Second Hands. Hardship to those already engaged in the industry has been avoided by the issue of authorities to act as Skipper or Second Hand to persons who have served as such on liners and drifters of 25 tons and upwards. Transmission of Seamen's Wages. — The charge for remitting seamen's wages home from foreign ports has been reduced from three pence in the pound to one penny, and arrangements have been made with the Postmaster-General under which seamen availing themselves of the Transmission of Wages scheme can have their wages paid at any Money Order Office in the United Kingdom. Imperial Merchant Shipping Conference, 1907.— In connection with the Imperial Conference of 1907, a special Conference [Trade, Board of] 218 was held, imder the Chairmanship of the President of the Board of Trade, with rejjresentatives of the Governments of AnstraHa and New Zealand, in regard to Merchant Shipping Legislation in those dominions. Representatives of shipowners and seamen were present at the Conference, and there was a full discussion of the difficult questions raised hy recent Colonial legislation on matters affecting the Mercantile Marine. Oh the great majority of the subjects dealt with, the Conference was able to come to an unanimous conclusion. These subjects included such matters as survey, provisions, accommodation for the crew, manning. Colonial coasting trade, workmen's compensation, &c. Imperial Conference, 1911. — Although there was not a special Merchant Shipping Confeience as in 1907, the Imperial Con- ference of 1911 dealt with certain subjects relating to Merchant Shipping, in particular the questions of uniformity in shipping regulations throughout the Empire; of the legislative powers of His Majesty's Dominions ; and of Shipping Conferences or Rings. Unification of Maritime Law. —A movement has been going on for some time past in favour of the Unitication of Merchant Shipping Law throughout the world, and His INIajesty's Government have been represented at three International Conferences held at Brussels in 1905, 1909 and 1910. Four International Conventions have been under consideration, dealing respectively with the law as to — (1) Collisions. (2) Salvage. (3) Limitation of Shipowners' Liability. (4) Maritime Mortgages and Liens. An international agreement M'as reached at the Conference of 1910 with regard to the Collisions and Salvage Conventions, and effect has been given to them in the United Kingdom by the Maritime Conven- tions Act, 1911 (see under "Legislation"). The draft Conventions relating to Limitation of Shipowners' Liability and Maritime Mortgages and Liens are still under considera- tion, and will be the subject of a further International Conference. RAILWAYS AND CANALS. Hours of Work of Railway Servants. — The subject of the hours of work of railway servants has been brought under notice on several occasions in recent years. General returns of llie hours of certain classes of servants have been obtained from the Railway Companies under Section 4 of the Regulation of Railways Act, 1889, for certain specified months since the beginning of 1907, the last relating to the month of June, 1912. The returns of the larger Companies have been published as Parliamentary Papers, and they show a considerable improvement. It is also to be observed that (juestions relating to the hours of labour of a class of employees can now be dealt with by the Conciliation Boards which have been established on most railways in the United Kingdom, and reductions in the standard hours on particidar railways have been effected by these Boards. 219 [Trade, P.oard of] Railway Conciliation. — The agreement, wliich was adopted, through the iustruiuentahty of i\Ir. Lloyd (Jeorge, on the 6th November, 1907, on behalf of eleven of the principal Eailvvay Com})anies as well as by representatives of the railwaymen's trade unions, was siihsequently accepted by all the important Railway Companies in the United Kingdom except the North Eastern, for whose line a scheme of a some- what diii'erent kind has been adopted. The election of representatives of employees to serve on the Conciliation Boards, which under the agreement was to be conducted by the Board of Trade, Avas completed in the early part of 1909, and the Board also dealt with a number of matters referred to them under the " Interpretation " clause of the Scheme. A Eeport upon matters ccmnected with the establishment and working of the Conciliation Boards was issued in February, 1909. (Cd. 4,534). The Conciliation Boards considered and dealt with a number of matters referred to them by either the employees or the Companies, the men's applications being mainly those of the " National Programme," formulated by the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, for improve- ment in wages and hours of railwaymen of all grades. On some lines, the Conciliation Boards arrived at a settlement upon the matters con- sidered by them ; on others it was necessary to refer the points at issue to arbitration. (Cd. 5,332). In the early part of 1911, the periods for which the earliest Con- ciliation Boards had been elected expired, and, at the request of both parties, the Board conducted fresh elections. On most lines, the elections were concluded about the middle of tlie year. In August, 1911, the general railway strike Ijroke out, the chief demand being that the men's unions should be recognised by the Com- panies The Government intervened, and the strike was settled after a few days, on the understanding that a Royal Commission should be appointed to investigate the working of the Scheme of 1907. The Commission recommended in their Report of October 18th, 1911, a new Scheme, which differs from that of 1907 chiefly in the absence of Central Boards and in provisions for the appointment, if desired, as Secretary to the men's side of a Board, of a person not in the employment of the Company, and the settlement of matters on which the Boards cannot agree by an independent Chairman instead of by a special arbitrator. In December, 1911, conferences were held at the Board of Trade between representatives of the railway employees and of the Companies, which resulted in the acceptance by both parties of the new Scheme, subject to certain minor alterations and additions. Many extensive settlements liave Ijcwi arrived at under the Scheme since May, 1912, and the Board are preparing a statement of the particulars of all such settlements for issue as a Blue Book. The duties of the Board of Trade under the new Scheme include the conduct of elections, the constitution of a panel of Chairmen and the interpretation of the Scheme where a doubt has arisen. Railway Conference and Departmental Committee on Railway Amalgamations and Agreements. — The Railway Conference, which was instituted by ]\Ir. Lloyd George about the beginning of the year 1908, issued its Report in May, 1909. [Trade, Board of] 220 Among the questions upon which an agreement was arrived at between the Representatives of the Railway Companies and the other interests represented on the Conference wore : — Simpler machinery for the adjudication of complaints now coming before the Railway and Canal Commission ; a modification in the conditions under which Railway Companies now carry " owner's risk " traffic ; a codification of the provisions which might reasonably be incorporated in private siding agreements, and various alterations in the procedure now adopted for compulsory acquisition of land. The Conference also initiated investigations into the arrangements in force on certain Continental railways. A Report on German con- ditions was issued with the Conference Blue Book. Reports on the conditions prevailing in other countries were published later. One branch of work which, according to the original intention, was to have been carried out by the Railway Conference was subsequently undertaken by a Departmental Committee appointed Ijy Mr. Churchill in June, 1909, " to consider and report as soon as practicable what changes, if any, are " expedient in the law relating to agreements among Railway Companies, " and what, if any, general provisions ought to be embodied for the " purpose of safeguarding the various interests afiected in future Acts of " Parliament authorising Railway Amalgamations and Working Unions." The Committee's Report, issued in April, 1911, contained suggestions for the amendment of the law in the direction indicated in its terms of reference. Other Departmental Committees connected with Railways. — In connection with railway matters, the lioard uf Trade also appointed Committees in 1906 : — (1 ) to examine, and where necessary to test, appliances designed to diminish danger to men employed in railway service ; (2) to consider and re]Dort what changes, if any, are desirable in the form and scope of the Accounts and Statistical Returns rendered by Railway Companies under the Railway Regulation Acts. Eight Reports have already been i)resented to Parliament by the first-named of these Committees, and various recommendations made by them, including one for the proposal of a Ride as to brakes on both sides of wagons, have been acted u})on. The report of the latter Comn)ittee, which was issued in May, 1909, contained important recommendations which were embodied in a Bill introduced into Parliament by the Board of Trade and passed into law under the title of the Railway Companies (Accounts and Returns) Act, 1911. This Act came into force on the 1st January, 1913. Inland Navigation. — In 1906, the Government took an important step in the appointment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the condition and financial position of the canals and inland naviga- tions of the United Kingdom. That Commission which took a great deal of evidence and visited many of the principal canals and inland navigation systems in tliis and in other countries, issued a report as regards Great Britain at the end of 1909. A separate report on the Irish Canals was issued in 1911. The reports and their far-reaching proposals are receiving serious consideration. It will be remembered that the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, allows of advances by the Treasury, either by way of grant or loan, 221 [Trade, Board of] for the construction and improvement of inland navigations, as well as (if liarbours and of roatls. Advances for tlie improvement of certain canals have already been recommended by the Development Commis- sioners upon the consideration of reports made l»y the Board of Trade, and have been assented to by the Treasury. London Traffic. — In November, 1908, the London Traffic l>ranch, established in 1907, presented a report on the whole subject, and has since that date submitted reports annually. In 1910, a general investigation was undertaken into the number, capacity and efficiency of the main roads leading out of London, and the results were published in the Reports of 1910 and 1911. A systematic census of traffic on the roads in and round London was undertaken in 1910, 1911 and 1912, and will be repeated annually to record the develoi)ment of traffic. A plan for a general road scheme has been prepared, and an oppor- tunity for its adoption and advancement is now presented l)y co-operation with county and local authorities in cases where town planning schemes are under consideration. COPYRIGHT. The Government sent delegates to an International Conference held at Berlin in October-November, 1908, for the revision of the Berne Copyright Convention, and a revised Convention was signed on behalf of this country and the other members of the Berne Union on November 13th, 1908. The revised Convention has been ratified by nearly all the members of the Union, including the United Kingdom. As a preliminary to the amendment of the Copyright Law which was subsequently effected by the Copyright Act, 1911, a Departmental Committee was appointed in March, 1909, to examine the revised Con- vention and its relation to the existing law of the L^nited Kingdom. Their Report, published in December, 1909, recommended that the revised Convention should be ratified and the necessary amendments m ide in the British law. An Imperial Copyright Conference, at which the Foreign Office, Colonial Office, India Office, the Board of Trade and the Self-governing Dominions were represented, was held in May and June, 1910, to consider the question in relation to the British Empire as a whole, and substantially agreed with the recommendations of the Committee, adding a series of resolutions relating to the methods of applying the new Copyright Law to the Self-governing Dominions. A Copyright Bill, based on the recommendations of the Committee and this Conference, WdS considered and generally approved by the Conference, and this Bill was read a first time in the House of Commons on July 23rd, 1910. No furthur progress was made with the Bill in 1910; but it was re-introduced in an amended form in the following year, and finally became law as the "Copyright Act. 1911," which came into force in the United Kingdom on July 1st, 1912. Several sets of Regulations have been issued under the Copyright Act by the Board of Trade. The Copyright Act has l)een put in force by the Commonwealth of Australia and Newfoundland, and steps are being taken by the other [Trade, Board of] 222 Self-governing Dominions to pass copyright legislation of their own by the adoption of the Copyright Act or otherwise. The Copyright Act is now in force also in the other parts of His Majesty's Dominions and in certain protectorates. PATENTS. Patents and Designs Act, 1907. Patents worked mainly or exclusively abroad. --On the 17th October, 1907, a Notice was published in the Board of Trade Journal reminding patentees that the year's grace, dating from the 28th August, 1907, given by the Act to the owners of patents worked exclusively or mainly abroad, had been allowed them in the hope that the necessary steps would be taken by them to work their patents to an adequate extent in the United Kingdom, and warning them that, in the event of their failing to do so, they would run the risk of losing their monopolies, not only by the revocation of their patents, but also l)y tbe operation of the provisions of the Act, which had authorised the Law Courts to take cognizance of their default in any action they might take for the infringement of their patents, A copy of this notice was sub- sequently sent to every existing patentee whom it might concern. The number of these notices sent to patentees up to the 30th September, 1908, was approximately 77.000. They have had the effect of inducing a certain number of patentees to take preliminary steps, such as the purchase of sites and the erection of factories, to comply with the requirements of the Statute; and, apart from this, orders have been given in many cases to British firms for the manufacture of patented articles, &c., to meet the requirements of the Section. Since Section 27 of the Act came into operation up to the end of February, 1913, there have been 84 applications made for the revocation of patents on the ground that the patented articles or processes were mainly or exclusively manufactured or carried on outside the United Kingdom. Orders have been made in 20 cases revoking the patents forthwith. In 20 other cases the applications were dismissed ; in 6 cases the patent expired after proceedings had begun ; 37 applications were withdrawn, and 1 case is pending. COMPANIES' ADMINISTRATION. Assimilation of Company Law within the British Empire. — With the object of bringing the laws which govern the formation, management and winding-up of joint stock companies in different parts of the Empire more closely into line, and thus securing practical uniformity of mercantile law in this respect throughout the Empire, an Analysis was prepared of the Company laws of India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and laid, together with a Memorandum on the subject, before the Imperial Conference in 1907. The Conference considered that the facts showed that the time had come for taking steps in the direction of greater simplicity and greater unity, and a resolution was unanimously adopted to the effect that "it is " desirable, so far as circumstances permit, to secure greater uniformity in 223 [Tvado, Board of] " the Company laws of the Empire, and that tlie Memorandum and " Analysis prepared on this subject by the Imperial Government be " commended to the consideration of the vari(nis Governments represented " at this Conference." This Analysis was subsequently sent by the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the various Governments of the Self-governing Dominions. Eeplies were subsequently received from the Dominion of Canada; from the Commonwealth of Australia; from New Zealand, the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony, expressing agreement with the policy laid down in the resolution adopted by the Imperial Conference. The Analysis was brought up-to-date and reprinted for tlie Imperial Conference of 1911, during which resolutions in favour of more uniformity in Company law throughout the Empire were proposed on behalf of Australia and Ncav Zealand, and unanimously agreed to by the Conference. As a practical resiilt, the Attorney-General of the Transvaal intro- duced in the Transvaal Legislature a Bill — which has now been passed into law — which practically follows verbatim the Act consolidating the statutes relating to Company law passed in this country in 1908. This is of special importance, as the Company laAv of the Transvaal has hitherto not been founded on, nor has it had any similarity to, the Company law of this country. Statutes following the Consolidation Act of this country have also been passed by the legislatures of Victoria, Southern Rhodesia, British Columbia, Southern Nigeria, Hong Kong, Barbados, Swaziland, Mauritius and India. A Conference was held in the year 1907 with representatives from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and an Act has since been passed in Guernsey, bringing their laws as to Joint Stock Companies very much into line with the English law. A Bill was also prepared by the authorities of the Isle of Man dealing with the same subject. Model Articles of Association. — In 1907, the Board of Trade, in accordance with powers vested in them l:)y statute, issued a set of model Articles of Association for use by joint stock companies in lieu of the old model contained in the First Schedule to -the Companies Act, 1862. The old model had Ijecome entirely antiquated and out of date, and care was taken, with the assistance of a Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Trade, to embody in the new model articles suited to the modern recpiiremeiits of a joint stock company. Registration of Documents by Foreign Companies.— Under the Companies Act of 1907, every company incorporated outside the United Kingdom, but having a place of business in the United Kingdom, was obliged, as from the 1st July, 1908, to file with the Registrar its Charter of Incorporation, a list of its Directors, and the name and address of some person resident in the United Kingdom authorised to accept service of process on behalf of the company. In accordance with this provision, documents relating to foreign companies have been refjistered since the beginning of July, 1908, and information is now availaVJe at the Companies' Registry concerning all foreign companies domiciled in the United Kingdom or having a branch here, [Trade, Board of] 224 Limited Partnerships. — Vndev jiowers contained in tlie Limited Partncr.sliips Act, passed in 1907, the Board of Trade have made Rules as to the registration of limited partnerships, and Rules have also been framed, in conjunction with the Lord Chancellor, to govern the winding-up of limited partnerships. New Rules, Regiilations and Forms under the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908. — The work of sim- ]ilifying and consolidating the law relating to joint stock companies lias been continued by the comjjlete revision of the existing Rules, Regulations and Forms. These have now all been brought into harmony with the Companies (Consolidation) Act, which came into operation on the 1st April, 1909. Rules under the Assurance Companies Act, 1909.— Since the passing of the Assurance Companies Act, the Board of Trade have, under the powers contained in the Act, made general rules relating to the making of deposits in accordance with the Act by insurance com- panies and by underwriters ; the audit of accounts both of companies and underwriters ; the seciirity to be furnished by underwriters ; the custody, inspection and certification of documents, and the qualifications to be possessed by an actuary signing returns under the Act ; and the form of the statements to be rendered by underwriters. Returns under the Assurance Companies Act, 1 909.— Returns are now deposited with the Board of Trade, as required l)y the Assurance Companies Act, by companies carrying on the business of life assurance, euqdoyers' liability insurance, fire insurance, accident insurance, and bond investment business. These returns are examined in th(^ Department and embodied in Blue Books. BANKRUPTCY. Bankruptcy Law. — The Bankruptcy Law Amendment Com- mittee, which was appointed on the 6th April, 1906, presented its Report on the 8th April, 1908. The principal c^uestions referred to the Committee weie as follows: — (1) Investigation of bankrupts' conduct and imposition of punishment. (2) Provisions of law relating to discharge of bankrupts. (3) Refusal of certificates to bankrupt solicitors. (4) Realisation of property of l)ankrupts. (5) Modification of law relating to after-acquired property. (6) Provisions of law relating to bankruptcy of married women. (7) Provisions of law relating to claims under marriage settlements. (8) Deeds of arrangement. (9) Registration of assignments of book debts, hiring agree- ments, &c. In the course of the two years during which its laboiu's lasted, the Committee held 55 sittings and took the evidence of 64 witnesses. In addition, memoranda were received from Chambers of Commerce, Trade Protection Societies, the Chartered Institute of Accountants, the Law Society and other l)odies, expressing their views on the questions under consideration, 225 [Trade, Board of] As the result of most careful and exhaustive inquiry, the Committee submitted a unanimous Report making numerous suggestions for amend- ment of the law of Bankruptcy, Avhich were received with general approval on the part of the mercantile community and others interested in the subject. A Bill to give eifect to these recommendations, with some modifications and additions, was subsequently })repared, and, with a view to affording an opportunity for public examination of the proposed amendments of the law, it was introduced into the House of Lords shortly before the close of the Session of 1911. On re-introduction in 1912, it Avas passed by the House of Lords, but time could not be found for dealing with the subject in the House of Commons. The Bill was, however, again introduced (in the House of Commons) in the first week of the current Session, received Second Reading on March 17th, and has since passed through Standing Committee and been reported, Avith some amendments, to the House. There is, therefore, reason to expect that it may this year be carried into laAV. It proposes, inter alia, to give Courts of Summary Jurisdiction power to try bankruptcy offences, and to empower Official Receivers, under certain conditions, to conduct prosecutions in such Courts; to attach penal consequences to certain of the grosser kinds of commercial misconduct which at present can only be visited by refusal or suspension of discharge; to impose increased disabilities on undischarged bankrupts trading on credit; to widen the powers of Bankruptcy Courts in regard to married Avomen traders and to foreigners doing business in this country as members of firms or through agents ; to invalidate general assignments of book-debts, unless registered, as against a trustee in bankruptcy; and to provide safeguards against dishonest administration under deeds of arrangement. ROYAL COMMISSION ON COAST EROSION AND AFFORESTATION. In July, 1906, His late JNIajesty, King EdAA^ard VII., on the recommendation of the Liberal Government, appointed a Royal Com- mission to inquire into certain questions affecting coast erosion and the reclamation of tidal lands in the United Kingdom. Under a later Warrant, dated March, 1908, the Commission were directed to inquire into the problem of Afforestation in the United Kingdom, particularly in its bearing on the question of unemployment. The Commission issued its Re})ort on Afforestation in January, 1909. They made elaborate recommendations witli regard to the adoption of schemes of afforestation in the United Kingdom, which they thought would be profitable and Avould not only benefit the country at large, but also relieve unemployment in particular places. The Liberal Government, in the Development and Roads Improve- ment Act of 1909, made provision for State advances in aid of afforestation, and it is understood that the Development Commissioners appointed under that Act have under their consideration schemes for aftbresting parts of England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland. The Royal Commission issued their final Report on the 31st May, 1911. This Report dealt Avith the questions of coast erosion and [Trade, Board of] 226 reclamation, and contained recommendations for a more efficient adminis- tration of the foreshore and the coast line. The Report also contained recommendations with regard to the adoption of more efficient schemes, under the supervision of a Govern- ment Department, for the reclamation of tidal lands. These recommendations are now receiving the attention of the Board of Trade, who hope shortly to he in a position to introduce a Bill dealing with the subject. PILOTAGE. A Departmental Committee was appointed in August, 1909, to inquire and report as to the present state of the law and its administra- tion with respect to pilotage in the United Kingdom, and as to what changes, if any, are desirable. The Committee made their Report in March, 1911, in which they recommended that extensive changes should be made in the law of pilotage. A Bill, dealing with the subject, was introduced into the House of Commons in August, 1911, but was not proceeded with. A Bill on similar lines, with certain modifications, was introduced in May, 1912, and received the Royal Assent on March 7th, 1913. ROYAL COMMISSION ON LIGHTHOUSE ADMINISTRATION. This Royal Commission was appointed on the 21st August, 1906, and made its Report on the 29th January, 1908. The Commissioners put forward certain recommendations relative to the constitution and work of administration of the general Lighthouse Authorities, and suggested that such recommendations could be given effect to without the aid of legislation. The Board of Trade have succeeded in carrying out reforms, on the lines of the Commissioners' recommendations, in respect of the following matters : — (1) Retirement with superannuation of Elder Brethren of Trinity House on their reaching a certain age limit. This has been effected by means of a supplemental Charter from His Majesty the King. (2) An Elder Brother to act as Assessor to the other Lighthouse Boards when desired, for the purpose of considering proposals for new lighthouses, &c. (3) Uniformity in the accounts of the general Lighthouse Authorities. The Board of Trade have drawn up revised forms of accounts which have been adopted by the authorities. DERELICTS. A Departmental Committee was appointed in July, 1912, to inquire and report as to the measures at present taken to protect shipping from 227 [Trade, Board of] the dangers of floating dorelicts and sunken obstructions, and as to wliat changes, if any, are desiral)le The Conuuittee reported in January, 1913, and their recommentlations are receiviii"' careful consideration. COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT. Commercial Conventions with Foreign Countries. — The Department in tlie period under review assisted the Foreign Othee in the negotiation of the following Treaties and C'onventions : — ( Commer- cial Convention with Servia, 1907 ; Agreement with Italy facilitating the importation of British drugs and medicinal preparations, 1907; Agreements for facilitating the importation of commercial travellers' samples: with Belgium, 190R, with Switzerland, 1907, with France, 1907, with Germany, 1908, with Italy, 1908, with the United States, 1910, with the Netherlands, 1910, and with Turke}^, 1913. (Arrangements of the same character have lieen effected at the instance of the Department, through the Colonial and India Offices, with New Zealand, the Union of South Africa and India.) Agreements have also been negotiated, with the Department's assistance : with Egypt, 1907, Paraguay, 1908, Liberia, 1908, Sweden, 1911, Denmark, 1912, Colombia, 1912, and France, 1912, witli a view to permitting the Dominions and Colonies to withdraw separately from the substantive treaties with those countries. (Mexico has also agreed to permit Australia and the Union of South Africa to withdraw.) An additional Commercial arrangement was also negotiated with Bulgaria in 1909, a Commercial Convention with Montenegro in 1910, and a Commercial Treaty with Bolivia in 1911. Special attention was given to the negotiation of the Commercial Treaty with Japan, signed and ratified in 1911, which is the most important of the commercial arrangements made of late years with foreign countries, and the Department also advised in connection with the Treaty of 1911 between this coiuitry, the United States, Japan and Russia, for the preservation of the North Pacific fur seals, as well as in the International Conventions referred to below. Foreign Tariflfe. — The Department has had under considera- tion the tariff proposals of various countries so far as they might be expected to affect the trade of the United Kingdom, particularly those of Denmark in 1908, and the United States in 1909. Kepresenta- tions on behalf of British tratle interests were also made at its instance, after considtation with Chambers of Commerce, to the Governments of France, Sweden and Spain in connection with the revision of the Customs Tariffs of those countries, with not unsatisfactory results. Similar representations were also made to the Netherlands Government with regard to new Tariff proposals which they brought forward in 1911. These proposals have Ijeen revised by a Committee of the Second Chaml)er of the Dutch Legislature ; and a translation of the remodelled Bill was issued by the Department in October, 1912. The Department also moved the Foreign Office to re(piest the French Government to reconsider certain new Tare Hegulations affecting imported goods, M'hich were tu come into force in Ncjveniljer, 1911. The operation of these Regulations was deferred, in order that the matter might be further p 2 [Trade, Board of] 228 considered by the competent 'French Ministries concerned, and the original Eegnlations were eventually modified in a sense favouraljle to British commercial interests. Translations of the new or revised Customs Tariffs of the following countries have been issued : — Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Eoumania, Russia, Servia and Spain. Copies of the United States and Philippine Tariffs have also been published. Imperial Conferences, 1907 and 1911.— The Commercial Department Avas responsible for the preparation of the commercial and statistical information laid before these Conferences, which included memoranda relating to the trade of the United Kingdom, the Self- governing Dominions and the principal foreign countries ; the Customs Tariffs of the Dominions ; Commercial Treaty relations (in resj^ect of coasting trade) ; Shipping, &c. As a result of a memorandum put forward by the Board of Trade at the Conference of 1907, a resolution was adopted in favour of greater uniformity between the annual trade statistics of the United Kingdom and those of the various British Dominions, and considerable progress has since been made in the direction indicated. It was also responsible for two of the resolutions brought before the Conference of 1911. The first, relating to a proposed enforcement of commercial arbitration awards throughout the Empire, was adopted by the Conference in an enlarged form, so as to cover all judgments and orders of Court, and steps are now being taken, in concert with the Dominion Governments, with a view to giving effect to the resolution. The second resolution, which was also adopted, was designed to secure concerted action between the Dominions and the Mother Country, as regards participation or otherwise in great International Exhibitions. International Conferences and Conventions. — An oflficer of this Department has attended all tlie meetings of the Permanent Sugar Commission as a British Delegate. At the Conference, held at Washington in 1911, of the Union for the Protection of Industrial Property, His Majesty's Government were represented by three Delegates, two of them, as well as an expert adviser, being nominated by the Board of Trade. One of the Delegates was an officer of the Board — the Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. This Department gave certain assistance in the preliminary work of drawing up the Instructions to the Delegates. The Department also assisted the Foreign Office in framing the proposals of His Majesty's Government laid before the recent International Opium Conference at the Hague. These proposals were to a large extent adopted in the Convention drafted by the Conference, the question of ratifying which is now under consideration. An International Conference for the Regulation of International Exhibitions was held at Berlin, in October, 1912, at which His Majesty's Government was represented by three delegates and an assistant delegate. As this was the first diplomatic conference on this subject, special attention was given by the Board to the consideration of the policy to be followed by His Majesty's Government, and many of their proposals were adopted by the Conference, 229 [Trade, Board ofj The Convention concluded thereat is designed to limit the number of universal international exl)ibitions by restricting their promotion to intervals of three years, and by laying down certain conditions with which they must comply before they can receive official support. Certain principles are also established to secure uniformity in the system of organisation of exhibitions, especially with regard to those questions which affect the participation of foreign countries, such as customs procedure, transport facilities, safety of buildings, and the granting of awards. Industrial Property and Merchandise Marks.— Since 1908, the work in connection with merchandise marks (trade descriptions, indications of origin, &c., of merchandise), patents, designs and trade marks, has been performed by the Commercial Department. The Board of Trade are empowered, under the Regulations which they have made by virtue of the provisions of the Merchandise Marks Acts, to prosecute oifences committed against those Acts, in cases which appear to them to affect the general interests of the country, or of a section of the community, or of a trade, and in which sufficient evidence has been furnished by the persons applying to them to conduct the prosecution. A number of such prosecutions have been instituted by the Board — acting through the Commercial Department — against persons who have sold goods to which a false trade description, within the meaning of the Merchandise Marks Acts, has been applied. Convictions have, in most cases, been secured. Committees on Commercial Matters.— A Departmental Committee was appointed in July, 1908, to inquire as to the extent to which the supply, distribution and })rice of meat in the United Kingdom are controlled or affected by any combination of firms or companies. The Committee reported in April, 1909. The Departmental Committee which was appointed in June, 1906, to inquire into the form and scope of the Accounts and Statistical Returns rendered by Railway Companies under the Railways Regulation Acts, reported to the Board of Trade in May, 1909, and legislation has subsequently been passed to give effect to its recommendations. The Departmental Committee which was appointed in April, 1908, to consider and report how far any change is desirable in the form in which the trade accounts of the United Kingdom are published, as regards the countries from which imports are received and to which exports are sent, reported in July, 1908, and its recommendations were subsequently adopted. In this connection, it may }je added that an officer of the Depart- ment constitutes, with an ofiicer of the Customs, an informal Connnittee which annually considers proposals for changes in the scope of the trade accounts and in the classification of articles therein. Commercial Intelligence Committee.— The Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence was originally established in 1900, and has been reconstituted twice since. It consists of the President of the Board of Trade, as chairman ; of representatives of that Department and of the Foreign, Colonial and India Offices, and of the [Trade, Board of] 230 Self-governing Dominions ; and of a number of commercial members representing tlie staple trades of the United Kingdom. The Committee advises the Board of Trade on the work of the Commercial Intelligence Branch, both as to the methods of collecting information (including the despatch of special missions for that purpose), and as to the princi|)les and methods to be adopted for its utilisation so as best to serve the interests of British merchants and manufacturers ; and also on changes in foreign customs tariffs and their probable effect on British trade, and such otiier commercial questions as the Board may refer to it from time to time. In the case of tariff" changes, it is the practice of the Committee to circularise the leading Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations, so as to elicit their opinions Ijefore reporting to the Board of Trade, and the same course is occasionally adopted with regard to other questions referred to the Committee. Oommercial Missions. — Commercial Missions have been under- taken at the instance of the Commercial Intelligence Committee, to inquire into the conditions and prospects of British trade in Australia, New Zealand Canada and Newfoundland, Syria and Palestine, and the reports of these Missions have, as above stated, been published by the Department. A further Mission has also recently been completed to the Central American Republics, Colombia and Venezuela, and the Com- missioner's Report will be puldished shortly. Annual Consular Reports.— Since 1907, the annual Consular Reports have lieen edited in the Connnercial Department and the Commercial Intelligence Branch prior to their publication by the Foreign Office. Comniercial Intelligence Branch. — This Branch, the offices of which are in the City, at 73, Basinghall Street, is designed to be a centre at which information on all subjects of commercial interest shall be collected and focussed in a form convenient for reference and at which replies shall, so far as the interests of British trade permit, be given to incjuiries by traders on all commercial matters. The number of inquiries dealt with during the last five years is shown below : — 1908 11,300 1909 13,100 1910 14,800 1911 17,000 1912 16,500 In addition, the Branch despatched during 1912 copies of nearly 1,100 sei)arate circulars containing confidential information as to openings for British trade abroad to some 1,500 British firms who have registered their names for the receipt of such circulars, and to Chambers of Commerce; the total number of copies so distributed was 179,000. His Majesty's Trade Commissioners. —Prior to 1908, there was no oificial rcjtrrscntation of liritish Commerce in our Dominions beyond the Seas of a nature equivalent to that enjoyed by foreign countri(!S through their (Jonsular establishments. We have now a Trade Connaissioner in each of the pruicipal groups of Self-governing Colonies, who is specially charged with the duty of reporting upon openings for British trade, commercial legislation, Government and other 231 [Trade, Board of] contracts open to tender, and all matters specially aifecting commerce and labour. The officers appointed are : — For Canada and Newfound- land, Mr. C. Hamilton Wickes ; for Australia, Mr. G. T. Milne ; for New Zealand, Mr. W. G. Wickliam ; and for South Africa, Sir R. Sothern Holland. These officers utilise the assistance of the Local Trade Corre- spdudents appointed by the Board of Trade in the Self-governing Colonies for the jnirpose of obtaining information, and present annual reports to the Board of Trade upon the work performed. They also visit this country periodically, and attend at the offices of the Commercial Intelligence Branch in the City, as well as at a number of provincial Chambers of Commerce, to interview British manufacturers and merchants who may wish to consult them on matters relating to trade with the Dominions in which they are stationed. Facilities have also been accorded to British firms for consulting various members of the Diplomatic and Consular bodies, when on leave in the United Kingdom, at the offices of the Intelligence Branch and Chambers of Commerce. Collections of samples of foreign-made hardware, hollow-ware and tools competing in the Dominions with similar goods of British manu- facture, have been made by His Majesty's Trade Commissioners in South Africa and New Zealand and exhibited in a number of industrial centres of the United Kingdom, and arrangements have been made for similar collections from Canada and Australia. Exhibitions Branch. — In accordance with the recommenda- tions contained in the Keport of a Departmental Committee which was appointed in 1906 to inquire into the benefits accruing to British arts, industries and trade by the participation of this country in great International Exhibitions, an Exhibitions Branch of the Commercial Department was established during the latter part of 1908, for the purpose of organising British sections at any International Exhibitions in which His Majesty's Government decided to take part. Since that date, the Branch has organised British sections at the following Inter- national Exhibitions : — 1. International and Universal Exhibition at Brussels, April to November, 1910. 2. International Field Sports Exhibition at Vienna, May to October, 1910. 3. The Argentine Centennial Celebrations at Buenos Aja-es in 1910, which comprised the Exhibitions relating to Land Transport, Agriculture, Hygiene and Fine Arts. 4. International Fine Art Exhibition at Rome, May to November, 1911. 5. International Exhibition of Commerce, Industry and Labour at Turin, April to November, 1911. In the work of organising exhibits for the Brussels, Rome, and Turin Exhibitions, the Branch were assisted by a Royal Connnission, of which Lord Lytton and Sir Swire Smith Avere respectively Chairman and Vice-Chairman. i\.t the Brussels Exhibition, the British Section was entirely destroyed by fire, and the energy displayed in its reconstruc- tion witlun one month of the disaster earned ilie unanimous admiration of foreign competitors. [Trade, Board of] 232 The report of the Royal Coniinissioii upon these exhibitions, which was prepared by the Exhil)itions Branch, has recently been presented to Parliament. It includes a review, based upon information supplied by British exhibitors, of the commercial residts accruing from participation in the exhibitions at Brussels and Turin, which alibrds satisfa(,'tory evidence of the general value of these exhibitions to British trade. This Branch undertook the Avork connected with the representation of His Majesty's Government at the International Conference on Exhibi- tions, held at Berlin in 1912, to which further reference is made under the heading " International Conferences and Conventions." The Branch is engaged in the organisation of a British Section at the International Exhibition, ojtened at Ghent in April, 1913. The Section is restricted principally to ^lachinery. Ceramics, Arts and Crafts, and a Government exhibit comprising sections devoted to the prevention and cure of Tropical Diseases, Agriculture, Aviation, Postal and Prison Administration. The Exhibitions Branch also deals Avith inquiries relating to exhil)!- tions to be held either abroad or in this country. Comniercial Attaches. — In accordance with new arrangements, most of the Commercial Attaches to His Majesty's Embassies abroad have their headcpiarters in the United Kingdom, where they visit Chambers of Commerce and industrial centres from time to time for the purpose of interviewing persons interested in trade with the countries to which they are accredited. These visits have proved generally successful, and large numbers of manufacturers and traders have called upon the Commercial Attaches, and had lengthy interviews with them. The Attaches, when they subseqiiently visit their districts abroad, are able to render considerable assistance to commercial men in this country, either by obtaining information for them, or by getting rid of difficulties Avhich they themselves were unable to overcome SPECIAL REPORTS.— LABOUR DEPARTMENT. Census of Wages. — An inquiry into the earnings of workpeople engaged in various industries in the United Kingdom has been in progress since 1906. This Inquiry is of a more comprehensive nature than that of 1886, and, although it has been conducted on a purely voluntary basis, the returns obtained cover about 3,000,000 workpeo]:)le, as compared with 1,200,000 covered in 1886. The publication of the results of the Inquiry has now been almost completed. Eight volumes have up to the present l^een issued, dealing with the earnings and hours of lal)our of workpeople in the textile, clothing, building and woodworking trades, the public utility services, agriculture, the metal, engineering and shipbuilding trades, and railway service, and about forty miscellaneous trades; the returns relate to the year 1906, except in the case of agriculture and railway service, where they relate to 1907. The General Report on the whole Inquiry is in an advanced state of preparation and will be issued as soon as jiossible in 1913. Cost of Living in United Kingdom and Foreign Countries. — In the period under review, the Labour Department has 233 [Trade, Board of] undertaken and completed an extensive inquiry into the cost of living (including particulars as to wages, rents, prices, &c.) of workpeople in the towns of the United Kingdom and certain foreign countries. The value of these investigations lies in the fact that they are all conducted as far as possible on a uniform plan, and thus yield sound international com- })arisons on points of vital interest which cannot he obtained in any other way. Volumes dealing with the Uniteil Kingdom and Germany were issued in 1908, with France in 1909, with Belgium in 1910, and with the United States in 1911. The Department is now engaged in a further inquiry, undertaken with the object of bringing the information for the United Kingdom up to date, and thus providing material for estimating the changes which have taken place in the cost of living. Periodical Reports.— The periodical Reports published by the Labour Department in the years 1906-12 included, in addition to the monthly '' Board of Trade Lai )our Gazette " (in the preparation of which over 10,000 separate returns are now used every month), six Reports on strikes and lock-outs, six on changes in wages, three on trade unions (one dealing with the years 1902-04, another with 1905-07, and the tliird witli 1908-10), five abstracts of labour statistics of the United Kingdom, two abstracts of foreign labour statistics, and four reports on standard time rates of wages (1906, 1909, 1910 and 1912) A Report on collective agreements between associations of employers and of work- people has also been issued. A directory of industrial associations was issued in 1907, of which revised editions were issued in 1910, 1911 and 1912. Miscellaneous Reports. — In 1907, a Report on rules of Voluntary Conciliation and Arbitration Boards was issued, in which were analysed the principal features of the rules of the Boards in the United Kingdom, special attention being given to the machinery provided for the settlement of disputes, the rules themselves being printed in full. A revised and enlarged edition of this volume was issued in September, 1910. A special Reinirt on Profit-sharing and Labour Co-partnership in the United Kingdom was issued in 1912. A Report on Apprenticeship and Industrial Training is now l)eing jjrepared. Mention may also be made of Reports that have }:)een published hj the Department on the following subjects : — Workmen's Insurance in Germany (1908), Expenditure of Wage-earning Women and Girls (1911), Rules and Expenditure of Trade Unions in respect of Unemployed Benefits, &c. (1911 ), Industrial and Agricultural Co-operative Societies (1912), Foreign and Colonial Laws, &c., as to Strikes and Lock-outs (1912), Other Inquiries. — Information respecting labour matters is frequently obtained for other Government Departments, e.g., as to the cost of living in towns where Government works are situated ; as to rates of wages current in various districts when questions arise as to the fair wages in Government contracts, &c. [Trade, Board of] 234 LABOUR EXCHANGES. The Labour Exchanges Act, 1909, came into force on 1st February, 1910, and 82 Exchanges were opened in the course of that month. By 1st April, 1912, 284 Exchanges had been established in the United Kingdom. The number of Exchanges open on 7th March, 1913, was 435, much of the increase being due to the fact that the administration of Unemployment Insurance devolved upon Labour Exchanges. In the ordinary Labour Exchange, separate departments are provided for the registration of men, womf n, boys and girls ; in the larger Exchanges a further division is made between special and general and insiired and uninsured applicants, or between particular groups of trades. Two Special Exchanges are open in the West-end of London and in the vicinity of the Strand, for the exclusive use of women and of Avorkmen employed in the Building Trade respectively. For the purposes of administration, the Exchanges are grouped in eight Divisions ; each Division is under the control of a Divisional Officer and the whole system is co-ordinated under the direction of a Central Office in London. Since the Labour Exchanges Act came into force, 17 Advisory Trade Committees have been appointed in the United Kingdom under Eegulation VII. of the General Regulations for Labour Exchanges, with the duty of advising and assisting the Board of Trade in regard to any matters referred to them in connection with the management of Labour Exchanges. 38 Special Advisory Committees for Juvenile Employment have also been appointed, and, in addition, 19 Local Committees have been set up by the London Juvenile Advisory Committee. A number of Schemes framed under the Education (Choice of Employment) Act, 1910, involving co-operation between Labour Exchanges and Local Education Authorities, have been sanctioned by the Board of Education. Among the activities of the Labour Exchanges during the last two years, it may be mentioned that arrangements have been made for recruiting, through the Exchanges, various classes of labour employed by certain Government Departments in diflferent parts of the country. As an indication of the extent to which Labour Exchanges are now used, it may be noted that the number of applicants registered at Labour Exchanges during the year 1912 was 1,649,802. The munber of vacancies notified by employers during 1910, was 458,943, Avhich was increased in 1911 to 760,938, and rose in 1912 to 1,019,583. The vacancies filled in 1910 amounted to 374,313 (men 253,290, women 62,764, boys 38,702 and girls 19,557), and the number rose in I'Jll to 593,739 (men 347,011, women 124,397, boys 77,881 and girls 44,450), the latter figures being exclusive of certain jobs filled by applicants on the Casual Register, numbering 125,304 (men 112,492 and women 12,812). The corresponding figures for 1912 were 785,239 (men 481,860, women 157,353, boys 88,086, girls 57,940), again exclusive of 266,622 jobs of a casual nature found for a])plicants. The vacancies filled in 1910 included 24,990 cases in which persons were placed in districts other than those in Avhich they were registered, representing 6*7 per cent, of the total number of placings in that year. 235 [Trade, Board of] The corresponding figures for 1911 were 64,901 and ll'O per cent., and for 1912, 90,189 and 12-2 per cent. UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE. Tlie administration of Part II. of tlie National Insurance Act ( Ifnemployment Insurance) has been undertaken by tlie Board of Trade, in close connection with the Labour Exchanges. This administration, besides involving a large increase of ordinary Lalxmr Exchange organi- sation, has required the ap})ointment, throughout the United Kingdom, of 1,061 Local Agents in the districts n(jt directly served by Exchanges. This part of the Act (Unemployment Insurance) applies only to certain specified trades, and questions of demarcation as between these and other trades are decided l>y the Unqjire, an independent officer appointed by the Crown ; in this connection, the Umpire has given 1,200 express decisions. The number of workmen insured is ai)proximately 2^ milUons. The l)enefits of tire Act are paid out either through the Labour Exchanges direct to individiial workmen, or through Associations wdiich have made arrangements for the purpose with the Board of Trade. About 100 Associations, with 5,000 branches and a membership of 500,000, have made such arrangements. Further, under Section 106 of tlie Act, a repayment may be made to any Association of persons paying unemployment benefit of a propor- tion, not exceeding one-sixth of the amount expended in such payments exclusive of any payment in excess of a rate of 1 2s. a week, and exclusive of any sum obtained in repayment by an Association having an arrange- ment under Section 105. 230 Associations paying unemployment benefit are considered to have satisfied the conditions required for this repayment. During the montli of February, 1913, the average amount paid on direct claims to benefit was about £15,000 a week, the number of direct claims upon which payment was made Ijeing about 46,000 a week. Where a workman claims benefit direct, and his claim is refused or stopped by the Insurance Officer, or benefit is not granted in accordance with the claim, the workman has the right to require the case to be referred to a Court of Referees, who may, in the event of disagreement with the Insurance Officer, demand an appeal to the Umpire ; the Insurance Officer may also refer a claim direct in the first instance to a Court of Referees, in which case the decision of the Court is final. 84 such Courts have been constituted, consisting of an impartial chainnan and representatives of employers and workmen, the latter elected by ballot by insured workmen, and the former nominated by the Board of Trade. Where a workman claims benefit tlu'ough an Association and any (piestion arises between the Board of Trade and the .Association as to the amount of Unemphjyment benefit which the workman woidd have been entitled to had he claimed direct, the (picstioii is not inferred to a Court of Referees, Init to the Unq)iro. Under Section 99 of the Act, the Board of Trade niay, in the case of workmen already in the employer's service or subsequently engaged by [Trade, Board of] 236 him through a Labour Exchange, undertake the custody and stampmg of Health Contrilnition Cards and Unemployment Books. Up to the present about 260 arrangements of this kind liave been made, the number of Avorkmen affected being about 128,000. Included amongst these arrangements are the special schemes for regidarising the employment of dock labourers at Liverpool (where 30,00U such labourers are employed), Goole and Sunderland, cotton porters at Manchester and ship repairers at the leading South Wales ports. TRADE BOARDS. The Trade Boards Act, 1909, came into operation on 1st January, 1910. It provides for the establishment of Trade Boards for four trades named in the Schedule, namely: — (1) Ready-made and wholesale bespoke tailoring and any other l)ranch of tailoring in which the Board of Trade consider that the system of manufacture is generally similar to that prevailing in the wholesale trade; (2) The making of boxes, or parts thereof, made wholly or partially of paper, cardboard, chip or similar material; (3) Machine-made lace and net finishing and mending or darning operations of lace curtain finishing; (4) Hammered and dollied or tommied chain making. The Act may be extended to other trades than those specified above by means of a Provisional Order confirmed by Parliament. A Provisional Order Bill is being introduced, extending the application of the Act to three or four trades to which it does not at present apply. The four trades specified in the Schedule to the Act were chosen for the purposes of experiment, and the Board of Trade have delayed proposing the a})plication of the Act to other trades until they had experience of its working in the trades first scheduled. Should experience continue to justify it, further extensions will be made from time to time to trades in which the Board of Trade are satisfied that the rates of wages in any branch are unduly low as compared with other employments and that the other circumstances of the trade render the application of the Act expedient. The Trade Boards are composed of equal numbers of members representing employers and workers in the trade affected, together with " appointed members," who are persons of standing unconnected with the trade and appointed by the Board of Trade. Where a trade is widely spread, the country is divided into suitable areas, in each of which a District Trade Committee is set up. These Committees are composed of (a) "appointed members," (h) members of the Trade Board representing employers or workers chosen by their colleagues to act on the Committee, and (c) representatives of local employeis and of local workers. Representative members of the Trade Boards are chosen either by elections held under the supervision of the Board of Trade, or directly by the Board of Trade after considering names of candidates supplied by employers and workers and from other sources. Local representatives on the District Trade Connnittees have hitherto been selected by the Board of Trade after suitable, intpiiry and investigation. The principal function of Trade Boards is to fix minimum rates of wages; that is to say, rates of wages which, in the opinion of the Trade 237 [Trade, Board of] Board, are the lowest which ought to be paid to workers in the trade and district for which the rates are fixed. In cases where District Trade Comniittees are established, no rate can have effect unless the Committee dealing with the area to wliicli the rate ai)plies has rec(nnmended it or lias had an opportunity of reporting to the Trade Board. Before fixing any minimum rate of wages, the Trade Board must give notice of the rate which they propose to fix, and must consider any olijections that may be put before them within three months; and, when the rate has been fixed, notice of it must be given by the Trade Boaid for the information of the employers and workers affected. The rate then becomes obligatory on Government and municipal contractors, and wages at the prescribed rate are in all cases recoverable as a debt in the absence of a written agreement to the contrary. Moreover, the Trade Board register the names of all employers willing to be Iwund l)y the rate during the period of limited operation. Six months after notice has been given of a minimum rate of wages fixed by a Trade Board, the Board of Trade must make an order, either (a) making the rate o1)Iigatory, or (b) suspending its obligatory operation if they consider it premature, or otherwise undesirable to make an obligatory order. When a minimum rate has been made obligatory, any agreement for the payment of wages at less than that rate is void, and any employer who pays wages at less than the minimum rate, clear of all deductions, is liable to a fine. Thus, the minimum rates of wages are fixed by bodies representing the employers and workers in the trade, with a small impartial element, after consultation with local representatives through the District Com- mittees, and after hearing any objections that may be put forAvard by persons affected, while the rates when fixed are enforceable under penalty only after an Order has been made by the Board of Trade. In pursuance of their powers under the Act, the Board of Trade have made a number of Regulations with regard to the constitution and procedure of Trade Boards and District Trade Committees, and there are at the present time six Trade Boards in existence, namely. Tailoring (Great Britain), Tailoring (Ireland), Boxmaking (Great Britain), Box- making (Ireland), Lace Finishing and Chain-making. In addition, nine District Trade Committees, covering the whole country, have been established by the Paper Box Trade Board (Great Britain), and seven District Trade Committees, covering the whole country, have been esta1)lished by the Ready-made and Wholesale Bespoke Tailoring Trade Board (Great Britain). Officers with powers of entry and of examining records of wages and lists of outworkers have been appointed to investigate complaints and to inspect without prior complaint. ^linimum rates of wages have been fixed l>y all the Trade lioards that have been established, with the exception of the Tailoring Board foi' Ireland, and all the rates fixed by tlie Chain Board, the Lace Finishing ]'oard, and the Tailoring Board (Great Britain) have been made obligatory l)y Orders of the Board of Trade. In the case of the Box Trade Board ((^reat Britain), the minimum rates fixed for female workers have been made obligatory, but those fixed for male workers have not yet been made obligatory, the period of six months required by the Act (from the date on which notice that they had been fixed was [Trade, Board of] 238 given by the Trade Board) not having expired. In the case of the Box P)()ard for Ireland, the rates fixed for female workers have not yet been made obligatory, the required period of six months not having expired ; this Board has not yet fixed minimum rates for male workers, but has given notice of its proposal to fix such rates. It is difficult to give a reliable estimate of the number of workpeople engaged in those branches of Trade within the scope of the Trade Boards, but it is believed that about 200,000 persons (of whom 70 per cent, are women and girls) are covered. It should be understood that the rates of wages fixed are mmimmn rates, and that, in practice, many workpeople are paid at higher rates, but all are protected by the Act from payment at lower rates than those fixed. There are a number of factors which make it difficult to compare wages fixed by the Trade Boards with those paid before the Act was passed, but there is little doubt that a considerable number of work- people have had their wages increased. For example, in the chain trade the piece rates fixed by the Trade Board are said to be higher than those previously paid by an amount which is variously estimated at 60 to 100 per cent., while in the 1)0X trade the special minimum piece rates fixed for match-box makers are believed to be one-third greater than than those previously paid. In ready-made tailoring, the Board of Trade Inquiry into earnings in 1906 showed that the average earnings in a full week of the women over 18 included in the returns were 13s., and that one-fourth earned not more than 10s. a Aveek, whereas, under the Trade Board's determination, women other than learners must be paid, if they are time workers, 12s. %^d. for a week of 50 hours, and if they are pieceworkers, at such piece rates as would yield that sum to an ordinary worker. Proposed Extension of Trade Boards Act. A Bill is to be introduced in the Session of 1913 extending the Act to certain other trades. CENSUS OF PRODUCTION. The year 1907 and the first half of 1908 were occupied with (a) meetings of the General Advisory Committee appointed to advise the Board as to the methods of the Census, (h) meetings of the Special Advisory Committees appointed to assist in framing the schedules for sixteen important industries and for local authorities, and (c) local investigation of other industries to obtain information on which to base schedules. In the course of 1908, 444,000 schedules were despatched, and there ensued a very considerable correspondence (l)esides numerous interviews at the office) with manufacturers and trade associations regarding the filling up of the forms. Much correspondence was also required to get in returns that were in arrear. As soon as sufficient returns were received, their examination was begun, and this entailed many queries and much correspondence thereon. The work of examination and tabulation took up the whole of the three years, 1909-11. 239 [Trade, Board of] The first part of the preliminary tables, summarising the results of the Returns received, was issued in tlie autumn of 1909, four more parts were puhlislicd in 1910, and four more in 1911. The stall' of the office was giadually reikiced throughout the last nine months of 1911, and by the end of the year was at its minimum. During 1912, the staff of the Census of Production Office was engaged in the preparation of the Final Report on the First Census, which was issued at the end of the year, and in the drafting of Schedules and the compilation of a register of manufacturers for the purposes of the Second Census. A General Advisory Committee was appointed to assist the Board in connection with this Census. It was only foxuid necessary to hold one meeting of this Committee, at which the general scope of the Census and the form of the Schedules was settled. Considerable progress has been made in the work of issuing Schedules for the Second Census to manufacturers, and it is anticipated that the issue will be completed by the middle of April. The Annual Return on Iron and Steel was handed over to the Census Office in 1911, and a considerable time was devoted to the preparation of the issue for 1910. The Return was subjected to drastic revision, and was largely expanded. The number of the Return, Ininging the statistics' up to the end of 1911, w\as issued during the year. STATISTICS OF PASSENGER MOVEMENT. This branch of the work of the Board was formerly carried out in the Commercial Department, ln;t was transferred at the beginning of 1910 to the Labour Department, the Annual Return known as the "Coal Tables," and that on "Iron and Steel," and the triennial Returns of "Alcoholic Beverages" and "Tea and Coffee " being transferred at the same time. Under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906, powers were obtained for securing complete returns of the numbers of passengers to and from the Continent, and of prescribed particulars of passengers to and from countries out of Europe, so that, from the beginning of 1908, the returns have been considerably improved. A further improvement has recently been authorised, and particulars enabling emigrants to be separated from other passengers have been supplied by shipowners from April 1st, 1912. Three issues of the " Coal Tables " and one of the " Alcoholic Beverages" return have been prepared by the staff engaged on the passenger statistics, and, after one issue of the "Iron and Steel" return had been similarly prepared, it was deemed advisable to transfer to the Census of Production Office the preparation of a return in which special technical knowledge is of considerable importance. CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION IN INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES. Conciliation Act, 1896, — This Act empowers the Board of Trade, whrre a dilliu'enci' exists or is apprehended between employers and workmen, to make inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the dilference and to take steps to enable the parties to meet together [Trade, Board of] 240 under a Chairman, or, on the application of one of the parties, to appoint a conciliator or board of conciliation, or, on the application of both parties, to appoint an arbitrator. In recent years considerable use has been made of the Act, as will be seen from the following table, which shows the number of cases dealt with in each year, between August, 1896 (when the Act came "into operation), and December 31st, 1912, cases involving a stoppage of work being distinguished from those in whicli no stoppage occurred. NuMiiEK OP Cases. Year. NUMBER OF Cases. Year. Total. Involving Stoppage of Work. Not Involving Stoppage of Work. Total. Involving Stoppage of Work. Not Involving Stoppage of Work. 1896* 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1] 87 12 11 21 33 21 17 12 9 23 8 13 20 10 8 ■1 2 14 4 B 8 13 11 9 8 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 Total 14 20 39 60 57 67 92 73 3 8 15 24 24 27 57 34 11 12 24 36 33 40 35 39 1904 .597 292 305 * Five months only. An analysis of the cases according to the principal groups of trades shows that the building trade has, during the whole period, accounted for the largest number of cases, viz., 156, or rather more than one quarter. Next to building comes the meial, engineering and shipbuilding groui) with 115 cases, followed by boot, shoe and slipper trades (64 cases), mining and quarrying (60 cases), and transport (60 cases). Among the most important of the cases in recent years are: — In 1907, railway servants (United Kingdom) and coal miners (Scotland) ; in 1 908, engineering and shipbuilding ti'ades on the North-east coast; in 1910, coal miners (Northumberland), two cases affecting coal miners in South Wales, cotton operatives in Lancashire and Cheshire, and the lock-out of the boilermakers in all the principal shipbuilding centres in Great Britain. In 1911, important disputes in which action was taken under the Act included the general strike of seamen, dockers and other transport workers, the subseciuent strike of dockers and other transport workers in London, the national strike of railwaymen, and the lock-out of cotton operatives in North and North-east Lancashire. In a number of these cases the President of the Board of Trade personally intervened. In 1912, the most important disputes dealt with were the national strike of 241 [Trade, Board of] coal miners and the strike of transport Avorkers in London, in both of wliich action was taken ]j_y His Majesty's Government. In the case of the London transport workers' strike, the Government, prior to the pjeneral stopjia.^o, took action under section 2 (1) (a) of the Concihation Act and appoiutt^l tlie Ri^lit Hon. Sir Edward Clarke, K.C., to inquire into the facts and circiuustances of the disputes then existing in the Port of London. The men, however, ceased work. During the course of the dispute, members of the Cabinet had a number of conferences with representatives of the employers and work]")eople with a view to arriving at a settlement. The national strike of coal lainei's whicli commenced on 1st March, 1912, involved about a million workpeople employed in and about coal mines in Great Britain, and was in support of the men's demand for an individual district minimum wage for all men and boys employed under- ground in coal mines. The Prime Minister, before the stoppage took place, invited representatives of the coal owners and of the Miners' Federation to meet him, and, both parties accepting the invitation, the Prime Ministei-, 8ir Edward (xi'ey, Mr. Lloyd George, and Mr. Buxton, assisted by Sir H. Llewellyn Smith and Sir George Askwitb, had a number of separate conferences with committees appointed by the two sides. Proposals for a settlement submitted by the Prime Minister were not accepted, and the men ceased work. The stoppage of the coal industry quickly led, owing to shortage of coal, to stoppages of work in other industries. As a result of an invitation by the Prime Minister, joint conferences of representatives of the coal owners and miners were com- menced on 12th March. No settlement was, however, arrived at, and on l.lth March the Prime Minister announced that the Government would ask from Parliament a legislative declaration that a reasonable minimum wage, accompanied by adequate safeguards for the protection of the t'luployer, sliould be a statutory term of the contract of employment of people engaged underground in coal mining. In accordance with this announcement, a Bill was introduced in the House of Connuons and received Royal Assent on 29th March. [For the main provisions of the Coal Mines {Minimum Wtu/e) Act, see under Legislation.] Following the passing of the Act, a ballot vote was taken l)y tlie Executive Committee of the Miners' Federation, as a result of which they recommended a resumption of work. In the various districts negotiations at once proceeded with a view to the establishment of the joint district boards, which, under the Act, should determine the district rates and rules, and in 6 of the 22 districts the parties agreed upon an independent chairman. In the remaining 16 cases, no agreement was arrived at and the chairman was appointed by the Board of Trade. Among other important cases dealt with under the Conciliation Act during the year 1912, may be mentioned the dispute affecting dock workers in Glasgow (where a strike at the end of January of 7,000 men, which practically brought the shipping of the port to a standstill, was settled after prolonged negotiations l)y the Cliief Industrial Commissioner), and disputes affecting bobbin workers at Liverpool and Todmorden, iron- moulders in Scotland and iron-moulders (light castings) at Falkirk. It may be pointed out, in connection with the Conciliation Act, that the rules of a number of conciliation boards, and other agreements arranged between employers and workpeople in various trades, contain a Q [Trade, Board of] 242 clause providing that, in the event of failure of the parties to effect a settlement of a dispute, application shall be made to the Board of Trade for the appointment of an umpire, arbitrator or conciliator. Such clauses, so far as known tu the Department, now exist in 113 cases. Arbitration Court.- — In the autumn of 1908, a scheme Avas devised by the Board of Trade under which both parties to an industrial dispute, desiring to have their differences settled by arbitration, may apply for the appointment of a Court of Arbitration instead of a single arbitrator. These Courts have now been formed at the request of the parties in con- nection with 28 disputes, 1 in 1908, 7 in 1909, 8 in 1910, 7 in 1911, and 5 in 1912. In all cases, the Courts have consisted of a Chairman from the Board of Trade panels of Chairmen, and of two arbitrators, selected in almost all cases respectively from the employers' and labour panels. Industrial Council. — With a view to strengthening the existing official machinery for settling and for shortening industrial disputes, in August and in September, 1911, the Prime Minister and the President of the Board of Trade had considtations with representative employers and workmen. Following on these consultations, and after consideration of the whole question, the President of the Board of Trade, on behalf of His Majesty's Government, established an Industrial Council, consisting of 13 representatives of employers and a corresponding number of representatives of Avorkpeople, with power to add to their number. As stated in a memorandum published by the Board of Trade in October, the Council was formed "for the purpose of considering and of inquiring " into matters referred to them affecting trade disputes ; and especially " of taking suitable action in regard to any dispute referred to them " affecting the principal trades of the country, or likely to cause disagree- " ments involving the ancillary trades, or which the parties before or " after the breaking out of a dispute are themselves unable to settle." Sir George Askwith, K.C.B., K.C., Comptroller-General, at that time, of the Labour Department of the Board of Trade, was appointed Chairman of the Council. The Chief Industrial Commissioner's Department was at the same time established, through which the existing Board of Trade powers of conciliation and arbitration should in future be exercised. The Council was in the first instance a})pointed for one year only, and in 1912 the members were appointed for a further year. The Council held a number of meetings in connection Avith the national strike of coal miners. Later in the year the Council, at the request of His Majesty's Government, commenced an inquiry, the terms of reference being (1) what is the best method of securing the due fulfilment of Industrial Agreements, and (2) how far, and in Avhat manner. Industrial Agree- ments which are made between representative bodies of employers and of workmen should be enforced throughout a particular trade or district. The Council have examined a number of witnesses and received other evidence in regard to the matter, and the inquiry is still proceeding. Railway Conciliation. — The revised Railway Conciliation Scheme came into operation in 1912, and, in a number of cases, matters were referred to the chairman, who receives his appointment under the Conciliation Act, 1896. These appointments have not been included in 243 [Trade, Board of] tlie 73 cases shown in the Table on page 240. For further details, see paragraph under "Railways and Canals" (page 219). Industrial Disputes Investigation Act of Canada, 1907. — At the re(iuest of His ]Majesty's (Tdvernuieut, Sir George Askwitli, the Chief Industrial Comiuissioner, acc(ani)anied by Mr. I. H. iNIitchell, visited Canada during the months of September and October, 1912, for the purpose of investigating and reporting on this Act. AVith this object. Sir George visited most of the principal indiistrial centres of Canada and interviewed a large number of employers, workmen, trade xniion officials, public men and Government officials. His report has just been published (Cd. 6,603). LEGISLATION. 1906. Census of Production Act. — Provides for taking a Census of the Production of the United Kingdom, in order that the total output of British commerce and industry may be ascertained. [Cap. 49.] Merchant Shipping Act. — The first portion of the Act removes a serious discrimination against British Shipping, by extending to foreign ships trading to our ports the British safety regulations on such matters as load line, life-saving appliances, grain cargoes and unseaworthiness, and makes fctreign passenger steamers which trade to the United Kingdom subject to the same Rules as their British competitors. At the same time, provision is made for bringing the law relating to the carriage of steerage passengers into harmony with modern conditions. Another important provision requires that foreign seamen on British ships should have a sufficient knowledge of English. The Act confers substantial l)enefits on seamen. A statutory food scale is laid down for the first time, and the system of inspecting sailors' food is considerably extended; provision is also made for certificated cooks being carried on foreign-going ships, so as to secure not only that good food is provided, Init also that it is properly cooked. The law relating to the relief and repatriation of seamen left or discharged abroad was complicated and gave rise to disputes. It has been consolidated and amended in a manner which satisfies Ijoth the shipowners and seamen. The expenses of illness, where it is not clearly due to the man's own fault, will in future be borne by the ship in which he serves, and the complaint that desertion was in some cases profitable to the ship has been removed by requiring an account to be rendered of the money left behind by the seamen. The accommodation provided for seamen is increased in the case of new ships from 72 cubic feet to 120 cubic feet; seamen are given a right of appeal from the decisions of Naval Courts, and shipowners a right of appeal from Wreck Inquiry Courts. (No pilotage certificate will in future be granted to an officer of a ship unless he is a British subject.) Representatives of all the interests affected by this measure were fully consulted during its progress through the various stages, and it passed with general approval. [Cap. 48.] [Trade, Board of] 244 1907. Patents and Designs (Amendment) Act.— This Act amends the Law relating to Patents and Designs by amendments wliich are very numerous, and some of them are of great importance. An endeavour is made in it to check the system under which foreign manufacturers have hitherto been enabled to take out patents in this country without any intention of working them here, merely in order to prevent British manufacturers from producing articles which might compete with them either in their own or in other markets. With this end, the Act provides what it is hoped will prove a simple and effective procedure by which British patents may be revoked when they are worked exclusively or mainly abroad, unless satisfactory reasons can be given why they are not worked in the United Kingdom. It also facilitates and cheapens the existing procedure for the obtaining of compulsory licenses, and for the first time enables these licenses to be obtained where it can be shown that any trade or industry in the United Kingdom is unfairly prejudiced by the conditions attached by the patentee to the purchase, hire or use of patented articles, or the using or working of patented processes. Previously patentees were under no restriction whatever in the imposition of these conditions. It bad been held by the Courts that a patentee was entitled to impose any conditions, however unreasonable, on the sale or lease of articles manufactured under his patent. Some of these conditions, which have been imposed by patentees, have prohibited purchasers, or licensees, from using any other articles of a similar character or making use of the inventions of other patentees, and have bound the purchasers or licensees, for very extended periods, to purchase similar articles for the purposes of their trade from the patentee or his nominees. For the future, conditions such as these will be null and void as being in restraint of trade and contrary to public policy; and means have been provided whereby existing contracts containing these conditions can be determined by either party on payment of reasonable compensation. The Act also contains further safeguards against the issue of invalid patents, and enables patentees to surrender their patents where they desire to do so. It confers many advantages on existing as well as future patentees. For example, it enables patentees to obtain patents of addition, for which no renewal fees will be payable ; it prevents patents from being held to be invalid on the ground of disconformity, unless it can be shown that the invention has been anticipated ; it provides a simpler procedure for the extension of the term of a patent where it can be shown that the patentee has been inadequately remunerated ; it does away with the necessity for obtaining Private Acts for the restoration of lapsed patents which have become void owing to the failure of the patentee to pay renewal fees within the prescribed time ; it simplifies and cheapens the procedure in the Courts in actions for infringement or for the revocation of patents; it, for the first time, brings unregistered patent agents under regulation, and requires the Comptroller to refuse to recognise as an agent for patents any person who neither resides nor has a place of business in the United Kingdom, 245 [Trade, Boaixl of] With respect to designs, the Act places the same restrictions as in the case of patents on the foreign manufacturer who uses designs registered in tlie United Kingdom exckisively or mainly for manufacture outside this country. In such cases, the registration of the design is rendered subject to cancellation unless tlie owner can give satisfactory reasons why the design is not used in manufacture in this country. The Act also enables the term of Copyright in designs to be extended by five and in some cases by ten years ; and repeals provisions of the former Act which deprived the owner of a registered design of his copyright when he had failed to mark the articles to which the design has been applied. It also empowers the Board of Trade, on representations made to it on behalf of any trade or industry, to modify or dispense with the existing requirements of the law with respect to the marking of designs. In consequence of strong representations made by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Act has given the Board of Trade poAver to establish a Branch Office for designs at Manchester. The above are the most important provisions in the Act, which, hoAvever, also contains many other useful detailed amendments of the law, which were necessary to bring the patents and designs legislation of this country up-to-date. [Cap. 28.] Patents and Designs Act. — Consolidates the whole of the Law of tlie United Kingdom relating to Patents and Designs, including the preceding Act. [Cap. 29.] Companies Act. — Provides means for affording information concerning public Companies to all who may seek for it, upon the ground that publicity is the best protection which can be devised for the benefit of creditors and shareholders. Among other provisions, the new measure makes it necessary for every Com^jany which does not issue a prospectus to file with the Registrar a statement containing all the facts which, under the Companies Act of 1900, would have had to be disclosed in a prospectus. The Act also extends the provisions of the 1900 Act, by making it necessary to register all mortgages and charges with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, including those relating to landed property and book debts ; and it further requires public Companies to file arniually with the Registrar a statement of assets and liabilities in the form of a balance sheet audited by the Companies' Auditor. Pro- visions have also been introduced removing doubts as to the validity of perpetual debentures and debenture stock, and enabling Companies to keep alive and re-issue debentures which have been redeemed. Under this measure, creditors have for the first time been given a voice as to the appointment of a liquidator in the voluntary winding-up of a Company, and there are many other miscellaneous amendments of the existing law. [Cap. 50.] Employers' Liability Insurance Companies Act. — Affords additional protection to the workmen entitled to compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Acts, by requiring all Companies doing accident insurance business to conform to the laAV relating to Life Assurance Com})anies. This law, which provides for a preliminary deposit of £20,000, for the publication of annual accounts, and for a periodical actuarial investigation, has been very successful in placing [Trade, Bo;.aI of] 246 life assurance in tliis country on a safe and solid basis, and it is believed that its application to Employers' Liability Insurance Companies will prevent the growth of mushroom Companies, and do much to secure the financial stability of Companies doing accident insurance business. [Cap. 46.] Assay of Imported Watchcases (Existing Stocks Exemption) Act. — The effect of this measure, taken in conjunction with a recent decision of the Courts, is to subject foreign watchcases for the first time to the same regulations in respect of assay as British cases, while exempting the existing stocks of imported cases in order to avoid undue hard.ship to traders. Imported watchcases had formerly been held not to be " plate" within the meaning of the Customs Act of 1842 and Kevenue Act of 1883, and they had consecjuently had an advantage over British cases in that they could be sold Avithout being assayed and Hall- marked. The exemption of existing stocks provided for in the Act relates only to watchcases im})orted into this country prior to 1st June, 1907. [Cap 8.] Merchant Shipping Act [Tonnage Deduction for Propelling Power]. — Dockowners and Harbour Authorities have often complained that the deductions alloAved to l)e made for space occupied ]jy propelling [)ower in ascertaining the net tonnage of a ship has injuriously affected their receipts, their dues being levied on the net tonnage of the vessels using the docks. This Bill places a limit on the amount of the deduction which may be made in respect of propelling power; and this limit has been accepted as a satisfactory compromise by the great majority of the interests concerned. In order to avoid hardship in rcs}>ect of existing ships, the Act is not to come into full operation until the 1st January, 1914. [Cap. 52.] 1908. Patents and Designs Act. — This amends in a minor detail the important Patents and Designs Act, 1907. [Ca}). 4.] Fatal Accidents (Damages) Act.— This Act provides that when, after the death of a person in a fatal accident, damages are awarded by a Court of Law to his next of kin, the amount of the insurance paid upon the death of the deceased shall not be deducted as hitherto from the damages awarded. [Cap. 7.] Companies Act. — This Act ena])les a Company incorporated in a British Possession and which has a place of business in the United Kingdom to hold land in precisely the same way as a Company registered within the United Kingdom. Before the passing of this Act, a Company registered in the Colonies was subject to the restrictions of the Mortmain Acts and was obliged to obtain a license in mortmain from the Crtjwn with regard to every piece of land purchased or leased. [Ca]). 12.] Companies (Consolidation) Act. — The Companies (Con- solidation) Act brings together in one statute the contents of the eighteen Acts of Parliament dealing with Joint Stock Companies. The various branches of the law relating to Joint 8tock Comiianies are now grouped together under their several heads, and the result will 247 [Trade, Board of] be a great convenience and a great saving of time to persons engaged in commerce, and to professional men wliose business is concerned with Joint Stock Companies. Tlie Companies Acts of 1907 and 1908, above-mentioned, are incorporated in the Consolidation Act. [Cap. 69.] Port of London Act. — This very important measure has for its object the improvement of the Port of London. By it, Parliamentary sanction has been given to the purchase of the existing docks on equitable terms and their management henceforward by a Port Authority, of whom the majority will be elected by traders and shipowners using the Port. This Authority is charged with the duty of undertaking all necessary dock improvements and extension, and all dredging and other works necessary for improving the cl^annels of the river Thames. The Port Authority is given adequate borroAving and revenue powers to enable it to perform these important duties, and will, in addition, have the powers liitherto exercised by the Watermen's Company and the Thames Conser- vancy in the Port of London. The Thames Conservancy will henceforAvard control the river from Cricklade to Teddington only, and for this purpose it has been recon stituted, and representation upon it given to important boroughs and urban districts along its banks. The transfer of the undertakings of the dock companies and of the duties of the Thames Conservancy Avithin the port took place in March, 1909, and the result of tlie first three years' working of the combined undertakings has been a net surplus of over £116,000, after meeting all charges fur interest on the Port Stock and all other outgoings and after placing £100,000 to a Reserve Fund. But in order to enable the Port of London tu maintain its position in face of the competition with the great Continental ports, where very large sums have been and are being spent, considerable expenditure will have to be incurred by the Port Authority in improving and extending the facilities of the port, and accordingly additional revenue has been provided by authorising the Authority to levy port rates on goods imported into and exported from the port. The powers for this purpose are contained in the Port of London (Port Rates on Goods) Provisional Order, which was passed by Parliament in 1910. As a safeguard against the imposition of an excessive burden upon the trade of the port, the total amount which the Port Authority may levy in this way has been limited to one thousandth part of the aggregate value of the overseas trade of the port, i.e., the rates must not on the average exceed 2s. for each .£100 worth of goods. The Authority are engaged upon the construction of a new dock and other works which are to be carried out forthwith, and have elaborated a large scheme of future improvements and extensions which will be undertaken as the circumstances of the port require. 1909. Board of Trade Act. — Removes the statutory limitation on the salary of the President of the Board of Trade, but excludes the then holder of that office. [Cap. 23.] [Trade, Boanl of] 248 Marine Insurance (Gambling Policies) Act.— This Act is intended to clieek the speeidati\e insurance of ships. It provides that persons who etlect gambling contracts of marine insurance, as defined in tlie Act, shall be liable to heavy penalties, but genuine interests are carefully protected in order that tliere may be no interference with legitimate business. [Cap. 12.] Labour Exchanges Act. — This Act empowers the Board of Trade to establish and maintain Labour Exchanges in such places as they think ht, and to assist Labour Exchanges maintained by any other authorities or persons having powers for the purpose. The Board of Trade may also, by siich other means as they think fit, collect and furnish information as to employers requiring workpeople and work- people seeking engagement or employment. Any Labour Exchange may be taken over by or transferred to the Board of Trade by agreement with the authority or person by whom it is maintained. A subsidiary power given by the Act is that of advancing the travelling expenses of work- people to situations found for them through a Lain air Exchange. [Cap. 7.] Trade Boards Act. — Provides for the establishment by the Board of Trade of Trade Boards — both in connection with factory and home work — in four trades named in the Schedule, viz.: (1) ready-made and wholesale bespoke tailoring; (2) the making of boxes or parts thereof made wholly or partially of paper, cardlioard, chip or similar material ; (3) machine-made lace and net finishing, and mending or darning operations of lace curtain finishing, and (4) hammered and dollied or tommied chain making. Fresh trades can be brought within the scope of the measure by Provisional Orders made Ijy the Board of Trade and confirmed by Parliament. [Cap. 22.] Electric Lighting Act. — This Act amends the Electric Light- ing Acts, by extending the piu'poses for which the Board of Trade may grant Provisional Orders to be confirmed by Parliament, and by enabling the Board to grant certain powers by written order or consent, thus giving greater facilities to Local Authorities and Companies authorised to supply electricity. [Cap. 34.] Assurance Companies Act. — This Act consolidates and amends the Life Assurance Companies Acts of 1870 and 1872, and the Employers' Liability Insurance Companies Act, 1907, and extends to Companies carrying on Eire Insurance business. Accident Insurance business and Bond Investment business, the law relating to Life Assurance Companies, subject, however, to certain relaxations and modifications in the case of fire and accident business. The amendments of the Life Assurance Companies Acts are for the most part founded on the Keport of the Select Committee of the House of Lords, dated 31st July, 1906. The principal change is the requiring from all Life Assiu'ance Companies alike a permanent deposit of X20,000. The inclusion of Bond Investment Companies under the same laws is based on the Keport of a Departmental Committee appointed by the Board of Trade. Incddcaitally, the Act deals with the pro])lem of the large numl)er of industrial policies which have been taken out by the industrial classes 249 [Trade, Board of] in this country for the purpose of paying funeral expenses, and which are technically void. The number of these policies is estimated at not less than ten millions, and the eftect of the Act is to somewhat enlarge the powers both of industrial assurance companies and collecting friendly societies, and to validate all policies effected by persons who had, at the time, a hona fide expectation that they would incur expense in connection with the death or funeral oi the life assured. With the object of pre- venting an excess of powers in future, a substantial penalty is imposed on the persons responsible, and, in order that collecting societies may not be at a disadvantage with regard to companies, a more simple method is laid down by which a collecting society can turn itself into a company. The [lassing of the Assurance Companies Act completes the work of consolidating the law in this country relating to joint stock companies — a work which was begun by the passing of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908. The result of this work of con.'^olidation is that 21 different statutes are now represented by only two. [Cap. 49.] 1910. Companies (Converted. Societies) Act. — Removes doubts wliich had arisen owing to decisions of the Courts as to the validity of the conversion of Friendly Societies into Companies in certain cases [Cap. 23.] 1911. Maritime Conventions Act. — This Act gives effect to two luteruatiouid Conventions relating to Collisions and Salvage. The Con\'entions were signed in 1910 at an International Conference held at Brussels, and are tlie first substantial step in the direction of the unification of merchant shipping law. The Salvage Conventi(tn is practically an aflirmation of British law. The principal alteration of British law effected by the Collisions Convention is that, in cases where two or more vessels are to blame for a collision, the damages will in future be divided in proportion to the degree of the faults respectively committed, instead of being divided, as liitherto, equally between the vessels in fault. The new rule is one which has worked satisfactorily on the Continent and has received a considerable measure of support in this country. The two Conventions, ])y removing serious divergencies between the law of this country and that of foreign countries, should be of material advantage to the shipping industry. [Cap. 57. J Merchant Shipping Act. — This Act enlarges the powers of British Courts in foreign countries and British Protectorates, by enabling such Courts to adjudicate in respect of the forfeiture of ships and in respect of claims for limitation of shipowners' liability under the Merchant Ship}>ing Act of 1894. [Cap. 42.] Merchant Shipping (Stevedores and Trimmers) Act. — This Act is intended to remove a difficulty whicli men, who discharge or sti-)W cargo or trim coal for foreign ships, have previously had in enforcing a claim for wages when the owner or charterer has no place [Trade, Board of] 250 of residence in this country. This difficulty is removed by making provision in certain cases for the arrest or detention of such ships. [Cap. 41.] Copyright Act. — This Act consolidates, with numerous amend- ments, practically the whole of the law relating to Copyright, which was previously scattered over some twenty Statutes, in addition to numerous decisions on the common law. Some of the main amendments introduced l)y the Act are: — (1) An extension of the term of copyright, in most cases, to the life of the author and 50 years after his death, subject to the right of anyone, during tlic last 25 years of the copyright to reproduce the work for sale on payment of a royalty of 1 per cent. ; (2) a considerable extension of the scope of copyright, e.g., the author is given the sole light to translate, to dramatise to authorise adaptation to mechanical instruments, such as gramophone records and music rolls, the last-mentioned right being in general subject to the right of any manufac- turer to use the work on payment of a royalty. Moreover, various classes of works, such as architectural works of art works of artistic craftsman- ship, gramophone records, music-rolls and cinematograph films, are for the first time made entitled to copyright; (3) all formalities, such as registration and notices reserving copyright, are abolished ; on the other hand, special provisions are inserted for the protection of persons who •' innocently " infringe copyright; (4) the Self-governing Dominions are given practically a free hand to legislate for themselves on the subject of copyright, but at the same time inducements are held out to them to come into line with the United Kingdom; (5) greater facilities are provided for securing wider protection for British authors in foreign countries, in return for the protection given to foreign authors in this country. [Cap. 46.] Railway Companies (Accounts and Returns) Act.— This Act amends and extends the provisions of the Railway Regulation Acts respecting Financial Accounts and Statistical Returns, in accordance with the recommendations of a Departmental Committee appointed by Mr. Lloyd George in 1906. [Cap. 34.] Money-Lenders Act. — Prevents the registration under the Money-Lenders Act, 1 900, of a money-lender under any name implying that he carries on banking business, and prohibits the issue of circulars to that ettect in connection with the business of money-lending. [Cap. 38.] National Insurance Act, Part II. (Unemployment Insurance). — Provides for the insurance against unemployment of the workmen in certain scheduled trades, viz , Building, Construc- tion of Works, Shipbuilding, Mechanical Engineering, including the manufacture of ordnance and fire-arras Ironfounding, Construction of Vehicles, and Saw-milling (including machine woodwork) carried on in connection with any other insured trade or of a kind commonly so carried on. The fund required for the payment of unemploy- ment benefit, which for a workman of eighteen years of age or upwards is seven shillings, and half that amount for those of the age of seventeen and upwards, is derived partly from contributions by workmen in the insured trades, partly from contributions by their 251 [Trade, Board of] employers, and partly from moneys provided by Parliament. The contributions of workmen and employers are equal 2^d. a week in the case of each workman of eighteen years of ago and u})wards, and Id. in the case of those below that age, and the State adds a contribution equal to one-third of the total sum received from \V(jrkmeu and employers. No workman can receive m(ire unemploy- ment l:»enetit than in the proportion of one week's benefit for every hve contributions paid by him. Unemphjyment Benefit may be I laid by La1)0ur Exchanges, or through Trade Unions. Provision is made for the refund of contributions in the case of workmen who have been continuously employed or have been systematically working short time. The Board of Trade has powers to appoint officers for the administration of this part of the National Insurance Act, and to set up Courts of Referees consisting of equal numl^ers of members chosen by employers and Avorkmen. These Courts will decide questions as to right to benefit on appeal from the Insurance Officer. An Um})ire, appointed by His Majesty, will decide questions as to whether or no a workman is a work- man in an insured trade, and an appeal will lie to him from the Courts of Referees. The Board of Trade has the power to extend the provisions to other trades if it seems to be desirable. Workmen whose continued unemployment is proved to be due to defective skill or knowledge may receive instruction at the expense of the fund if it seems that the defects can be so remedied. It should be added that benefits imder Parts I. and II. of the Act cannot be received by workmen at one time. [Cap. 55. j Isle of Man Harbours Act. — This Act giA-es the Harbour Commissioners power to work ferries and makes the harljour dues available for the repair of harbours as well as for the repayment of loans. It amends the mode of charging on goods and makes all passengers liable to pay dues. It also brings Port Erin within the scope of the Isle of Man Harbours Acts. [Cap. 33.] 1912-13. Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act. — This Act was passed in March, 1912, for the purpose of terminating the naticmal strike of coalminers. It provideil, iyifer alia, for the setting up of a Joint District Board in each of 22 districts specified in a schedide to the Act, which Board should tletermine the minimum rates of wages for workmen employed underground in coal mines in its district, and also district rules. The Joint District IJoards were to be recognised by the Board of Trade as fairly and adecpiately representing the workmen in coal mines in the district, and tlie em])loyers of those workmen. Provision was made in the Act that tlie Board of Trade, as a condition of recognising any body as a Joint District Board for the purposes of the Act, might require the adoption of a rule for securing equality of voting power lietween the members representing workmen and the members representing employers, and for giving the chairman a casting vote in case of difi^erence between the parties. The chairman was to be an independent person appointed by agreement between the persons representing the workmen and employers on the Joint District Board, or, in default of agreement, [Trade, Board of] 252 hj the Board of Trade. It was also provided that if, within two weeks of the [)assing of tlie Act, a Joint District Board had not been recognised for any district, tlie Board of Trade miglit, either fortliAvith or after such time as might seem to them necess;iry or expedient, appoint such person as they thouglit fit to act in the place of the Board, or persons to represent employers or workmen on the Board, if either side failed to appoint mendiers to represent them. If a Joint District Board, within three weeks after the time at which it liad been recognised, failed to settle the first minimum rates of wages and district rules, the matter should be settleel by the chairman. It was provided that the Act should remain in ft) ice for three years from the date of its becoming law, and no longer, unless Parliament should otherwise determine. [Cap. 2.] Light Railways Act. — This Act increases by half a million sterling the amount available for distribution as free grants in aid of light railway enterprise ; it also amends in several important particulars the original Act of 1896, and continiies for a period of five years the powers of the Light Railway Commissioners. [Cap. 19.] Railway and Canal Traffic Act.— This Act amends section one of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1894, with respect to increases of rates or charges made for the purpose of meeting a rise in the cost of working a railway, due to improved labour conditions. [Cap. 29.] Pilotage Act. — Consolidates and amends the law relating to pilotage. The Board of Trade are required, after inquiries at the various ports in the United Kingdom, to make, and sul)mit to Parliament for confirmation. Pilotage Orders for the reorganisation or inqjrovement of organisation of pilotage, and for the revision of local Acts, charters and bye-laws relating to pilotage. [Cap. 31. J 263 TREASURY. The Rt. Hon. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannbrman, G.C.B., M.P. (1905-8. The Rt. Hon. H. H. Asquith, K.C, M.P. (1908. The Chancellor of ( The Rt.Hon.H.H. Asquith, K.C, M.P. (1905-8. - \ The Rt. Hon. David Lloyd George, M.P. (1908. The Rt. Hon. George Whiteley, M. P. [Lord Marchanileij] (1905-8. The Rt. Hon . Joseph A. Pease, M.P. (i^C^-i a The Rt. Hon. Alexander W. C. 0. Murray, M.P. [Lord Murrau] (1910-12. Percy H. Illingworth, Esq., M.P. (1912. TheRt.Hon. Reginald McKenna, M.P. (1905-7. The Rt. Hon. Walter Runciman, M.P. (1907-8. Financial Secretary . The Rt. Hon. C. E. Hobhousb, M.P. (1908-11. First Lord of the Treasury - the Exchequer Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury to the Treasury Junior Lords of the Treasury Permanent Secretary The Rt. Hon. T. McKinnon Wood, M.P. (1911-12. The Rt. Hon. C. F. G. Masterman, M.P. (1912. /The Rt. Hon. Joseph A. Pease, M.P. (1905-8. J. Herbert Lewis, Esq., M.P. (1905-9. F. Freeman Thomas, Esq., M.P. (1905-6. [Lord Willingdon'\ Captain Cecil Norton, M.P. (1906-tO. J. M. F. Fuller, Esq., M.P. (1906-7. [Sir John Fuller, Bart.~\ The Rt. Hon. J. H. Whitley, M.P. (1907-10. J. W. GULLAND, Esq., M.P. (1909. Oswald Partington, Esq., M.P. (1909-10. ( Unjtaid) Percy H. Illingworth, Esq., M.P. (1910-12. W. Wedgwood Benn, Esq., M.P. (1910. E. J. Scares, Esq., M.P. (Unpaid) (1910-11. [Sir Ernest Soares^ William Jones, Esq., M.P. (1911. Capt. the Hon. F. E. Guest, M.P. (1911-12. ( Unpaid) Sir Arthur Haworth, Bart., M.P. (1912. ( Unpaid) Henry Webb, Esq., M.P. (Unpaid) (1912. The Rt. Hon. Sir George H. Murray, G.C.B., LS.O. (1903-11. Sir Robert Chalmers, K.C.B. (1911. [Treasury] Board of Inland Revenue: Chairman 254 I Lt.-Col. Sir Matthew Nathan, J G.C.M.G. Board of Customs and Excisk: |^ Chairman - - - ' Sir L. N. Guillemard, K.C.B. The Treasury is chiefly concerned witli questions of National Finance, and the following Tables give some particulars : — NATIONAL DEBT. [In the following figures the sum of 21 millions — temporarily borrowed in 1909-10 (owing to the delay in passing the Finance Act of that year), and paid off early in 1910-11 — has been excluded.] I. — Deadweight Debt. (Including Funded and Unfunded Del)t and Estimated Capital Liability in respect of Terminable Annuities on March 31st of each year.) 1895 . £655,908,928 1905 ... £755,072,109 1896 648,306,426 1906 743,219,977 1897 641,123,426 1907 729,505,545 1898 635,070,635 1908 711,475,865 1899 628,021,572 1909 702,687,897 1900 628,930,653 1910 692,245,408 1901 689,469,953 1911 685,232,459 1902 745,015,650 1912 674,744,481 1903 770,778,762 1913 661,473,765 1904 762,629,777 Reduction of Deadweight Debt. 1903-4 ... £8,149,000 1904-5 7,557,000 1905-6 11,852,000 1906-7 13,714,000 1907-8 18,030,000 1908-9 8,788,000 1909-10 10,442,000 1910-11 7,013,000 1911-12 .. 10,488,000 1912-13 • • ., 13,271,000 255 [Treasury] II. — Total National Indebtedness. (Including as a part Deadweight Debt and constituting the aggregate gross liabilities of Nation on March 31st of each year.) 1895 ... £659,001,552 1905 ... £796,736,491 1896 652,286,366 1906 788,990,187 1897 645,171,525 1907 779,164,704 1898 638,817,507 1908 762,326,051 1899 635,393,734 1909 754,121,309 1900 638,919,931 1910 741,463,625 1901 703,934,349 1911 733,072,610 1902 765,215,653 1912 *724,806,428 1903 798,349,190 1913 1716,288,421 1904 794,498,100 * Includes 3 millions for Telephone Purchase, f Includes 7 millions for Telephone Purchase. Reduction of National Indebtedness. 1903-4 .. £3,851,090 1904-5 hit rease 2,238,391 1905-6 7,746,304 1906-7 9,825,483 1907-8 16,838,653 1908-9 8,204,742 1909-10 12,657,684 1910-11 8,391,015 1911-12 8,266,182 1912-13 8,518,007 For the seven years from April 1st, 1906, it will be seen that the net reduction eftected amounts to £72,701,756, or an average of £10,385,965 per annum. If the sum paid for the purchase of the telephones (10 millions) is excluded, the net reduction of debt is £82,701,756. ESTATE DUTIES. The following figures give the revenue derived from Estate Duties, more generally known as Death Duties. These were revised by Sir AVilliam Harcourt in 1894, and came into operation during the financial year of 1894-5. Tlie full eflect of the revision was not felt until the year 1895-6. The rates of duty were increased in 1907-8 on Estates over £150,000, and in 1909-10 on Estates over £5,000. [Treasury] 256 Revenue from Estate Duties. A^r.r^-,'. Allocated to the Allocated to Local Totfll, 1 ear. Exchequer. Taxation Accomits. 1890-1 £7,484,642 £2,413,668 £9,898,310 1891-2 8,281,849 2,811,186 11,093,035 1892-3 8,387,848 2,398,030 10,785,878 1893-4 7,616,632 2,363,059 9,979,691 1894-5 £8,754,343 £2,140,042 £10,894,385 1895-6 11,639,900 2,448,708 14,088,608 1896-7 10,741,379 3,136,895 13,878,274 1897-8 11,185,998 4,263,192 15,449,190 1898-9 11,486,818 4,245,760 15,732,578 1899-1900 . 13,909,313 4,499,980 18,409,293 1900-1 12,483,262 4,237,867 16,721,129 1901-2 14,250.827 4,262,887 18,513,714 1902-3 13,711,675 4,201,502 17,913,177 1903-4 13,034,946 4,291,191 17,326,137 1904-5 13,010,875 4,247,556 17,258,431 1905-6 12,968,082 4,376,843 17,344,925 1906-7 14,262,824 4,695,939 18,958,763 l907-8t 19,108,256 — 19,108,256 1908-9t 18,310,280 — 18,310,280 1909-lOt 21,754,833 — 21,754,833 1910-11+ +25,708,996 — 25,708,996 1911-12t 25,182,232 — 25,182,232 1912-13t 25,248,000 — 25,248,000 f See note to Revenue and Expenditure X Including arrears of 1909-10. INCOME TAX. Yield from Id. in the £ on Taxed Incomes. 1894-5 . £1,982,000 1903-4 . £2,562,551 1895-6 2,033,162 1904-5 2,580,533 1896-7 2,098,602 1905-6 2,633,436 1897-8 2,188,380 1906-7 2,666,867 1898-9 2,284,289 1907-8 2,698,000 1899-1900 . 2,353,619 1908-9 2,784,063 1900-1 2,475,442 1909-10 2,691,422 1901-2 2,531,462 1910-11 . 2,738,912 1902-3 2,535,862 1911-12 . 2,807,000 257 [Treasury] REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE. Expenditure Capital Revenue. charged against Expenditure out Revenue. of Loans. 1894-5 ... £101,697,000 £100,932,000 £ 810,000 1895-6 ... 109,340,000 105,1.30,000 2,090,664 1896-7 ... 112,199,000 109,725,000 1,824,090 1897-8 ... 116,016,000 112,338,000 2,751,000 1898-9 ... 117,857,000 117,671,000 6,10.3,336 1899-1900 129,805,000 143,687,000 4,847,216 1900-1 ... 140,124,000 193,332,000 4,914,587 1901-2 ... 152,712,000 205,236,000 7,548,4.35 1902-3 ... 161,319,000 194,251,000 6,876,065 1903-4 ... 151,341,000 156,756,000 7,305,000 1904-5 ... 153,183,000 151,769,000 8,069,092 190.5-6 ... 1.53,879,000 150,413,000 6,148,015 1906-7 ... 155,036,000 149,638,000 5,974,750 1907-8 ... 156,538,000 151,812,000 2.834,235 1908-9 ... 151,578,000 152,292,000 2,636,510 1909-10 .. 131,696,000 157,945,000 1,281,000 1910-11... *203,851,000 171,996,000 1,040,000 1911-12... 185,090,000 178.545,000 ^4,471,000 1912-13... 188,802,000 188,622,000 t8,522,000 * Including arrears of 1909-10. X Includes £3,OU0.00U in 1911-12 an d £7,000,000 in 1912-13, part of the purchase of the National Telephone Company's Undertaking. Under the Finance Act, 1907, the Revenue which had been assigned to local purposes was paid into the Exchequer in 1907-8, and the amounts formerly paid direct to the Local Taxation Accounts, &c., became a charge on the Consolidated Fund. For the purpose of comparison the figures for prior years have been adjusted. Army Expenditure. Exchequer Issues 1903-4 . £36,677,000 1904-5 29,225,000 1905-6 28,8.50,000 1906-7 27,765,000 1907-8 27,115,000 1908-9 26,840,000 1909-10 27,236,000 1910-11 27,449,000 1911-12 27,649,000 1912-13 28,071,000 [Treasury] 258 Navy Expenditure. Exohequei' Issues 1903-4 £35,476,000 1904-5 36,830,000 1905-6 33,300,000 1906-7 31,434,000 1907-8 31,141,000 1908-9 32,188,000 1909-10 35,807,000 1910-11 40,386,000 1911-12 42,858,000 1912-13 44,365,000 Civil Services and Revenue Departments. Exchequer Issues. 1903-4 X CVtl— t ... ... ... 1904-5 46,136,000 1905-6 47,556,000 1906-7 48,880,000 1907-8 50,929,000 1908-9 53,771,000 1909-10 62,045,000 1910-11 66,698,000 1911-12 70,499,000 1912-13 79,168,000 Proportion of Revenue contributed by Indirect Direct Taxation respectively. Indirect. Direct 1905-6 49-7 50-3 1906-7 48-6 51-4 1907-8 48-9 51-1 1908-9 47-4 52-6 1909-10 1910-11 }" •■ 43-6 56-4 1911-12 42-7 57-3 1912-13 . ■ , ... 42-4 57-6 and TAXES REDUCED OR REMITTED. A— TAXES ON FOOD. Year of Change. 1906-7 1908-9 1911-12 Tea {Qd. to bd. per lb.) Sugar (4s. 2d. to Is. \0d. \)ev cwt.) and articles containing sugar Iniportecl cocoa preparations Loss to Kevenue in normal year. £1,120,000 3,650,000 60,000 Total reduction on Food Taxes (carried forward) £4,830,000 259 [Treasury] Year of Loss to Revenue in Change. normal j'ear. Total reduction on Food Taxes (brou^'lit forward) £4,830,000 B.-OTHER TAXES. 1906-7 ... Tobacco Duty £170,000 Coal Export Duty (Is. per ton) ... 2,600,000 1907-8 . . Income Tax — Duty on Earned Income when total Income does not exceed .£2,000, reduced from Lv-. to 9d. in the£ *1, 250,000 1908-9 ... Glucose Duty 70,000 Stamp Duty on marine policies ... 80,000 1909-10 ... Income Tax— Relief of Tax on £10 for each child under 16 years of age on Incomes between £160 and £500 640,000 Additional Relief under Schedule A, Lands and Houses 500,000 1911-12... License Duties (Modified) 50,000 Total reduction of Taxes £10,190,000 * The reduction in the assessments each year is — 1907-8 From I.*, to M. i. £1,185,666 19()8-y „ „ ,. ... l,2r)7,399 1909-10 From U. 2(1. to i)d. ... 2,14.o,730 1910-11 ., „ ., ... 2,169,84.5 1911-12 .. ., „ ... 12.215.000 1912-13 ., ,. „ ... t2,29(),O00 t Estimated. TAXES INCREASED OR IMPOSED. 1907-8. Yearly Yield. Estate Duties — Rates of Scale on Estates exceeding £150,000 in yalue, increased £1,200,000 1909-10. Spirits. — Increase of Ss. 9c/. a gallon 1,800,000 Motor Spirit.— 3(i. a gallon 740,000 Tobacco. — Increase of 8(?. per lb 2,750,000 Motor Car Licenses 510,000 Liquor Licenses 2,370,000 Carried forward £9,370,0U0 b2 [Treasury] 260 Yearly Yield. Brought forward £9,370,000 Estate, &c., Duties:— Bates of Scale on Estates exceeding £5,000 in value increased; Settlement Estate duty increased from 1 per cent. to 2 per cent. ; Amendment of Law in connection with powers of disposition ; Revision of Rates of Legacy and Succession duties 6,900,000 Stamps. — Certain duties increased ... ... ... 1,430,000 Income Tax:— Increase of Is. rate to Is. 2d. except in respect of earned incomes between £2,000 and £3,000; Super-tax on incomes over £5,000, Qd. in £ upon amount in excess of £3,000; Abolition of abatements, &c., as regards non-residents in the United Kingdom 8,700,000 Land Value Duties :— Increment duty of 20 per cent, on increase of value ; Duty of ^d. in £ on capital value of undeveloped land; Reversion duty of 10 per cent, on benefit accruing from termination of lease; Mineral Rights duty of Is. in £ on Mineral ts, &c. £17,000 98,000 48,000 292,000 *455,000 £26,855,000 * Increment Value Duty ... Undeveloped Laud Duty ... Reversion Duty Mineral Rights Duty £455,000 Yield of the New and Increased Duties imposed by the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910. 1911-12 £24,588,000 1912-13 ,. ... 25,655,000 261 [Treasury] PRINCIPAL HEADS OF REVENUE. (Exchequer Receipts.) 1909-10. 1910-11.* 1911-12. 1912-13. Customs ... £30,348,000 £33,140,000 £33,649,000 £33,48-5,000 Excise 31,032,000 40,020,000 38,380,000 38,000,000 Estate, &c., Duties 21,766,000 25,4-52,000 25,392,000 25,248,000 Stamps 8,079,000 9,784,000 9,454,000 10,059,000 Land Tax ... 150,000 1,220,000 7-50,000 700,000 House Duty ... 560,000 3,080,000 2,130,000 2,000,000 Property and In- come Tax ... 13,295,000 61,946,000 44,804,000 44,806,000 Land Value Duties — 520,000 481,000 455,000 Post Office ... 23,030,000 24,350,000 25,700,000 29,175,000 Crown Lands ... 480,000 500,000 530,000 530,000 Suez Canal Shares, &c 1,268,908 1,234,350 1,281,497 1,419,000 Miscellaneous ... 1,687,548 2,604,238 2,538,789 2,92-5,000 £131,696,456 £203,850,588* £185,090,286 £188,802,000 * Including arrears of 1909-10. PRINCIPAL HEADS OF EXPENDITURE. (Exchequer Issues.) 1909-10. 1910-11. 1911-12. 1912-13. Consolidated Fund Services — 1. National Debt ... £21,757,661 £24,554,004 £24,500,000 £24,500,000 2. Other Services... 11,098,9-50 12,908,663 13,039,100 12,518,000 £32,856,611 £37,462,667 £37,539,100 £37,018,000 Supply Services — Army (including OrdnanceFac- tories) ... £27,236,000 £27,449,000 £27,649,000 £28,071,000 Navy 35,807,000 40,386,000 42,858,000 44,36-5,000 Civil Services... 40,010,000 43,098,000 46,001,000 51,944,000 Customs and Excise ... 2,116,000 2,211,000 2,297,000 2,324,000 Inland Revenue 1,226,000 1,708,000 1,654,000 1,876,000 Post Office Ser- vices ... 18,693,000 19,681,000 20,547,000 23,024,000 Total Supply Ser- vices 125,088,000 134,533,000 141,006,000 151,604,000 Total Expenditure chargeable against Eevenue £157,944,611 £171,995,667 £178,545,100 £188,622,000 lor fuller details, see " Statistical Abstract for the United Kingdom, 1897 to 1911 r {Cd. 6399.] Price Is. 9d. [Treasury] 262 ESTIMATED REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE, 1913-14. Estimated Revenue, r.)lo-14. Customs Excise Estate, kc, Duties Stamps Land Tax House Duty .. Income Tax, inclmling Super-Tax Land Value Duties Total Tax Revenue Postal Service Telegraph Service Telephone Service Crown Lands Receipts from Suez Canal Shares and Sundry Loans ... Miscellaneous Total Non-Tax Revenue Total Estimated Revenue Add — Sum In be taken from Ex- chcqiier I'ahinces for Slni)])uil(linu' arrears of 1911-12 ami i;)12-13 .." Total ... 35,200,000 38,850,000 26,750,000 9,800,000 700,000 2,000,000 45,950,000 750,000 160,000,000 21,125,000 3.150,000 6,350,000 530,000 1,370,000 2,300,000 34.825,000 194,825.000 1,000,000 195.825.000 Estimated Expenditure, 1913-14. I. — Consolidated Fund Services. National Debt Services: — Interest and Management Repayment of Capital Road Improvement Fund ... Payments to Local Taxation Ac- counts, &c.... Otlicr CoiiSdlidaied Fund Services... Total Consolidated Fund Services II.— Supply Services. Army (including Ordnance P'actories) Navy ... Civil Services: — £ Old Age Pensions ... 12,600,000 Insurance and Labour Exchanges 7,499,000 Other Civil Services (including Public Education).. ... 34,889,000 Customs and Excise, and Inland Revenue Departments ... Post Office Services Total Supply Services Total Estimated Expenditure Balance Total 16,944,000 7,556,000 24,500,000 1,340,000 9,665,000 1.701,000 37,209,000 28,235,000 *46,309,000 54,988,000 4,533,000 24,366,000 158,431,000 195,640,000 185,000 195,825,000 * Including £1.000,000 Shipljuilding arrears from 1911-1912 and 1912-1913. 263 [Treasury] DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION. The Development Commission, which was foreshadowed ia Mr. Lloyd George's Budget speech of 1909, was appointed by Royal Warrant in May, 1910, for certain purposes relating to the economic development of the United Kingdom specified in the Development and Hoad Improvement Funds Acts, 1909-10. The Development Fund, created under the first of tliese Acts, consists of a sum of £2,900,000, provided by Parliament for the period ending with the financial year 1914-15. This Fund is drawn upon by the Treasury, on the recommendation of the Development Commissioners, for making advances, either by way of grant or by way of lonn, to a Government Department, or through a Government Department to a public or quasi-public body, for the following purposes : — (a) Aiding and developing agriculture and rural industries. (b) Promotion of Forestry. (c) Reclamation and drainage of land. (d) Improvement of rural transport. (e) Construction and improvement of harbours. (/) Construction and improvement of inland navigations. (g) Development and improvement of fisheries. The Development Commissioners consist of the folloAving eight members, who retire one every year, but may be re-appointed : — The Right Hon. Lord Richard Cavendish (Chairman), Mr. Vaughan Nash, C.V.O., C.B. (Vice-Chairman), Sir Sainthill Eardley-Wilmot, K.C.I.E., Sir WilHam Haldane, Mr. H. Jones Davies, J.P., Mr. M. A. Ennis, J.P., Mr. A. D. Hall, F.R.S., and Mr. Sidney Webb, LL.B. The Commissioners have no executive powers. Their prime duty is to consider and report to the Treasury on applications referred to them for advances from the Development Fund. All applications for advances from the Fund must, in the first instance, be addressed to tho Treasury. The bodies empowered by the Act of 1909 to make application are: — 1. Government Departments. 2. Local Authorities. 3. Educational Institutions. 4. Associations of persons or companies not trading for profit. The Treasury decide whether the applications are in order, and, if so, forward those received from Government Departments direct to the Commissioners, while those received from other bodies are sent to the Government Department concerned, who are required to transmit them in due course to the Commissioners with a report on the merits of the proposals put forward. The Commissioners are not bound by a Department's report. As far as possible, the Commissioners' policy in dealing with applications is to consider them in their relation to the needs of the country as a whole. They do not as a rule consider an application simply as a disconnected unit, but rather in the light of a policy which takes account of a wider area than a single district or institution. Nor do they recommend advances in relief of existing expenditure; they [Treasury] 264 stipulate that grants from the Development Fund shall be used to promote new work, and in some cases to promote expenditure from other sources. Agriculture. One of the largest grants recommended by the Commissioners is a sum of £325,000, to be spread over the period ending March, 1916, for the provision of farm institutes thronghout the country, and of other means for the development of agricultural instruction. This work is to be carried out by the local education authorities under the super- vision of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. Nor have the higher branches of agriculturnl education been overlooked by the Commissioners. They have settled and are financing a comprehensive scheme of research and advisory work at agricultural colleges and universities in England and Wales, which is estimated to cost some £45,000 or f 50,(»00 a year when in full ojieration; and have also granted large sums for the building accommodation required at those institutions by the consequent expansion of their work. To Scotland they have provisionally allocated a sum of £60,000 for enlarging the three agricultural colleges, an annual sum of £5,000 for the colleges' extension work, and a further sum not yet settled for research. Ireland will receive £5,000 per annum for technical advice in agriculture and similar purposes. The Commissioners have thus assisted in promoting an organic system of research, technical advice and education throughout the country. At the head will be the research institutes, each carrying forward the investigation of a particular branch of agricultural science, and, with similar Irish and Scotch institutions, covering practically the whole field of that science. Next there will be the colleges, whose duty it will be to provide the highest form of education in agriculture, to demonstrate by experiment the application to local conditions of the results obtained by the research institute, and to advise farmers within their areas on the more difficult problems of practice. Last, there will be the farm institutes, closely connected with the colleges, providing education for classes to whom the long college course is unnecessary or impossible, and, finally, by means of the itinerant county staff centred at them, advising the farmers in the simpler and less far-reaching difficulties which require for their solution no great scientific knowledge nor prolonged scientific training. The interests of agriculture have further been promoted by grants from the Development Fund of over £120,000 for encouraging the breeding of light horses in Great Britain and Ireland ; of £30,000 for live-stock breeding in England and Wales ; and of £20,000 for the establishment of a cattle-testing station in England. Co-operation in agriculture is a subject that has engaged the close and careful attention of the Commissioners. From the outset, they recognised the importance of working through the existing voluntary societies. For England and Wales, they secured the reconstitution of the Agricultural Organisation Society, to whom they have entrusted the expenditure of £12,000. They have obtained representation for the county councils and the agricultural colleges of Scotland on the Agricultural Organisation Society of that country, conditional on an annual grant of £1,000, which has now been paid for the second time. 265 [Treasury] They liave recommeiuled £2,000 to the Iri.sh Agricultural Organisation Society as a first grant, on conditions intended to provide for a more representative governing body and secure that the Society's work shall be confined to purely agricultural objects. Forestry. Another subject of growing interest that has been given detailed attention by the Development Commissioners is that of Forestry. The claims of Ireland received first consideration, since that country has a smaller proportion of woodlands than any other country in Europe, In order to allow of schemes of State afforestation being started in Ireland, the Commissioners approved the expenditure of £25,000 on buying suitable land for the purpose. As the land is acquired from time to time in various parts of the country, they go carefully into the details of schemes for planting and developing the estates. It is possible that assistance from the Development Fund will be found for planting some 15,000 acres in Ireland. At the same time, the Commissioners have realised the importance of technical training and general instruction in forestry. They have already recommended the expenditure of more than £18,000 on research and advisory work and on the provision of forestry schools and labora- tories in England and Wales, and of some £11,000 for teaching, buildings, and a forest garden for the benefit of students at Edinburgh University and the East of Scotland Agricultural College. Further, they have agreed to consider the provision of a forest demonstration area for Scotland, and they have before them at present schemes for aiding forestry research and advisory work in that country. They are also in negotiation with certain municipal authorities for the afforestation of water catchment areas in England, in Wales and in Scotland. Tobacco Growing. By way of aiding in the revival of the tobacco industry in the United Kingdom, the Commissioners have sanctioned an expenditure of £70,000 to be spread over ten years for further experiments in Ireland. More recently they recommended an advance of £7,500 for the year 1913-14 to the British Tobacco Growers' Association for experiments in England. Inland Navigation. Advances of nearly £30,000 have been sanctioned by the Com- missioners for the improvement of inland navigation. The question of improving rural transport in general and of land reclamation is receiving the attention of special committees of the Commissioners ; and a grant has been made for inquiries into the administrative and financial aspects of land drainage in the Eastern Counties. Fisheries and Harbours. Advances to the aggregate amount of £206,000 have been recommended by the Development Commission for the development and improvement of the fishing industry in the United Kingdom. [Treasury] 266 Of this sum, £163,400 has been ullocated to the improvement of fishing harbours, and £42,600 to a vai-iely of purposes connected directly or indirectly with fisheries, including research work, the purchase of dredgers, the encouragement of motor boat fishing, the cultivation of oysters, &c., &c. In England, the principal assistance to the fisheries has hitherto been given in the form of advances in aid of research. Advances up to £10,000 have been recommended on the application of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries for the main- tenance of a research vessel up lo 31st March, 1914. Other advances amounting in the aggregate to £6,510 have been recommended in aid of researches carried out by the Board or by institutions and local fisheiy authorities in England and Wales. A grant of £2,00() and a loan of £5,000 have also been recommended for the improvement of Newlyn Harbour. In Scotland, the introduction of new methods of fishing and the use and increasing size of steam trawlers have led to an urgent demand for better harbour accommodation. Consequently, the amount available for fisheries has chiefly been required in connection with the improve- ment of harbours. Advances up to £117,425 have been recommended for this purpose, of which <£51,325 represent grants, and £66,100 loans. A sum of £612 has been recommended for research. In Ireland, the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruc- tion were informed by the Development Commission that grants to the amount of £50,000 would be allocated to Irish fisheries over a period of five years. This figure is exclusive of a grant of £4,250 which was made for the purchase of a dredger. Of the above £50,000, £39,000 has been recommended for harbour improvements. Other advances have been recommended in aid of the cost of dredging, for the improvement of oyster fisheries, and for providing instruction in the use of marine engines. The Congested Districts Board has also been informed that the Commissioners are prepared to recommend grants up to £50,000 for the improvement of the fisheries within their jurisdiction over a period of five years, but except for advances of £4,250 and £2,500 for dredging similar to those made to the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland, no portion of the above sum has yet been allocated. The Commissioners have also expressed their willingness to recommend a loan from the Development Fund of £20,000 for the purpose of providing fishermen with modern fishing vessels, but only £9,000 has up to the present been required. 267 [Treasury] ROAD BOARD. Members : (Appointed by the Treasury.) Sir George *S. Gibb {Chairman), The Rt. Hon. Lord Pirrie, K.P., The Kt. Hon. Lord St. Davids, and The Rt. Hon. Sir J. IL A. Macdonald, K.C.B. \^Lord Kingsburgh']. {One vacancy.) Secretary. — Mr. W. Rees Jeffreys. Constitution. — The Road Hoard was constituted under Regula- tions dated May 13th, 1910, made by the Treasury under Section 7 (1) of Part II. of the Developmeut and Road Improvement Funds Act, I'JOy (9 Edw. VI L, c. 47). Duties. — The duty of the Road Board is to administer the Road Improvement Fund, and they have powder, with the approval of the Treasury — (a) To make advances to county councils and other highway authorities in respect of the construction of new roads or the improve- ment of existing roads ; {b) To construct and maintain any new roads ; which appear to the Board to be required for facilitating road traffic. Road Improvement Fund. — The Road Improvement Fund is formed out of the j)roi'eeds ot the duties imposed by the Finance (1 909-1 0) Act, 1910 (10 Edw. VII., c. 8), on moior spirit and certain additional duties imposed upon motor cars. Payments into the fund from the motor spirit duties in each financial year to date have been as follows : — 1909-10 (from April-June, 1909) £290,702 15 9 1910-11 410,376 5 7 1911-12 591,781 i8 7 1912-13 (up to 11th April, 1913) 6(;4,713 Total £1,957,573 19 11 The proceeds from the additional license duties on motor cars are as follows : — 1910-11 (from 1st January, 1910) ... ,£4G0,26ol7 6 1911-12 403,270 19 11 1912-13 (up to 11th April, 1913) 458,588 Total £1,322,124 17 5 Annual Reports. — The Board have issued two Annual Reports, the first dated I8tli August, 1911 (No. 292), and the second dated 1st August, 1912 (No. 290), in which the poHcy pursued by the Board and the procedure adopted is fully explained. [Treasury] 268 Tests of Materials. — The Board have assisted in carrying out tests of road materials witli tlie view of ascertaining those most suitable for traffic under varying conditions. A Report on the tests carried out at Sidcup in Kent, Fulham and Wandsworth, was published on behalf of the Board by Messrs. Waterlow & Sons, Limited, price 2s. Laboratory. — The Board have also entered into an arrangement with the National Physical Laboratory at Bushey to establish and operate a road-testing laboratory. Standardisation of Stone. — Steps have been taken to set in motion the standardisation of the gauge of broken stone used in road making. General Directions and Specifications. — The Board have also issued General Directions and Specifications relating to the Tar Treatment of Roads and for the surfacing of an existing: road with water-bound materials, prepared by an Advisory Committee of Engineers appointed by them. State of Employment. — Section 18 of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909, provides that "in approving, " executing or making advances in respect of the execution of any work " under this Act involving the employment of labour on a considerable " scale, regard shall be had so far as is reasonably practicable to the " general state and prospects of employment." During the time that the Board have been in operation the general state of employment has been exceptionally good, and the Board have taken this into considera- tion in making their grants. Advances. — The Board issued its first circular to Local Authorities in July, 1910, and the first grant was formally made on the 6th February in the following year. Up to the 31st March, 1913, the total advances made by the Board by way of grant, and the purposes for which these grants were made, are shown in the following table: — Improve- ment of Road Crusts. Road Widcnhigs and Improve- ment of Corners and (\irves. Road Diversions. Reconstruc- tion and Improvement of Bridges. New Roads and Bridges. Total. £ £ £ £ £ £ England 681,109 02,7.^3 13,426 37,734 59,578 854,600 Wales 19,884 18,718 3,399 451 1,000 43,452 Scotlantl 130,179 4,881 7,434 6,202 — 148,696 Ireland 82,228 i,6r)(; — 90 — 83,974 I'otal £ 913,400 88,008 24,259 44,477 60.578 1,130,722 The Board have also made advances by way of loan amounting to £106,469 105. 269 [Treasuiy] In addition to the above, the Board have indicated to individual Highway Authorities £1,077,659 by way of grant and £535,370 by way of loan, which sums are now in course of distribution as the details of the works of improvement are settled. NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE. Chancellor of the Exchequer: The Kt. Hon. D. Lloyd George, M.P. National Health Insurance Joint Committee: Chairman: The Rt. Hon. C. F. G. Masterman, M.P. Vice- Chairman : Sir Robert L. Morant, K.C.B. National Health Insurance Commissions: Chairmayi of English Commission: Sir Robert L. Morant, K.C.B Chairman of Scottish Commission : James Leishman, Esq. Chairman of Irish Commission . Joseph A. Glynn, Esq. Chairman of Welsh Commission : T. J. Hughes, Esq. The National Insurance Act, 1911, which received the Royal Assent on December 16th, 1911, is designed to deal with the two problems of Sickness and Unemployment as affecting the industrial population. The central administration of the Health provisions is vested by the Statute in four bodies of Commissioners, appointed by the Treasury, for England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and in a Joint Committee of the several bodies. The functions of this Committee and the division of powers between the various bodies are set out in Section 83 of the Act and in the regulations made under it l)y the Treasury. A Treasury Minute, dated December 27th, 1911, defines the functions of the Commissioners as twofold in character : judicial (or quasi-judicial) and executive. In regard to executive matters, subject to review by Parliament, the Commissioners are necessarily in close touch with the Ministers responsible to Parliament, viz., the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, who, as Chairman of the Joint Committee, acts as his deputy in Insurance matters. The Commissioners and the Joint Committee were appointed before the end of December, 1911, and at once proceeded to acquire premises [Treasury] 270 and to enlist staffs. The indoor staffs were mainly recruited by the transfer of existing civil servants, due regard being had to the particular needs of Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and to the various classes 'of work re(|uirlng to be performed. In determining the method of recruitment of the outdoor Inspecting Staff, the Commissioners were aided l\v a Committee presided over l)y Sir Francis Mowatt, whose Report was presented to Parliament (Cd. 6,231). Candidates were selected on the lines recommended by this Committee by an outside Com- mittee from nearly 35,000 applicants (about 30,000 men and 5,000 women) on account of special qualifications for this class of work, and (with the exception of some who were already Civil Servants) the actual appointments were made on the results of a competitive examination by the Civil Service Connnission of those so selected. Another Committee, presided over by the Comptroller and Auditor- (reneral was set up with a view to the appointment of the staff of the Audit Department, which is a department of the Treasury. In dealing with the administration of the Health precisions of the Act, it will 1)6 convenient to give first a Ijrief survey of the preliminary work that had to be done in the seven months before they were put into operation. The scope of Part I. of the Act includes, roughly speaking, the working population of the United Kingdom outside the income-tax paying classes. It embraces nearly 14,000,000 persons who, together ■with their dependants, form nearly three quarters of the entire population. The scheme of contrilaition is based on joint payments by the employer, the employed and the State. The total amount of these contributions is estimated during the first complete financial year at about £22,000,000, and will increase annually. The estimated expenditure on benefits during the same period is nearly £17,000,000. This is in addition to an annual charge connnencing at about £4,250,000 set aside to pay ofl' the deljt of some £87,000,000 present value incurred in crediting insured persons with reserve values which permit them, while entering later in life, to pay only the same contriliutions as if they had entered into insurance at the age of sixteen. This del)t is estimated to be ex- tinguished in just over eighteen years, when the annual income so earmarked will become available for increased benefits. The Act came in operation on July 15th, 1912, and at the same time the first of the benefits, sanatorium l^enefit, commenced. Medical, sickness and maternity benefits came into operation in the middle of January, 1913, and (lisal)lement benefit will become available in July, 1914. As soon as possible after the appointment of the Commissioners, Departmental and Office Committees Avere appointed to consider the many problems of administration that presented themselves. Advisory Committees were set up luider Section 58 in coiuiection with each body of Commissioners, each of them in its final conqiosition a miniature of the whole industrial system of the community. These Connnittees met frequently and gav(> most useful advice and assistance in the framing of regulations under the Act. 271 [Treasury] As a result of the recommendations of an Office Committee, regula- tions as to the collection of contril)utions were issued in May, adopting the scheme of a quarterly contril)ution card for each insiu'ed person on which a stamp, representing the value of the contribution payalde, has to be l)laced by the employer at intervals coinciding with the payment of wages. These cards are usually returnable through societies api)roved])y the Commissioners. Extremely valuable assistance in the distribution of something like fourteen million cards a cpiarter has lieen given l\y the .Stationery Office. Experience has shown that the methods adopted for collecting and duly crediting contributions amounting anniially to over £18,000,000, operate with rapidly increasing ease and effectiveness, and much of their initial success is due to the hearty co-operation of the Post Office. A Committee on Tuberculosis was appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer under the Chairmanship of Mr. Waldorf Astor, M.P. (p. 275), and has issued interim and hnal Reports. These are published as Cd. 6,164, 6,641 and 6,651. The Insurance Committees for the 233 counties and county boroughs in the four kingdoms who are responsible for the administration of this l)enefit were constituted in the manner explained below (p. 273). Committees on the position of Crown Servants and on Outworkers, under the Chairmanship of Sir Matthew Nathan, G.C.M.G., and Sir Ernest Hatch, Bart., respectively, made valual^le Reports, which have been presented to Parliament (Cd. 6,234, 6,315, 6,178 and 6,179). A Committee of the Insiirance Commission considered the application of Section 47, under Avhich reduced contributions are })ayable in certain classes of employment, where the custom prevails of paying full wages during periods of illness, and as a result these provisions were, under specified conditions, extended to certain crown and municipal employees, domestic servants, clerks and agricultural labourers. Other Committees considered the legal and administrative questions arising in connection with the application of the Act to special classes of employment. An Actuarial Advisory Committee, including several actuaries of high standing, was also appointed to consider the matters, such as the issue of tables of special rates of benefit in certain cases, on which the Commission it;quired actuarial advice. The result of the labours of these and other Connnittees is emljodied in the numerous Regulations, Orders, Tallies and Explanatory Memoranda issued. A further important branch of the preliminary work was the granting of individual claims for exemption from the compulsory provisions of the Act, and the determination of the liability of certain persons and classes of persons to beconie insured (see p. 278). This work was greatly expedited ))y the agency of officers of Customs and Excise, who received the majority of the applications and gave them a preliminary examination. It nnist be borne in mind that the scheme of administration of the Act, vso far as the credithig of contril)utions and the administration of the sickness, disablement and maternity benefits is concerned, is based on the principle of utilising the services of voluntary and independent organi- sations, many of which, like the older friendly societies, have long been in existence and to which the people whom the Act was designed to benefit were already attached by ties of ciistom and interest. In this [Treasury] 272 way, officials and organisation fitted for the kind of work entailed by the scheme were enlisted in its service. In all, ahout 2,600 societies were approved under Section 23. Some of these are large societies operating in the four kingdoms; some of them are small village societies. Friendly societies, slate clubs, trade unions, women's societies, employers' provident societies and industrial assurance companies undertook or formed separate sections for undertaking State Insurance, and prepared rules under the guidance of the Ct»mmissions. Many of the societies approved have numerous separate branches which are for some purposes virtually separate societies. The number of societies and branches approved reaches a total of nearly 23,500. It was realised at the outset that very extensive arrangements would have to be made to secure that the requisite information should be so widely disseminated as to secure that the 14,000,000 insured persons and their employers affected by the Act should be able to take full advantage of their privileges and properly realise their duties under the scheme. A Committee of the Insurance Commission was appointed -which very thoroughly considered this problem. The greater friendly societies, dividing societies, trade unions, industrial assurance societies and women's organisations had already pressed for the immediate supply of information to their officials, and it was considered that the easiest and most effective way of instructing the classes of people affected was to secure that the officers of such societies and organisations should thoroughly understand the Act. To this end, the Commission engaged and trained a staff of temporary official lecturers, including members of the Bar, persons accustomed to lecturing to working class audiences and meml)ers of friendly societies and similar organisations. Their first attention was directed to giving courses of lectures to friendly society officials throughout the country. Every known society in the district, where a course was being held, was invited to nominate representatives to attend, and invitations were pi;t into the local press to reach all societies not specially invited. In addition to lecturing, the lecturers gave advice and information to society officials. By July 15th, most of the important provincial towns had been visited. Special classes for women, conducted by women lecturers, were arranged in a large number of centres for the benefit of working women's organisations and for social workers who were likely to be able to give advice and assistance to working women in regard to the Act. Meetings of employers' organisations, organised by Chambers of Commerce and similar bodies, were addressed in many important centres, and special arrangements were made to convey information to the scattered population of rural counties, these latter meetings, which were public, being widely advertised in the local Press. The lectures were all completed before the end of July, when 40,000 society officials and nearly 1,000,000 insured persons had attended lectures or courses of lectures. Not the least important point to which the official lecturers directed their attention was to impress on the public the advantages of taking their benefits through the approved societies and not drifting into the class of deposit contributors, and it is worth noting in this connection 273 [Treasury] that over 96 per cent, of the total uuiuljer of insured ]>ersons have now joined approved societies. The Committee made arrangements for the production and distril^u- tion of leaflets and pamphlets, and the fact that by the 31st July, in England alone, 50,000,000 copies of explanatory leaflets had been distributed is evidence of the scope of this work Among the variety of aspects treated may he mentioned the duties of employers and the position of dividing and slate clubs, trade unions, small societies, domestic servants, charwomen, aliens, casual lal)onv and tlie mercantile marine. .Sailors and soldiers were instructed as to their })Osition liy means of special leaflets issued by the Admiralty and War Office in conjunction with the Commission. Very valuable help was given by the Post Office in undertaking early in July a house-to-house distribution throughout the United Kingdom of a general explanatory pamphlet. Posters drawing attention to the operation of the Act, an widely and prominently displayed through- out the land. The Audit Staff' explained to society officials the financial and accounting reipiirements of the State Insurance Scheme. Finally, lectures were delivered, where necessary, in Gaelic, Irish, Welsh, French and German, and to deaf mutes. Certain leaflets and posters were translated into Gaelic, Irish and Welsh, and posters were issued in Yiddish. In these ways, and by means of numerous circulars, conferences, &c., and a correspondence that at some times, in England alone, reached 7,000 letters a day, the way was prepared, and, as it proved, successfully prepared, for the insurance of the fourteen millions affected by the Act. The following notes describe the work of administration in somewhat greater detail. Insurance Committees. — The Insurance Committees, Avhich number 233 (England, 121; Scotland, 56; Ireland, 39; Wales, 17), are composed of members representing insured persons, doctors, local authorities, and of persons appointed by the Insurance Commissioners. District Insurance Committees are being formed in each Insurance Committee area for boroughs with 10,000 inhabitants or more, and for urban districts with not less than 20,000. Local Medical Committees, which are considered by the Connuissioners as representative of medical practitioners in the area of any Committee or District Committee, are being recognised and consulted Ijy the Insurance Committee or District Committee on general questions relating to the administration of medical 1 )enefit. The main duties of the Insurance Connuittees are the administration of medical and sanatorium ])enefit, and also, in the case of de})osit contributors, of sickness, disablement and maternity benefit. They have power also to make reports on the health of their areas and to disseminate information on questions of health. For medical benefit, the normal system contemplated l)y the Act, known as the " Panel " system, was adopted during the progress of the Bill through the House of Commons, in deference to the views of the medical profession, who objected to control by friendly societies. Under [Treasury] 274 this system, every registered medical practitioner has a right to go on the Panel and is paid on a capitation or an attendance basis according to the plan adopted by the Committee. Each insured person in the ai^ea has then the right of selecting any doctor on the Panel, sulyect to his acceptance by the doctor selected. The residue of persons who have not chosen their doctor, or who have been refused, are allocated among the doctors on the Panel by the Committee. The Committees may also, if they think fit, in areas where Panels have l)een formed, require persons whose income exceeds a limit fixed l)y them, and allow any other persons, to make their own arrangements for receiving medical attendance. Persons who are entitled to receive attendance through any system or institution existing at the time of the passing of the Act, and approved by the Committee and the Commissioners, ma}"" receive a contribution towards the cost of that attendance in lieu of the usual medical benefit. During the period preliminary to the coming into operation of medical benefit, the medical i)rofession raised a number of points which formed the subject of considerable discussion with the Advisory Committee and with representatives of the British Medical Association, and on many of those an agreement was ultimately reached. In regard to the question of remuneration, the Government always recognised that, owing to changes made during the passage of the Bill, an additional contribution from the Exchequer in aid of medical benefit would be needed ; and, after careful investigation of the whole problem (inchiding a special inquiry by 8ir W. Plender, Cd. 6,305), the Government in October, 1912, announced that they proposed to make an extra grant of 2s. 6d. per head, per amuun, on conditions that would secure enhanced efficiency of medical service. It was stipulated, as a condition of this grant, that doctors should give the certificates necessary for sickness and disablement benefit, and should keep such simple records as were requisite. Extra grants were also promised for drugs used during periods of abnormal sickness and for mileage in sparsely populated districts. These grants were voted by Parliament in February, 1913. By the 15th of January, there were well over 16,000 doctors on the Panels, and in all but a few small areas a completely adequate service w^as secured. A Committee under the Chairmanship of Sir John A. Dewar, Bart., M.P., was appointed to consider the question of medical service in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and reported on December 24th, Cd. 6,559. A special grant for mileage in those districts was made by Parliament as a consequence of this report. Another Committee, jire- sided over by Lord Ashby St. Ledgers, was appointed to consider the question of extending medical benefit to Ireland. In response to representations received from unregistered chemists, a committee was appointed early in March, 1913, to consider whether any alteration was desirable in the conditions as to the supi)Iy of drugs, medicines and appliances, imposed by Section 15 (5) (iii.) of the Act. The National Insurance Act contained for the first time statutory provision of a definite fund (Sanatorium Benefit Fund) amounting to about £900,000 for the Unite(l Kingdom, for the treatment of tubercu- losis, and under its ])rovisions Insurance Committees were required to make arrangements at the cost of this fund with local authorities or other persons undertaking the treatment of the disease. 275 [Treasury] At tlie same time, under the Finance Act, 1911-12, a sum of £1,500,000 was |)r(ivitled for (listril)ution by the Local Government Boards for England and Wales, Scotland and Ireland in aid of the Capital expenditure necessary to jirovide the various institutions, and grants from this fund have been made available to comity and county boroughs on production of schemes for dealing with tuberculosis to satisfy the standard of requirements. Insurance Committees are primarily concerned with obtaining treatment for insured persons, but provision was made in the Act ])y which the l)enefit may be extended to the dependants of the insured. It was also recognised that if the campaign against tuberculosis was to be effective, provision must 1)6 made for treating the population at large, that is, non-insured persons as well as the insured, and this has necessitated a co-ordinated scheme of institutions and means of treatment on an elaborate scale. In order to advise the Government as to the best method to be ado])ted for the object in vieAv, a Departmental Committee on Tid)erculosis was appointed l)y the Chancellor of the Exchequer in February, 1912. The Committee reported in May, 1912 (Cd. 6,164), iufavoin- of a scheme by which tuberculosis should in any given area be combated by means of two classes of institutions, namely: — (a) Tuberculosis Dispensaries, and (/>) Residential Institutions, including Sanatoria for early cases of the disease, and hospitals for advanced cases ; the whole organisation to be under the supervision of a tuberciilosis officer. Before the Insurance Act, the available institutions definitely established for the treatment of tul)erculosis were comparatively limited in numl)er, and althougli a few of the larger County Borough Councils had exercised their general powers under the Public Health and Isolation Hospitals Acts to provide dispensaries and sanatoria or other residential institutions, tlie available establishments for treatment were for the most part private foundations, many of them of a charitable nature. Thus, Insurance Committees Avere confronted with a difficult problem in having to find accommodation in a short space of time sufficient to provide treatment for the insured persons and their dependants who require it. The fact that Parliament recognised that there was a deficiency of accommodation, and accordingly set aside a large grant in aid of the provision of additional accommodation, must be borne in mind in considering the work done l)y the Insurance Conniiittees in the first few months of their existence. In the four months Ijetween 15th July and 20th Xovemlier, the Insurance Committees of the four countries had provided treatment for 3,773 persons suffering from tuliercidosis. Of this number, 2,172 had been treated in sanatoria, and 587 at tuberculosis dispensaries, and 1,014 at home under the care of private practitioners, at a total cost of £37,000 (Cd. 6,625). During a further period ending on February 4th, a large number of additional cases were treated, the total number of insured persons and 32 [Treasury] 276 their dependants who had received treatment in residential institutions (in addition to those receiving treatment tlirough dispensaries and at home) then amounting to 3,360 in England, 349 in Wales (including 150 treated l)y Welsh Memorial Association), 664 in Scotland, and 380 in Ireland — making a grand total of 4,753. In the first six months of the Act, the domiciliary treatment of insiired persons suffering from tuberculosis was carried out by means of arrangements made M^th the patients' private practitioner, who was paid a fixed fee, usually 2s. 6d. per visit. Arrangements were subsequently made, whereljy the doctors on the panel receive an extra 6d. (from the Sanatorium Fund), in respect of each of the insured persons on their lists, and treat any of them who may be recommended for domiciliary treatment. The National Insurance Act provides that, in cases where the Insur- ance Committees extend Sanatorium Benefit to dependants, any estimated excess of expenditure over income may be met, as to half, b}^ the Local Authority, and, as to the other half, from the Exchequer where the expenditure has been sanctioned by the Local Authority and the Treasury. It has now been decided that the Exchequer will definitely pay half of the deficiency in all cases where the Local Authority has accepted the like responsibility. In view, moreover, of the great advantage, in the interests of the community as a whole, of schemes covering not only insured persons and their dependants (who together form the great bulk of the population) biit also those who fall within neither category, it has been decided that in this case also the Exchequer will, under the following conditions, bear half of any deficiency. It is contemplated that, Avhere such comprehensive schemes are undertaken by the Local Authorities, the Insurance Committees (while remaining responsible for seeing that insured persons and any dependants to whom they have extended the benefit receive the appropriate fomi of treatment) will hand over to the Local Authorities the sums available for institutional treatment. The Local Authority will then midertake the institutional treatment of all classes, incliTding insured persons. In such cases, the Exchequer will pay half of the total net cost of the whole scheme (covering dispensaries, sanatoria and hospitals, &c.), after deducting the amounts received from Insurance Committees and any sums received in respect of the treatment of uninsured persons or otherwise. Approved. Societies. — It has already been explained that, except as regards the medical and sanatorium benefits, and the small and diminishing class of deposit contributors, the Act operates through the agency of approved societies. The varying nature of the societies has also been described. The first work in connection with these societies was the examina- tion and adjustment of their constitutions and rules, with a view to fitting them for work under the Act. This, of course, entailed detailed correspondence with individual societies, but the work was greatly expedited by the issue of different sets of Model Rules adapted to the requirements of different types of societies. It will be seen from the 277 [Treasury] figiiref! on page 280 that certificates of approval have been given to over 2,500 separate societies, and that the total number of approved societies and branches is about 23,500. After the societies had become approved, they at once proceeded to complete the detailed arrangeinents for the administration of sickness and maternity benefits, which began to be payable on January 13th. Their ncAv duties under the Act were necessarily onerous and difiicult, and in many respects different from anything in their previous experience of [)rivate and voluntary insurance. In botli their preliminary prepara- tions and their actual administration of the benefits, they have therefore constantly asked, and freely received, assistance and guidance from the Commissioners. A comprehensive Handbook on the administration of Sickness and Maternity Benefits, dealing in detail with the work of societies and officials under the Act, has been compiled and issued to all secretaries of societies and their branches. Advice has been given to societies as to the procedure to be followed by insured persons when claiming benefit ; and model " declaring-on " and " declaring-off" " notes, medical certificates, and other forms have been issued. Arrangements have been made for the transfer of insured persons from one society to another, and iov the transfer of deposit contributors to societies, and vice vei'sa. The Act provides that the benefits to be given in the case of some special classes of insured persons are to be such as the society determines. Societies naturally desired the benefit of official actuarial advice in determining such benefits, and tables have been issued accordingly for their guidance. Provisional regulations have been issued, providing for the procedure to be followed on Appeals by insured persons to the Commissioners from the decisions of approved societies and in other cases. A certain number of complaints have, of course, been received from insured persons since benefits became payable, and an opportunity has thus been afforded of giving assistance to society officials just where experience showed that it was needed in the early months of their new work. Advice has been similarly given in response to a very large number of letters received direct from society officials, asking for advice on matters of administration and raising questions as to the interpretation of the Act and the Regulations. Opportunity has also l)een found to encourage smaller approved societies, which iiitend to associate for valuation purposes, in forming various organisations, the chief featiuT in which is the existence of a central body for affording general advice and assistance, principally in the matter of keeping accounts. The Commissioners' Inspectors have also l)een in close touch with a large number of the smaller societies, and have given them assistance in the initial stages of their work. Collection of Contributions, Exemptions, &c. — The compulsory provisions of the Act apply to practically every person in the [Treasury] 278 United Kingdom between the ages of 16 and 70 who Avorks for an employer, either in maniial labour at any rate of remuneration, or other- wise than in manual labour at a rate of remuneration not exceeding in value £160 per annum. As has already been explained, this includes a1)out 14 million persons, who, with their dependants, form about three quarters of the entire population. The classes of })ersons that are, or may be, excepted from insurance have already been described in the preliminary summary. The power to exclude subsidiary occupations by Special Order has been exercised in the case of part-time employments in connection Avith places of religious worship, societies, clul)s and theatres, and under lighthouse and lifeboat authorities, and also (conditionally) in the case of certain agricultural employments. The classes of employment excepted by the terms of the Act are set out in Part II. of the First 8chedule, but the Commissioners have power to include within the scope of the operation of the Act persons so excepted. This power has been exercised by including married women outworkers. The Special Order including them was the sid)ject of an exhaustive inquiry by Mr. Samuel Pope, Barrister-at-Law, whose reconnnendation that no class of outworkers should be excepted has Iteen adopted by the Commissioners (Cd. 6,600). The power in Sub-section (k) of Part II. of Schedule I. has been exercised to except fishermen in the ports of Penzance and St. Ives, who are paid by share in the profits of their vessel, and who receive a share during periods of sickness and disablement in accordance with a practice existing at the commencement of the Act. The proljlem of casual labour in relation to the Act has engaged the earnest attention of the Commissioners, who took care at an early stage to issue regulations under which the greatest possible scope was allowed to employers to make arrangements for dealing with this difficult class of employment in the manner best suited to their own particular needs. Many schemes have been approved, applicable to a wide variety of circumstances, and ranging in importance from that in force in Liverpool Docks, which applies to 58 employers and 28,000 workmen, to a scheme for the insurance of a few porters in a certain coal yard. In the case of a considerable numl)er of these schemes, which have been the means of regularising casual labour to some extent wherever they are in force, the agency of the Labour Exchanges has been employed vmder the powers conferred by Section 99 of the Act. 136,431 individual claims for exemption under Section 2 had been received up to April 21st, 1913, and of these 109,311 were granted. The vast majority of the holders of certificates are either pensioners, married women dependent on their husbands, or apprentices. Exem[)tion is also granted to so-called " Irish migratory lal)0urers," i.e., })ersons who have temporarily removed from some permanent home in Ireland to harvesting or other agricultural work in any part of the United Kingdom, and who, for at least half the year, reside at their permanent home, and are not employed within the meaning of the Act. Exemption fi'om payment of contril)utions is given to managers of charitable and reformatory institutions who maintain and give medical attendance to their inmates, subject to a liability to ])ut inmates in the institution, who leave after more than six months' stay, in the same 279 [Treasury] position as regards insurance under the Act as they would have been in normally. The provisions of the Act as to contributions are modified in the case of certain classes of employment where it is customary to pay full wages during sickness. The Commissioners have issued Special C)rders specifying (amongst others) employment as clerks, journalists, domestic servants, fanu servants in certain localities, subordinate officials in pulilic departments and emidoyment under local authorities as employ- ments in which such a custom prevails. 8pecial provision has also been made in the case of a small number of private employers. In these cases, sickness benefit is not paid for the first six weeks of illness, and the contributions of the employer are reduced by Id. weekly {^d. in the case of a woman) and those of the employed person by Id. The Commissioners have made regulations under Section 66 as to the determination of questions arising as to whether particular classes of employment are within the sco[)e of the Act ; as to whether persons are entitled to become voluntary contributors ; and as to rates of contribu- tions payable. Power is taken under the Act to refer questions to the High Court for decision, and typical cases thus referred were those of curates and Nonconformist ministers, where it had to be decided whether a contract of service existed, and that of tailors' cutters, the question being whether they were manual workers. A large number of questions under this section have been decided by the Commissioners. Regulations were made under Section 10 of the Third Schedule whereby an employer of outworkers, on giving proper notice, instead of paying contributions for each week in which work is done for him by a particTdar outworker to whom the regulations apply, pays a normal contribution for each unit of work done by the outworker. Certain units are specified in the regulations, e.g., for certain forms of chain making, machine-made lace, and net finishing and glove making, and other units have been fixed from time to time. This alternative scheme of payment has been widely adopted. Regulations have also been made respecting payment of contribu- tions on behalf of persons employed by sub-contractors but working under the general control and management of some principal employer, and also dealing with the case of contributors employed by more than one person in a calendar week. The latter regulations include a method by which the various employers of charwomen and persons working under similar conditions may pay weekly contributions in rotation. The number of complaints received as to non-payment of contributions and other matters has not been very considerable, having regard to the number of persons coming under the Act. Many of those received were in connection with farmers and other employers in agricultural districts. Only in a few instances has it been necessary to take cases into Court: these were nearly all against employers who refused to pay the legal contrilmtions. Actuarial. — The following Tables have been prepared : — 1. Voluntary Rates for Male and Female Insured Persons entering into insurance before the 15th day of January, 1913 (showing voluntary rates for males aged 45 years and upwards). [Ti-easury] 280 2. Voluntary Kates for Male and Female Insured Persons entering into insuranee on or after the 15th day of January, 1913 (showing voluntary rates for males aged 16 years and upwards hut inider 65 years). 3. Voluntary Contrihutors' Arrears Regulations. 4. Tahle of Kates of Sickness Benefit and of Reserve Values applicahle, save as provided in the Act, to men becoming emjiloyed contrihutors at the age of 17 or upwards subsequent to the ex})iration of one year from the connnencement of the Act. 5. Tahle of Benefits for Persons entering an Approved Society at the commencement of the Act at ages between 65 and 70. Alternative No. 1 : Rates and Conditions of Sickness Benefit. Alternative No. 2 : Annual Allowances during Life. 6. Aliens. Rates of Sickness, Disablement and Maternity Benefits for Employed and Voluntary Contributors, and Benefits and Contribu- tions for Married Women Voluntary Contributors during suspension from the ordinary benefits. 7. Additional Benefits for Males or Females of value equivalent to a reduction of Sickness Benefits under Section 9, Sub-section 2. 8. Tal)les of Reserve Vahies for Male and Female Insured Persons, dated 1st INlay, 1912 (showing Reserve Values in (xreat Britain or Ireland for Male Employed Contril)utors entering into insurance within one year of the commencement of the Act, and for Male Voluntary Contriliiitors entering into insurance within six months of the commencement of the Act at ages less than 45 years). 9. Tables of Reserve Values for Males serving in the Navy or Army. 10. Tables showing the Transfer Value under Section 44, Sub- section (1), of a woman at the date of her suspension from ordinary benefits on or after marriage. TABLES SHOWING APPROVED SOCIETIES, THEIR MEMBERSHIP, &c. Figures up to January 16th, 1913. Number of Societies approved by Joint Committee and English Commission ... ... ... 2,183 Number of branches in England .. ... ... 16,433 Number of Societies approved by Scottish Commission 91 Number of branches in Scotland ... 1,971 Number of Societies approved by Irish Commission 119 Nimiber of Ijranches in Ireland ... ... ... 477 Number of Societies approved by Welsh Commission 169 Number of branches in Wales 1,965 Total number of Societies ... ... 2,562 Total numl)er of branches ... ... 20,846 Total numT>er of Societies and branches 23,408 281 [Treasury] Figures up to March 17tli, 1913* Men. Women. Membership of Approved Societies Number of Deposit Con- tributors Totals 9,197,000 342,000 3,824,000 187,000 Total. 13,021,000 529,000 9,539,000 4,011,000 13,550,000 i.e., over 96 per cent, of the total number of insured persons have joined approved societies. The membership of the main types of Societies is approximately as follows : — Approved Societies formed by Friendly Societies Approved Societies formed l)y Industrial Insurance Com- panies (including a Society formed by an amalgamation of Industrial Companies and Collecting Societies) Approved Societies formed by Trade Unions Approved Societies formed by Collecting Societies Other Ap})roved Societies ... ... 6,251,000 4,493,000 1,443,000 761,000 73,000 13,021,000 CONTRIBUTIONS COLLECTED. England Scotland Ireland Wales Figures tq) to March 1st 'dumber and Value of Contril)u- through Quarterly Stamping 11 99 Arrangements ... Total for 33 weeks Average per week , 1913. Number. 306,948,319 43,154,317 20,480,785 15,946,871 Value. £ 8,482,229 1,211,972 424,373 456,322 386,530,292 £10,574,896 t Estimated I tions paid and Sectio] 35,200,000 £950,000 421,700,000 £11,520,000 12,800,000 £350,000 * These fijjures are based on the first quarter's cards only. The figures as to Deposit Contributors are further liable to modification, as a number of Societies had not completed their claims for transfer. f 1,00(1,000 insured persons are included in quarterly stamping arrangements, and also over 100,000 included in arrangements for stamping, made under Section 99, i.e., through Labour Exchanges. Those payments are equivalent in number and value to about 35,200,000 au(r£'.ir)0.000 respectively. [Treasury] 282 BENEFITS. The benefits of the Act are aJniinistered through 233 Insurance Ciininiittees and about 23,500 Societies and Branches, and statistics as to the actual nunil)ers of persons in receipt of them and the amounts paid are not yet available. The following estimates may, however, be taken as indicating the general scope of each benefit: — Benefit. Date of commencement. Number of persons now in receipt of the benefit in each week. Estimated weekly payments. Medical Sickness - Maternity - Disablement Jan. 13th, 1913 Jan. 15th, 1913 Jan. 15th, 1913 July, 1914. Probably over | a million Al)out 270,000 - About 18,000 [£100,000]* £110,000 £26,000 * Approximate cost of Medical Benefit per week. Sanatorium Benefit. Sanatorium Benefit commenced on July 15th, 1912, and full statistics as to the first four months are given in Cd. 6,625. The following figures are for the period, 15th July — 20th November, 1912 : — Sanatorium Benefit. England. Scotland. Wales. Ireland. Total. Number of cases treated at home under the care of a private medical practitioner 891 7.5 22 26 1,014 Number of cases treated in or through a dispensary 507 53 17 10 587 Number of cases treated at residential institutions (sana- toria, hospitals, &c.) 1,467 3Be 110 259 2,172 Total number of applicants who received sanatorium benefit - 2,86.5 464 149 295 3,773 I'p to Fehruanj \th, 1913. Number of cases treated in resi- dential institutions 3..36() 664 349 380 4,753 283 [Treasury] LEGISLATION. 1906. Deanery of Manchester Act. — Rearranges the revenues of the Deanery of Manchester. [Cuj). 19.] Land Tax Commissioners Act. - Creates new Land Tax Commissioners, and abolishes the property qualification for tliat office. [Cap. 52.] Public Works Loans Act. — Autliorises the Public Works Loan Commissioners to ])orrow money on National credit in order to lend to Local Authorities. [Cap. 29.] Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Act.— Authorises supplementary payments for pul)lic services of the year ending March, 1906, and payments on account for the year ending March, 1907. [Cap. L] Appropriation Act. — Authorises the issue out of the Consoli- dated Fund of money to meet expenditure, and appropriates the issues to the sums voted in Supply. [Cap. 26.] Isle of Man Customs Act. — Keduces the duty on tea imported into the Isle of INIan and makes other alterations in conformity with the Finance Act. [Cap. 18.] Finance Act. — Provides for revenue of the year 1906-7 ; reduces tlie duty on tea by Id. per lb. ; abolishes the coal duty, adjusts the duty on stripped tobacco, and makes additional provision for the reduction of tlie National Debt. [Cap. 8.] Revenue Act. — Puts the very numerous manufactories which dt'jit'nd un the use of industrial alcohol on an equal footing with similar industries abroad as regards the cost of the spirit ; and creates machinery for checking the sale of bogus foreign wines. [Cap. 20.] Local Authorities (Treasury Powers) Act.— Makes the Local ((overnment Board the Authority for sanctioning borrowing by Local Authorities under the Baths and A\^ashhouses and Burial Acts, as it is at present the Authority for sanctioning other loans. [Cap. 33.] Expiring Laws Continuance Act. — Continues various Acts passed for a limited period only. [Cap. 51.] 1907. Consolidation Fund (No. 1 ) Act. — Authorises supplementary issues for tlie pulilic services of the yeai' ended March, 1907, and issues on account for the year ending March, 1908. [Cap. 1.] Isle of Man Customs Act. — Continues for the Isle of Man the existing duties on tea, tobacco, spirits, ale and beer. [Cap. 26.] [Treasury] ^84 Expiring Laws Continuance Act. — Provides that certain Acts of an administrative character, Avliose operation was originally limited for a period of years, shall continue in force for a further period of one year. [Cap. 34.] Public Works Loans Act. — Authorises the Public Works Loan Commissioners U) l)orrow money on National credit, in order to lend to Local Authorities in the United Kingdom. Likewise })rovides for a loan being made by the Commissioners to Southern Nigeria for the purpose of railway C(jnstruction in Southern and Northern Nigeria, with a view to opening up the cotton-growing areas of those Protectorates ; and also for a loan to Jamaica towards rejjairing tlie damage resulting from the recent earthquake. [Cap. 36.] Finance Act. — Provides for the revenue of the year 1907-8 : increases the iJeath Duties upon estates above £150,000 : restores to the control of Parliament the License Duties and other sources of revenue diverted since 1888 to the purpose of grants in aid of local taxation, which will in futiu'e be charged upon the Consolidated Fund : reduces in favour of taxpayers whose total income does not exceed £2,000, the rate of Income Tax upon earned income from 1^. to 9d. in the pound : removes many anomalies connected with the Stamp Duties and Income Tax : and strengthens the Sinking Fund l)y a special additional contri- bution of £1,500,000 towards the redem})tion of debt. [Cap. 13. J Appropriation Act. — Authorises the issue out of the Con- solidated Fund of the amounts necessary to complete tlje provision made in Siipply for the services of the financial year 1907-8, and appropriates the issues of that year to the respective services. [Cap. 20.] 1908. Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Act. — Authorises supi)lenientary issues for the public services of the year ended JNIarch, 1908, and issues on accoiuit for the year ending March, 1909. [Cap. 1.] Expiring Laws Continuance Act. — Provides tlmt certain Acts of an administrative character, whose operation was originally limited for a period of years, shall continue in force for a further period of one year. [Cap. 18.] Friendly Societies Act. — Amends the law as regards Friendly Societies in seveial particuluis, U> meet the requirements of the Registry of Friendly Societies and of the Societies themselves. [Cap. 32.] Appropriation Act. — Authorises the issue out of the Con- solidated Fund of the amounts necessary to Cf)mplete the provisions made in Supply for the services of the financial year, 1908-9, and appropriates the issues of that year to the respective services. [Cap. 30.] Finance Act. — (i.) Continues until 1st Jidy, 1909, the Customs duty payal)le im tea inuler the Finance Act, 1907, at 5d. the })oiuid. (ii.) Keduces the duty on sugar from is. 2d. the cwt. to Ls\ 10c?. the cwt., and in similar proportion the duty on other similar substances, the 285 [Treasury] reduction taking effect from 18th May, 1908, in the case of raw materials, and from 1st July, 1908, in the case of manufactured goods. (iii.) Brings into operation and re-enacts the Irish Tobacco Act, 1907. (iv.) Gives power to His Majesty, l)y Order in Council, to transfer the management of Excise duties from the Board of Inland Revenue to the Board of Ciistoms. (v.) Keduces, as from 1st January, 1909, the stamp duty on Marine Insurance Policies for a voyage from 3d. to Id. for every 1 100 insured. (vi.) Transfers, in England and Wales, to County Councils the power to levy certain duties on Local Taxation Licenses (viz., Licenses to deal in game, to kill game, to keep dogs, guns, carriages and male servants, and to use armorial hearings). (vii.) Maintains for the year 6th April, 1908, to 5th April, 1909, Income Tax at Is. in the pound, with the ahatements in force in the previous year. (viii.) Gives power to the Treasury to increase the remuneration of Assessors of Taxes. (ix.) Appropriates £600,000 of Old Sinking Fund moneys towards the cost of new public offices at Westminster. [Cap. 16.] Old Age Pensions Act. — Provides for the grant of pensions to all persons of 70 years of age and upwards who satisfy the statutory conditions as to means, British nationality and residence in the L^nited Kingdom and are not subject to disqualification, as provided, l)y reason of pauperism, persistent idleness, lunacy, crime or drunkenness; estahli.shes machinery for the award and payment of the pensions, the necessary funds being provided from the National Exchequer. Where the claimant's means (apart from the pension) do not exceed £21 a year the amount of the pension is 5s. weekly. Above that amount a sliding scale is adopted under which the pension is reduced by I.'?, steps, until, when a claimant's means exceed £31 10s. a year, no pension is payable. Claims to pensions are, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, made through the Post (Jfhce. They are investigated by the Pension Officer, a Government official, who reports the result of his inquiries to the Local Pension Committee, who adjudicate upon the claim. If the claimant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Connnittee, he has the right of appeal to the Local Government Board, whose decision is final. The Pension Officer has also the right of appeal, in the interest of the Treasury, if he thinks a pension has been wrongly awarded. Pensions are payable weekly at any Post Office selected by the pensioner, and simple arrangements have been laid down for transfer of payment from one Post Office to another in cases in which a pensioner temporarily or permanently changes his place of residence. The first pensions were paid on January 1st, 1909. [Cap. 40.] Isle of Man Customs Act. — Continues for the Isle of Man the existing duties on tea, tobacco, spirits, ale and beer, reduces the duties on sugar and cognate articles in conformity with the Finance Act. [Cap. 9.] [Treasury] 286 Public Works Loans Act. — Authorises the Pahlic Works Loan Coiinuissioiiers and the. Coiiniiissioners of I^uhlic Works (rrelaiid) to lend money to Local Authorities for public -works, and extends the purposes for which the Commissioners can lend so as to include the acquisition of land and the purchase or construction, Szc, of Iniildings by County Associations luider the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907. The Act also writes oft" certain loans from the assets of the Local Loans Fund. [Cap. 23.] 1909. Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Act.— Authorises supplementary issues for the public services of the year ended .31st March, 11)09. [Cap. 1.] Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Act. — Authorises further issues for the public services of the year ending 31st March, 1909, and issues on account for the year ending 31st March, 1910. [Cap. 2.] Appropriation Act. — Authorises the issue out of the Consoli- dated Fund of the amounts necessary to complete the provision made in Supply for the services of the financial year 1909-10; and appropriates the issues of that year to the respective services. [Cap. 5.] Public Works Loans Act.— Authorises the Public Works Loan Commissioners and the Commissioners of Public Works, Ireland, to borrow on National credit and lend money to Local Authorities. The Act also writes oft' arrears of principal and interest in respect of Plymouth Harbour, and proclaims that certain debts are not to be reckoned as assets of the Local Loans Fund. [Cap. 6.] Expiring Laws Continuance Act. — Provides that certain Acts of an administrative character whose operation was originally limited in point of time shall continue in force until the 31st of December, 1910. [Cap. 46.] Isle of Man Customs Act. — Continues the additional duty on tea imposed in 1906 and the additional diities on tobacco and spirits, ale and beer imposed in 1900 for another year. Increases, in conformity with the Finance Act, 1909, the duties on spirits, &c., and tobacco. Orders that all Isle of Man Bank Holidays shall be kept as holidays in the Customs and Excise offices in the Island. [Cap. 45.] Revenue Act, — Effects miscellaneous minor alterations in the law relating to Customs and Excise, to Stamps, and to fees on licenses for importation of explosives. [Cap. 43.] Superannuation Act. — Enacts a new system of superannua- tion for male Civil Servants under which, in return for the lowering of the pension scale hitherto in force, provision is made for the first time for the grant of a lump sum to the officers themselves, or to their dependents if they die in the Service. [Cap. 10.] 287 [Treasury] Development and Road Improvement Funds Act.— See under " Develnpment Cuminissiou " and " Koad lioard " (at pages 263-9). [Cap. 47.] 1910. Treasury (Temporary Borrowing) Act.— Extends the powers of tlie Treasui'y Ut liorrow for ways and means, and suspends in part the payment of the new Sinking Fiuid. [Cap. 1.] War Loan (Redemption) Act. — Provides for the issue of Exchequer Bonds for the purpose of tlie War Loan. [Cap. 2.] Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Act.— Authorises supplementary issues for the public services for the years ending March, 1909, and March, 1910, and issues on accoimt for the year ending ]\Iarcli, 1911. [Cap. 4.] Development and Road Improvement Funds Act.— Efieets alterations in the nunihers and tenure of office (if the Develop- ment Ci^mmissioners, makes provision for the payment of jiensions out of the Development Fund and Road Improvement Grant, and corrects an error in the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909. [Cap. 7.] FINANCE (1909-10) ACT. Income Tax. — (i.) The rate for unearned incomes and for earned incomes above £3,000 is raised from Is. to Is. 2d. in the pound. (ii.) The rate for earned incomes below £2,000 remains at 9d., and for earned incomes between £2,000 and ,£3,000 remains at Is. (iii.) Persons resident al)road (except puljlic servants, missionaries and persons resident aljroad for reasons of health) cease to be entitled to exemptions or abatements. (iv.) All other existing abatements are maintained, and a new abate- ment is allowed to persons with incomes below £500 who have children, at the rate of £ 10 of taxable income for each child under 16. (v.) The maximum allowance for maintenance, &c., for land (including farm-houses), and for houses of an annual value less than £8 under Schedule A, is increased from 1 2i and 16§ per cent, respectively to 25 per cent. (vi.) A super-tax is imposed on all incomes above £5,000 at the rate of Qd. in the pound on the excess over £3,000. Death Duties. — (i.) The rate of Estate Duty is increased on an average Ijy about one-third on estates above £5,000. (ii.) The rates of Legacy and Succession Duty are increased (except for small estates) in the case of certain degrees of relatiijuship, the maximum remaining at 1 per cent. (iii.) Settlement Estate Duty is raised from 1 to 2 per cent. (iv.) Gifts iidei' vivos are to be treated for the purposes of Death Duties as property passing on death if made within three years (instead of within one year as under the Finance Act, 1894) before death. (v.) The exemption from Death Duties of objects of national, scientific or historic interest is extended to works of merely artistic [Treai=?iiry] 288 interest, and is made applicahle to unsettled eqnally with settled property. Stamps. — (i.) The Stamp duties on the conveyance or transfer on sale of property, othcn- than marketable securities, and on the granting' of leases (excei)t leases at present chargeahle with a fixed duty of Id.) are doubled. (ii.) The Stamj) duties on a voluntary conveyance or transfer (with certain exceptions, including marriage settlements) are made etpial to those on a conveyance or transfer on sale. (iii.) Increased Stamp duties are imposed \\\H)n eoiitraet notes and upon options to purchase or sell stock. Liquor Licenses. — (i.) The duties on licenses for the manufacture and sale l>y whi)lesale (ir retail of intoxicating li(juor are increased, and in particular tlie (hities on Publicans' Licenses are raised to one-half the annual xalne of the licensed premises, subject to concessions for hotels and restaurants, and sid)ject, in the case of premises of an annual value above £500, to the option of the license holder to pay instead one-third of the value, to be ascertained by the Commissioners of Inland Ivevenue and certified as the "annual license value," but not less than £250. The Beerhouse license duty is one-third of the annual value, with a corre- sponding option in the case of premises of value above £500. (ii.) A duty is imposed on all registered C'hibs at the rate of 6r/. in the pound on the value of the intoxicating liquor jiurcliased l)y the Club for supply to its members. (iii.) A register of the annual license values of all licensed premises is to be compiled. Other Customs and Excise Duties. — (i.) The duty on tea is re-imposed at 5il. a pound. (ii.) Additional (Uities of Customs and Excise are placed upon spirits at the rate of 3s. 9d. a gallon. (iii.) An additional Customs and Excise duty is placed on tol)acco at the rate of Sd. a pound. (iv.) An additional Customs duty is placed on beer at the rate of Sd a barrel of 36 gallons, representing the equivalent of the new manii- facturers' license duty. (v.) A Customs duty at the rate of 3d. a gallon and an ecjual Excise duty are placed upon spirit used for driving motor vehicles, siibject to an allowance of half the amount of the duty on spirit used for motor cabs, motor omnil)Uses, trades vehicles and doctors' motor cars. (vi.) The duties on licenses for private motor cars are increased, and are graduated according to the horse-power of the cars licensed, biit doctors and officers of the Army Motor Reserve are allowed abatements. An amount equal to the net proceeds of the new duties on motor spirit and motor cars will be paid to a fund for the development of roads in the United Kingdom. Duties on Land Values. — (i.) Increment value duty is a tax at the rate of one-fifth of the increase of the site value of any land since the 30th April, 1909, and is leviable (so far as it is still unpaid) on any change of ownership of the land by death or sale. On the creation, or "^9 [Treasury] the cliang^ of ownership by death or sale, of a lease or other interest less than the freehold, a proportional part of the unpaid duty is to be levied In the case of any land, or interest in land, held by a body corporate or unmcorporate ni such manner that it does not become liable to death duties, increment value duty is leviable in 1914, and thereafter everv niteen years. -^ If_ on any occasion when the duty is levial)le tlie increase of site value since the last occasion is less than 10 per cent, no duty is charged and where it is more than 10 per cent, an abatement equal to the d'iitv on an increment of 10 per cent, is allowed. Increment value duty is not leviable on land which has no higher value than its value for agricultural purposes, or on any small house or property in the owner's occupation, or on land used for games and recreation, so long as it is so used under an agreement not determinal)le for at least five years, or in other circumstances which render it probable tliat the land will continue to be so used. (ii.) Reversion duty is chargeable on the determination of a lease and IS a tax at the rate of one-tenth of the value of any benefit accruing to the lessor by reason of such determination, allowance being made for any improvements, executed by the lessor during the currency of the ^ase or for which he has paid compensation at its termination. Keyersions Avhich have been purchased before tlie 30th Aiu-il, 1909, and winch will fall m within forty years of the date of the purchase are exempted. ^ (iii.) Undeveloped Land duty is a tax at the rate of a halfpenny m the ixmnd on the capital value of any land, the value of which exceeds J50 an acre and which has not been developed by the erection of buildings (including greenhouses) or is not used bona fide for the purposes of some business other than agriculture. Where money has been spent on any scheme of development, one acre of the land included m the scheine may, on certain conditions, be treated as "developed " for every i.100 so spent even thongh the development is not completed. hi the case of agricultural land worth more than £50 an acre as such, the duty IS only leviable on the excess (if any) of its site value over Its value _ for agricultural purposes Open spaces, the use of which as such IS m the public interest, are exempted. Small holdings are also exempted. ° (iv.) Mineral Rights duty is a tax at the rate of a shilling in the poimd on royalties and rents derived from minerals. Reversion duty and Increment Value duty are not chargeable in respect of mining leases; but there is a special Annual Increment Value duty limited to mmerals ^^hich were not worked or comprised in a nnning lease on the oOth April, 1909. Valuation.— The Act provides for a systematic valuation l)y the Gommissioners of Inland Revenue of all the land in the United Kingdom showing the total value and the site value as on the 30th April, 1909 of every piece of and which is under separate occupation, and for a quin- quennial valuation of all undeveloped land. Half the proceeds of the Land Value duties are to be appropriated to he benefit of local authorities in such manner as Pariiament may hereafter determine. [Cap. 8.] . ' [Treasury] 290 Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Act. — Authorises supplementary issues for the puhlic services for the year ending Marcli, 1911. [Cap. 9.] Appropriation Act. — Authorises the issue out of the Con- soHdateJ Fund (if the amounts necessary to complete the })rovision made in Supply for the services of the year 1910-11, and ai)propriates the issues of that year to the respective services. [Cap. 14.] Isle of Man (Customs) Act.— Continues for the Isle of Man the existing duties on tea, tol)acco, spirits, ale and beer, and extends the operation of Section 2 of the Customs (Isle of Man) Tariff Act, 1874. [Cap. 18.] Public Works Loans Act. — Appoints Public Works Loan Commissioners for a period of live years ; authorises these Commissioners and the Commissioners of Public AVorks (Ireland) to borrow money on Kational credit in order to lend to Local Authorities ; and empowers the last-named Commissioners to obtain })Ossession of holdings in certain circumstances. The Act also writes off certain loans from the assets of the Local Loans Fund, and remits the balance of a certain loan advanced luider the Labouring Classes Dwelling-Houses Act, 1866. [Cap 21.] Regency Act. — Provides for the Regency in the event of the demise of the Crown and the succession of a child of His Majesty under the age of eighteen years. [Cap 26.] Civil List Act. — Provides for the King's Civil List, and annuities to 1)0 paid to Her ^Majesty the (^)ueen and to other members of the Royal Family. The Act provides also for paj'ment of retired allowances in respect of service under Her Majesty Queen Victoria and His late Majesty King Edward VII. [Cap. 28.] Accession Declaration Act. — Alters the form of the Declara- tion to be made by the Sovereign on His Accession. [Cap. 29.] Finance Act. — Continues till the 1st July, 1911, the Customs Duty payable on tea at bd. the pound, and amends the law as to Beer Licenses ; maintains income tax and super-tax at the existing rates ; and reduces by £3,500,000 the permanent annual charge for the National Debt. [Cap. 35.] Expiring Laws Continuance Act, — Continues various Acts pa.ssed for a limited period only. [Cap. 36.] Appropriation (No. 2) Act, — Authorises the issue out of the Consolidated Fund of money to meet expenditure, and ai)proi)riates the i.ssue to the sums \'ott!d in Supply. [Cap. 38.] 191L Consolidated Fund (No, 1 ) Act, — Authorises supplementary issues for the public services of the years ending March, 1910, and March, 1911, and issues on account for the year enduig March, 1912, [Cap. 1.] 291 [Treasury] Revenue Act. — (1) Takes away from transferees and lessees of liuiil the ri,L;ht of contracting to pay increment value duty. (2) Extends the operation of Section 2 (3) of the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910. (3) Repeals Section 14 (3) of the Act and amends in otlicr par ticulars the law relating to Reversion Duty. (I) Extends from ten to twenty years the antecedent period, expenditure during which on roads and sewers exempts land from the charge of Undeveloped Land Duty under Section 16 (2) of the Act. (5) Provides for the valuing together of contiguous pieces of land, although luider separate occupation. (6) Permits appeal by the Commissioners of Inland ReA'cnue to the High Court against the decision of a Referee. (7) Enacts new method of determining annual values of premises for the purpose of Excise licenses. (8) Permits persons holding game licenses or game-dealers' licenses to have in possession and deal in live game during the close season. (9) Enables the Special Commissioners to exact super-tax in certain circiunstances from a wife. (10) Confers on widows resident altroad and in receipt of pensions on account of the services of their late hiishands to the Crown the right to claim relief exemption or abatement from income tax. (II) Abolishes, in the case of a sole beneficiary under a trust with power to determine the trust, the exemption from income tax on foreign and colonial securities conferred on persons resident abroad by Section 71 (2) of the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910. (12) Provides for the payment of income tax in respect of pay- ments made prior to the passing of tlie Finance Act of the year from which tax has not already been deducted. (13) Relieves small leases, the consideration for which is of a capital value not exceeding £500, from the enhanced rate of stamp duty imposed ])y Section 75 of the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910. (14) Suspends the ojjeration of Section 91 of that Act, which pro- vided for the payment to Local Authorities of ime-half of the proceeds of the duties on land values. (15) Fixes the amount to be paid into the three Local Taxation Accoinits in respect of Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Duties at the English, Scottish and Irish shares respectively of the proceeds of those duties in the year 1908-9. (16) Extends to carriage licenses the provisions of Sections 88 and 90 of the Act as to motor-car licenses. (17) Enacts that the Old Sinking Fund for 1910-11 shall be calculated on the aggregate income and expciiditui'c of the two years 1909-10 ami 1910-lL [Cap. 2.] Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Act.— Authorises supplementary issues for tlie public services of the year endhig March, 1912. [Cap. 5.] Parliament Act. — ^The full text of this important Statute is given. An Act to make provision with respect to the powers of the House of Lords in relation to those of the House of Commons, and to limit the duration of Parliament. t2 [Treasury] 292 Wliereas it is expedient that provision should be made for regulating the relations between the two Houses of Parliament : And wliereas it is intended to sul)stitute fr of the House of Commons signed by him that it is a !Money Bill. Before giving his certificate, the S])eaker shall consult, if jii'acticable, two Mend)ers to be appointed from the Chairman's panel at the lieginning of each Session l)y the Committee of Selection. 2.— (1) If any Piiblic Bill other than a Money Bill, or a Bill containing any provisions to extend the maximum duration of Parliament lieyond five years, is passed by the House of Commons in three successive Sessions (wliether of tlie same Parliament or not), and, having been sent up to tlie House of Lords at least one month before the end of the Session is rejected by the House of Lords in each of those Sessions, that Bill shall, on its rejection for the third time by the House of Lords, unless the House of Commons direct to the contrary, be presented to His Majesty anil becfiiue an Act of I'arliament on the Koyal Assent being signified tliereto, notwithstanding that the House of Lords have not consented to the Bill : Provided that this provision .shall not take efiect unless two 293 [Treasury] years have elapsed between the date of the second reading in the first of tliose Sessions of tlie Bill in the House of Commons and the date on which it passes the House of ComuKJUS in the third of those Sessions. (2) When a Bill is presented to His Majesty for assent in pursuance of the jH'o visions of this section, there shall he endorsed on the Bill the cei'titicate of the Speaker of the House of Commons signed Ijy liim that the provisions of this section have been duly complied with. (3) A Bill shall he deemed to he rejected hy the House of Lords if it is not passed by the House of Lords either without amendment or with such amendments only as may be agreed to by both Houses. (-It) a Bill shall be deemed to be the same Bill as a former Bill sent u[) to the Hoiise of Lords in the preceding Session if, when it is sent up to the House of Lords, it is identical with the former Bill or contains only such alterations as are certified by the Speaker of the House of Commons to be necessary owing to the time which has elapsed since the date of the former Bill, or to represent any amendments which have been made lij' the House of Lords in the former Bill in the preceding Session, and any amendments which are certified by the Speaker to have been made Ijy the House of Lords in the third Session and agreed to by the House of Commons shall be inserted in the Bill as presented for Royal Assent in pursuance of this section : Provided that the House of Commons may, if they think fit, on the l)assage of such a Bill through the House in the second or third Session, suggest any further amendments without inserting the amendments in the Bill, and any such suggested amendments shall be considered by the House of Lords, and, if agreed to by that House, shall be treated as ainemlments made by the House of Lords and agreed to by the House of Commons, but the exercise of this power by the House of Commons shall not afi'ect the operation of this section in the event of the Bill being rejected by the House of Lords. 3. — Any certificate of the Speaker of the House of Commons given under this Act shall be conclusive for all purposes, and shall not be questioned in any court of law. 4r. — (1) In every Bill presented to His Majesty under the preceding provisions of this Act, the words of enactment shall be as follows, that is to say : — l>e it fuactoil by the King's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, in accordance with the provisions of the Parliament Act, 1911, and by authority of the same, as follows : (2) Any alteration of a Bill necessary to give eft'ect to this Section shall not be deemed to l)e an Amendment of the Bill. 5. — In this Act the expression " Ptdjlic Bill" does not include any Bill for confirming a Provisional Order. 6. — Xotldng in this Act shall iliminish or (qualify the existing rights and privileges of the House of Commons. 7. — Five years shall be substituted for seven years as the time fixed for the maximum duration of Parliament luider the Septennial Act, 1715. 8. — -This Act may be cited as the Parliament Act, 1911. [Cap. 13. J Isle of Man (Customs) Act. — Continues for the Isle of Man the existing duties on tea, toljacco, spirits, ale and beer. [Cap. 14.] tTrea-uiy] 294 '■ ' Appropriation Act. — Aiithorises the issue out of the Consoli- dated Vuud I if uioncy to meet expenditure, and appropriates the issues to the sums voted in supply. [Cap. 15.] Old Age Pensions Act. — (l) Defines the exact date on which a claimant shall he reckoned to have attained the age of 70. (2) Repeals Section 4 (1) and (2) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, substituting a new definition of the means of claimants, and providing that the means of a person living with another as a married couple in the same house shall he reckoned as one half of their total means. (3) Admits to the benefit of the Act in certain circumstances a woman excluded through marriage with an alien; and modifies the re(iuirement of 20 years' residence in the United Kingdom imposed on claimants hy Section 2 (2) of the Act of 1908. (4) Amends the law on certain points relating to disqualification. (5) Precludes payment of pension (a) to a ])erson absent from the United Kingdom, and (h) after the lapse (jf three months from the date on Avhich it became payable. (6) Amends and explains the law bearing on cpiestions raised as to jiensions. (7) Supi)lenients the i)rovisions of the Act of 1908 as to the repay- ment of pensions to Avhich the recipients are not entitled. (8) Saves existing pensioners from disqualification or reduction of pension. [Cap. Ki.J Public Works Loans Act. — Authorises the Public Works Loan Commissioners and the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland to borrow on National credit and lend money to Local Authorities ; writes off certain debts from the assets of the Local Loans Fund; remits certain arrears of principal and interest on a loan to Eyemouth Harl)oin' ; and extends from 30 to 50 years the maximum term for repayment of loans where no specific term is enacted. [Cap. 17.] Expiring Laws Continuance Act. — Continues various Acts passed for a limited period only. [Cap. 22.] Merchandise Marks Act. — Confers on the Commissioners of Customs and Excise jtowiT to lecjuire information in respect of imported goods bearing fraudulent marks. [Cap. 31.] Pacific Cable Act. — Empowers the Pacific Cable Board to nndcvtake the constniction of a submarine cable between Australia and New Zealand, and other extensions in or near the l^acific Ocean. [Cap. 3r,.] Finance Act.— (I) Continues till the 1st July, 1912, the Customs Duty payable on tea at M. the pound. (2) Repeals the Customs Duty of 2d. tin; pound on cocoa or chocolate, ground, prepared or manufactured, substituting taxation under Section 7 of the Finance Act, 1901 ; and introduces drawback on cocoa. (3) Extends the ajiplication of Section 9 of the Finance Act, 1900, to goods not re -warehoused, and .substitutes the date of payment of duty for the date of removal from warehouse. (4) Enacts a new definition of licensed ]»remises in lieu of that in Section 52 of the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910. 295 [Treasury] (5) Enables licensed premises situate in certain sparsely populate^, urlmn areas to be taxed as if situate in nun-urban areas. (6) Provides for the payment of license duty in two instalments. (7) Provides for the repayment of part of Excise license duty in cases where the Justices' license has not been renewed. (8) Provides for payment of partial duty by new licensee. (9) Introduces a reduced rate of license duty for chemists. (10) Restricts the blending of British wine with spirits or foreign wine. (11) Exempts fire-lu'igade motors from motor-car license duty, and the motor spirit used by them from motor-spirit duty. (12) Reduces the stamp duty on short-dated seciunties transferable by delivery, other than Colonial Government securities, from 2s. per £10 to 3d per £10 in the case of securities to be paid oflf within a year, and to 6(7. per £10 in the case of securities to be paid off within three years. (13) Continues at the former rates the income tax and super-tax for the year ending 5th April, 1912. (14) Confers exemption from inhabited house duty on premises in tlie hands of a caretaker, even though a mendjer of the family of or servant of the caretaker reside there. (15) Diverts the Old Sinking Fund for the year 1910-11— As to £1,500,000 to the Development Fund, £1,500,000 to Sanatoria, and £250,000 to a l()an to the East Africa Protectorate. (16) Enables Consols, Local Loans Stock, Irish Land Stock, &c., to ]m transf(>rred bv deed instead of by personal attendance at the Bunk. (17) Declares that cottages inhabited by agriciUtural workmen on an estate are not to be valued for death duty purposes as if they had a residential value for other persons. (18) Corrects an oversight in Section 61 (5) of the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910. (19) Enables the Post Office to exercise powers in connection with stamps. (20) Corrects an error in the Reveniie Act, 1911. [Ca}). 48.] NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT. PART I.— HEALTH INSURANCE. Part I. of the ^atitmal Insurance Act makes iimvision in sickness for prac-tically the whole of the industrial population of the United Kingdom. Its Itcnefits include l)oth medical attendance and money ])ay- nients during illness. The folloAving is a summary of its main provisions. I.— Scope of the Act. ( Icnci'ally speaking, cN-crv person employed undei' a contract of service either in manual lal)oru' or at a rate of remuneratie excepted : — [Treasury] 296 (1) Persons employed as apprentices without wages, or learners receiving no wages. (2) Persons employed l)y the occupier of an agricultural holding without wages. (3) Children employed by their parents without wages and persons M'ho are maintained l)y their emi)loyer without wages. (4) Wives employed hy their husbands, and husbands employed l)y their wives. (5) Persons casually employed ; except that persons have to be insured who are casually employed for purposes of the employer's trade or business, and that persons who are engaged or paid through a club for the purposes of a game or recreation must also be insvired. (6) An agent paid by commission, by fees, or by share in jtrofits; but he must be insured if, being imder contract of service, he is mainly employed by one employer, and is mainly dependent for his livelihood on one employer. (7) Elementary school teachers Avho have accepted the Elementary School Teachers' Superannuation Act, 1898. (8) Employment of a kind Avhich is ordinarily adopted as subsidiary employment only, and not as the principal means of livelihood, if so specified in a S])ecial Order issued by the Insurance Commissioners. (9) Employment as a member of the crew of a fishing vessel where the mendiers of such crew are remunerated by shares in the profits or the gross earnings of the Avorking of such vessel in accordance with any custom or practice prevailing at any port if a special order is made for the purjjose by the Insurance Commissioners, and the particular custom or practice prevailing at the port is one to which the order applies. (10) The following ])ersons also will Ije excepted where the Insurance Commissioners certify that the terms of their em})loyment secure to them Ijenefits in sickness and disablement of at least equal value to those given by the Act : — (a) Persons in the employment of the Crown. {b) Persons in the employment of local or other public authorities. (r) Clerks or salaried (officials in the service of a railway or other statutory company, who are entitled to rights in a sviper- aunuation fund esta})lished by Act of Parliament. An insural)le person may claim exemption on the ground that he is : — (a) In receijtt of any ])ension or income of the annual value of twenty-six pounds or upwards not dependent upon liis ])ers(inal exertions ; or (ft) Oi'diiiarily and mainly dependent for liis livelihood upon some other pei'SHii. Special provisions aic made in resjiect of married women, aliens, persons in the naval and military service of the Crown, Mercantile INlarine, ])ersons over 65 years of age at commencement of the Act, jK'rsons engaged in seasonal trades, inmates of charitable homes, certifi- cated teacliers and other ])ersons in the service of the Crown. II.— Contributions. Tlie cost of insurance is nu-t by joint contril)utions from employers, the employed and the State. 2d7 [Treasury] TIr' State ]>avs tlic entire ei}.st (if central admini.stratidn, and adds two-ninths and oiie-fourtli of the cost of men's and women's benefits respectively, and of the cost of their local administration. In addition the Treasury has made further grants-in-aid, in ))articular towards tlie cost of medical benefit. The weekly contributions payable l)y employers and insured [lersons are as follows : — (1) Ordinanj Rate. GREAT BRITAIN (Where Medical Benefit is proviilecl). IRELAND (Where Medical Benefit is not provided). By Emplnj'er. M. By Insured Person. id. Total. By Employer. By Insured Person. Total. Men Id. 2irf. 5»rf. Women M. 8r/. M. 2yi. 2d. iid. (2) Wlten the Worhnan is over 21 and the Wage)> ore loio the Employf-r pays more and the Workman less, as folloios.- — IRELAND. Rate of Remuneration per Working Day. GREAT BRITAIN. By Employer. By Insured Person. By State in addition to fths and ^th of Benefits. Total. l.s\ 6d. Men (5^/. Nil Id. Id. or under Women or/. Nil Id. M. Above Is. (Jd. but not over 2.V. Men 5d. Id. Id. Id. Women id. Id. \d. Gd. Above 2.N-. but not over 2s. 6d. Men id. 3r/. Nil Id. Women •dd. •Sd. Nil Gd. U. Gd. Men Hd. Nil Id. Bid. or under Women 31^/. Nil L7. i^d. Above 1.S'. Gd. Men id. kd. \d. r^hd. over 2-1. Women M. id. Id. iid. Above 2.1. Men ■dU. 2d. Nil Hd. over 2.V. Gd. Women Hd. 2d. Nil ihd. If an insured person receives board and lodging he pays the ordinary rate whatever his wages. If he receives board or lodging, but not ])oth, the value of the board or lodging counts as part of his " remuneration." [Treasury] 298 Remuneration means wages and value of other things a workman may receive, for instance, meals. (3) Special Rate. In certain trades, if the employer imdertakes to pay full remunera- tiim (luring the first six weeks of sickness, a special rate of contributions is allowed. The employer's weekly contrihution is reduced in the case of men by \d., and in tlie case of women l)y \d., the insured person's contribution l)eing reduced by \d. This is modified in Ireland by a provision that when the rate of contribution of the insured person is \d. per week the employer's contribution is reduced by \^d. in the case of men and \d. in the case of women, the insured person's contribution being reduced by \d. The insured person gets no sickness benefit during those six weeks, but has a right to all the other benefits as usual. (Reduced rates are also payalile in respect of soldiers and sailors in the Army and Navy and foreign-going seamen in the Mercantile JNIarine, in Sections 46 and 48 of the Act, and are ]ial)le to variation for the meml)ers of a ]iarticular society after a valuation.) III.— Collection of Contributions. The employer is responsible for the stamping of the cards, and the employed person must be ready to produce his card to his employer whenever he may require it for the purpose of stamping or for production to an inspector or other authorised person. If wages are paid weekly the card must l)e stamped once a week ; if wages are paid monthly or cpuirterly the proper number of stamps need only Ije affixed once a month, or once a quarter, as the case may be, with the two following exceptions: — The card must always be stamped u})-to-date whether wages are due or not — (1) when the card expires; (2) whenever during the currency of the card it may be required by the employed i)erson for production to his society or for some other purpose. The contributions are paid l»y affixing National Health Insurance Stamps to Contribution Cards. IV.— Benefits. (1) Medical benefit (except in Ireland), that is, doctor and medicine, or, in special circumstances, money payments instead. (2) Sanatorium benefit, that is, treatment in a sanatorium or in .some other way in case of consumption. (3) Sickness benefit, 10s. a week for men and 7.s'. Q>d. a week for women for 26 weeks, commencing on the fourth day of sickness. (4) Disablement benefit, bs. a week afterwards if still incapable of work. (5) jNIaternity benefit, SOs. on confinenumt. (These benefits arc subject to certain waiting periods and other conditions.) The I'ate of sickness lienefit is less for persons under 21, and for persons entering insurance over 50. 299 [Treasury] Notes. Special rates of l)eiu'tit are providetl fur certain classes of insured pers(jns, e.g., married women, special voluntary contributors. The rate of sickness benefit is reduced, according to age, for employed contributors entering insurance over the age of 17 after July Utb, 1913. Any Snciety whicli has a surplus, on valuation, can devote it to any of a large variety of "additional benefits," such as medical attendance for dependants, dental treatment, pensions, iV'c. v.— Machinery for Distribution of Benefits. Medical and Sanatorium iJeuelits are administered by Insurance C'onnnittees ; Sickness, Disablement and Maternity l>enetits by Ap[)roved Societies in the case of their State-insured members and by Insurance Committees in the case of deposit contributors. Friendly Societies, Trade Unions, Provident Societies, ]Ji^'iding Societies, Collecting Friendly Societies and Industrial Assurance Com- panies may become ^Vp])roved Societies or form Separate Sections for the administration of the Ins;irance Act, and new Societies may be formed for the purpose of the Insurance Act. If a man does not join a Society he becomes a Deposit Gontribidor, and only has a right to the l)enefits which can be provided out of the actual contributions paid by himself and his employer, together with the State Grant. Mendiers of Societies can go on drawing l)euehts (under certain conditions) as hmg as they need them; Deposit Contributors cease to have benefits when the money standing to their credit is exhausted. Insurance Committees are bodies partly elected, partly nominated, constituted for each County, County Borough, and Scottish Burgh. Three- fifths of the members of these committees are representatives of insured ])ersons. VI.— Finance. The money is })aid in the first place into the local Post Offices in exchange for insurance stamps to be placed on the cards of the insured ])ersons. The stamped cards are lodged with the Societies at the end of the i)eriod of their currency, and the Society then forwards them to the Insurance Commissioners, and is credited with the amount of the stamps, less a deduction, which will be explained later. The money received by the Post Offices fi'om the sale of stamjjs has in the meantime been accunudating in the "National Health Insurance Fiuid," in the same way that money is accumulated in a bank. As the Societies are called u]ton to pay out benefits they draw upon this central fund, as from a baid<, for the amounts [laid out and for the expenses of administration. The deduction I'ef erred to al)ove is a deduction of one peiniy and live-ninths from every sevenpenny contiibution collected and credited to the Societies, and it is made for the piu'posc of providing the money for the Reserve Values. It is not retained permanently by the Com- missioners, but has to be used by them in payment of interest upon the Peserve Values and in paying off tlie Keserve Values themselves. In other words, it is redistributed among the Societies in accordance with / [Treasury] 300 the ages of the memhers, and it is itself part of the money upon Avhich Societies can draw, as explained in the previous paragraph. The State pays two-ninths (or one-c^uarter in the case of women) of whatever total henefits the Societies pay out. If a Society pays sickness or other benefits to the value of .£90, it draws this amount from the National Insurance Fund; ,£70 of this is provided from the money standing to the Society's credit in that Fund, and the other £20 is paid from the money provided by Parliament. Valuations. — A valuation of the assets and liabilities for Health Insurance of every Approved Society wdl be made every three years, or at any other interval that the Commissioners may determine. If the valuation shows that a surplus exists and if it is a Society without branches, having 5,000 members or upwards, it may dispose of its surplus by giving one or more of the Additional Benefits referred to in Part II. of the Fourth Schedule. In the case of a Society with liranches, the funds of every branch are valued separately, and each l)ranch having a surplus will (in the case of Societies having 5,000 members and upwards) transfer one-third of it to the central fund of the Society. The remaining two-thirds may be distributed by the branch in Additional Benefits to its members. The surplus thus placed in the hands of the central financial authority of the Society is used, first of all, to make good, up to three-fourths (or the whole, if the Society so decides), the deficit which any of its branches may show. Any surplus still remaining is returned to the Ijranches in the proportion of the amounts they contri])uted. In the case of a deficit, a Society without branches having 5,000 mend)ers or u})wards, must make good its own deliciency, either by a special levy on its mendjers, or by reducing the benefits or in some other approved way. If it is a Society with branches, then a separate valuation is made of each branch's assets and lialjilities. Section .38 lays down that a ])rancli may have three-quarters of any deficit made good from the central surplus. If the central com- mittee think fit, the Avhole deficit may be made good in this Avay, but if not, the branch nmst wipe off the remainder of its deficit either by a special levy or by reducing benefits, (n- in some other approved way. Where the deficit is due to maladministration on the part of the branch, a Society may refuse to make good the deficit of any of its branches. The Society must, however, ol)tain the consent of the Insurance Com- missioners to such refusal. Special i)rovisions govern the case of Societies with less than 5,000 meiid)ers. For the puri)ose of valuation and of disposal of sur])luses or dcticite, the group or the association is looked upon as a Society with branches ; in the case of a group, the local Insurance Committee will act as its central financial authority; in the case of a voluntary association, the association will appoint a central financial committee of its own. The same arrangements for surpluses and deficits apply as for a Society with branches ; for exami)le, the central financial authority of an association (or tlie Insurance Committee as the central authority of a grou])) may refuse to make good the deficit of one of the component Societies, on the ground tliat the deficit is due to maladministration. JSTo other power of control under the Act can be claimed by the central authority over the component Societies. [Cap. 55.] 301 [Treasury] 1912-13. Consolidated Fund Act. — Autliorises .sup])Iementary issues fill' the [mlilic stnvict's for the yt'ars ending March, 1911, and March, 1912, and issues on account for the year ending Marcli, 1913. [Cap. 1.] Appropriation Act. — Authorises the issue out of the Con- solidated I'^uiid of money to meet expenditure and ajipropriates the issue to the sums voted in Supply. [Cap. 7.] Finance Act.— (1) Continues till the 1st July, 1913, the Custcmis duty payal)le on tea at 5d. the pound. {'2) Eni]:)o\vers the tenant of a free licensed house under a lease prior to the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910, to recover in certain circumstances from his landlord i)art of the increased duty payable under that Act. (3) Provides for a reduction in the minimum license duty in respect of six-day licenses and early closing licenses. (4) Enables tobacco to be grown duty-free in the United Kingdom for the })urpose of conversion into insecticides. (5) Continues at the former rates the income tax for the year ending the 5th April, 1913. (6) Directs that super-tax shall be paid on the income of persons dying to an amount proportionate to the period of the year that has elapsed before the date of death. (7) Exempts from income tax funds under tire National Insurance Act, 1911. (8) Kelieves marine insurance policies involving a contingent premium in excess of '2s. QJ. per cent, from the full rate of stamp duty, pending the occurrence of the contingency. (9) Precludes the aggregation of timber with other property for estate duty purposes. (10) Extends the provisions of Section 2 (3) of the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910, as to substituted site value to cases of transfer of land between the 29th April, 1909, and the commencement of that Act. (11) Provides for the allowance of rates paid by the proprietor in estimating rental value for purposes of mineral rights duty. (12) Suspends in part the Old Sinking Fund for the year 1911-12. [Cap. 8]. Isle of Man Customs Act. — (Continues for the Isle of Man tlie existing duties on tea, tol)acco, spirits, ale and beer. [Cap. 9.] Public Works Loans Act. — Authorises the Pul)lic Works Loan Commissioners and the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland to borrow on National credit and lend money to Local Authorities ; writes off certain debts from the assets of the Local Loans Fund, and remits certain arrears of principal and interest on a loan to Eyemouth Harbour. [Cap. 18.] Expiring Laws Continuance Act. — Continues various Acts passed for a limited period only. [Cap. 18.] Appropriation (1912-3) Act. — Authorises the issue out of tlie Consolidated Fiuid of money to meet expenditTire and appropriates the issue to the sums voted in Supply. [Cap. 27.] 302 WAR OFFICE. iTHE Rt. Hon. The Viscount Haldane op Cloan. {1905-12.) Colonel The Rt. Hon. J. E. B. Seely, D.S.O., M.P. {1912.) r TheRt. Hon. The Earl of Portsmouth. (1905-8.) The Rt. Hon. The Lord Lucas. (1908-11.) Colonel TheRt. Hon. J.E.B.Seely,D.S.O.,M.P. (1911-12.) H. J. Tennant, Esq., M.P. (1912.) rTHE Rt. Hon. T. R. Buchanan, M.P. (1905-8.) F. D. AcLAND, Esq , M.P. (1908-10.) C. E. Mallet, Esq., MP. (1910-11. ) F. D. AcLAND, Esq., M.P. (Feh.-Oct. 1911.) H. J. Tennant, Esq., M.P. (1911-12.) H. T. Baker, Esq., M.P. (1912.) Sir E. W. D. Ward, K.C.B., K.C.Y.O. (1901.) Parliamentary Undei Secretary Financial Secretary - ^ Permanent Under Secretary ADMINISTRATION. MILITARY POLICY. The present Government has aimed at developing on revised principh's military forces adequate to the needs of the Empire. The M\I)(,'ditionary Force has l)een reorganized and strengthened, and the means not only of mobilising it, but of maintaining it under the waste of war, liave been provided. Steps have also been taken to furnish the military system with those " powers of expansion outside the limits of the Regular Forces of the Crown " desiderated by the Royal Commission on the Soutli African "War. The several parts of the Army have been co-ordinated, and tlefinite functions assigned to them. Every detail has been tested by its value for war ; superfluities have been eliminated and deficiencies made good. These have been the main lines of the reform, which has Ijeen carricMl out, with due regard to the economic, as well as th(; military, re(iuirements of tlie country. The following statements of policy sufficiently indicate the general principles uf organisation adopted: — REGULAR FORCES. " In I.rief, tlic measures taken by the Army Council since 1905 have been directed: (i.) to the maintenance of the fundamental principles of the Localization Committee of 1872, which laid down that 'The sole object of any military system in peace is to provide for a state of war, 303 [War Office] and the test of any peace organization must be its power (a) to place in the field immediately on the outbreak of war, in the highest state of efficiency, as large a force as is possible within the limits of the approved peace military expenditure, (I)) to maintain that force throughout the continuance of hostilities, undiminished in nund)ers and efficiency '; and (ii.) to the organization, on those jjrinciples, of the strongest Expeditionary Force which can be mol)ilized and maintained in the field within our existing resources in men and money, consistently with the obligation to maintain the over-sea garrisons. To this end, the peace establishments of the several arms and units of the Regular Army and the kSpecial Reserve, and the terms of service in each, have all been methodically adjusted to the production in peace of the drafts recpiired for foreign service, and in war of the men required to mobilize and maintain the Field F^orce in the due proportion of the several arms. Establishments which, judged by this standard, were redundant, have been reduced, while new organizations have been developed to strengthen the establishments which were deficient." — {Memorandum hy the Army CovmcU on the exist ing Army Si/dem and on the present state of the Military Forces in the Uniterigades, six Divisions (each containing three Infantry lirigades; and Army Troojis and Troops for Lines of Communications. This Force, constructed primarily with a view to war, is also adapted to the refpiirements of peace, since it is composed of the units at home necessary for the support of tlie Colonial and Indian garrisons. The 305 [^Var Office] divisions, moreover, are on a scale correspoiuliiig with the ort^aiuzatinu of the liritish Army in India. In the Field Force as it existed l)efore reorganization, grave deficiencies in personnel existed, especially in the administrative services {e.g., Ammunition Columns, Army Service Corps and lioyal Army Medical Corps). Owing to the lack of numbers required for the Ammunition Columns, it would have been impossible at the end of 1905 to mobilise more than 42 out of the 93 Field Artillery batteries at home. These deficiencies have been made good by the formation of the Special Reserve and the adoption of the principle of utilising men on a non-regular basis, i.e., civilians specially traineil for a sufficient period and under a lial)ility to serve abroad. This system has not only made the Field Force effective for war, but has also resulted in economies. The introduction of mechanical transport for the conveyance of ammunition has further increased the efficiency of the Royal Artillery, wliich, as the result of the withdrawal of troops from South Africa, has been reorganized with a view to its greater readiness for war. Six addi- tional Howitzer Batteries have been formed, and to provide a sufficient number of trained artillerymen on mobilisation, the Colour service of a portion of the Artillery has been reduced to three years. An important step has been taken in the reorganization of the Regular Cavalry. Under the preceding Government, steps had been taken to link regiments in pairs for purposes of drafts. But machinery was needed for the elementary training of recruits, for filling the regiments at home, and for dealing with the requirements of mobilisation. Depijts are, therefore, being formed in six of the Home Commands, whicli will serve as training centres in peace and mobilisation centres in war. The peace establishment of regiments at home has been raised both in men and horses. In 1908, for the first time, a complete Division of Cavalry was assembled for training and manoeuvres, and in 1909 a Cavalry Division underwent a special training on Salisbury Plain, and afterwards took part in the general mananivres, a half Division being attached to each of the opposing forces. The presence of a Cavalry Division is now a normal feature of the annual training. A detailed inspection has been carried out by a joint Naval and Military Committee of the armaments of fixed coast defences at home and of coaling stations abroad. On their recommendations, which have been reviewed by the Committee of Imperial Defence, a large number of obsolete guns has been removed, many impi'ovements in armaments have been effected, and it has been found possible to make considerable reductions in the Establishments of the Royal Garrison Artillery. In regard to the Infantry, the present Government has adhered to the "Cardwell System" of linked battalions, and the Memorandum on the E.stimates for 1908-1909 contains a statement which shows conclusively that no other system could so well .satisfy the demands both of efficiency and economy, and provide the necessary foreign drafts and reliefs. But whereas foruKsrly the working of the system was rendered inq^erfect l)y the fa(;t that the number of battalions abroad exceeded the nunil)er of those at home, the present Administration, by equalising the proportions (74: at home, 74 abroad), has made the Avorking of the system smooth U [War Office] 306 and perfect. Moreover, by bringing home troops and getting rid of provisional battalions, a saving of expense has been eflfected. Until 1909, no permanent policy had been adopted in regard to the distribution of the Regular troops in the United Kingdom. General principles have now been laid down, and a scheme of the ultimate location of the troops formulated. The peace stations of units are to be determined generally by their place in the Field Force, with reference to the divisional and brigade organization. Ready and economical concentration is to be considered, but local sentiment and tradition are to be regarded as far as possible. Account must, however, be taken of the position and condition of existing barracks, and some of the changes necessitated by this general plan can only be efiected gradually. The ultimate result will be greater efficiency, mobility and economy. THE SPECIAL RESERVE. The Army is now organized in two instead of three lines. Formerly the Militia, drained to fill up the Regular Army and lacking definite functions, was continually weakened and discouraged. 'Now a distinct role has been assigned to it as a Special Reserve of the Regular Forces. Affiliated more closely to those Forces, and with a liajjility for service abroad, the Special Reserve, created in virtue of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907, provides two categories of men — (1) men whose duties in the service are cognate to their civilian occupations, and (2) men whose civilian occupations do not directly contribute to niilitary requirements. Roughly speaking, the former supply the Departmental Services (Army Service Corps and Army Medical Corps), the latter (formed mainly from the Militia) the combatant services, required to supplement the regular establishments. Thus, by this part of the reorganization efiected by the present Government, the country has for the first time an assured means of comi)leting the Expeditionary Force, and also of expanding and maintaining it in the field by making good the wastage of war. All the cadres have been formed, and out of a total establishment of 78,714 men there was an actual strength of 62,638 on 1st Aiiril, 1913. Of the 101 Infantry battalions, 74 are organised as Reserve battalions, coi'responding to the 74 pairs of battalions of Infantry of the Line closely associated with their l)ei)6ts, and 27 are extra Reserve battalions designed for use as such on garrison or line of communication duties. The establishment of the 27 extra Reserve battalions was raised in 1911 by 170 privates to 750 of all ranks exclusive of officers. The pormanent establishment of six Regular ofticers was reduced to two, an Adjutant and a Quartermaster. The annual training of both Reserve and extra Reserve; Ijattalions was extended from 21 to 27 days, but the period of recruit drill for the 74 Reserve l)attalions was reduced to 5 months, ami for the 27 extra Reserve battalions to 3 months. Ex- regular soldiers up to 36 years of age were permitted to enlist up to a limit of 10 ])cr cent, in Reserve l)attalions, and of 200 in extra Reserve Ijattalions, and to serve until they reach the age of 42. To meet serious 307 [War Office] deficiencies, men might be enlisted for 6 months' recruit drill and 2 weeks' annual training. To overcome the difficulty of training at a fixed period of the year, Special Reserve officers were allowed to join Infantry regiments on a supplementary list and to train for 14 days at any time, except during October and November, and to undergo 6 days' musketry. The age limit for officers on joining was lowered from 18 to 17, and the probationary training (reduced from 12 to 6 months) might be performtMl in two parts, and was subject to a reduction of 1 month and 3 months respectively in the case of officers holding Certificates A and 1> <»])tained in the Officers Training Corps. The Special Reservist (combatant branch) undergoes a longer training on enlistment, and is, therefore, a more thoroughly trained soldier than the old militiaman ; and, by this training, many men who might otherwise be out of employment are enabled to tide over the stress of winter. THE TERRITORIAL FORCE. The old Volunteer Force, excellent as was the material of which it was composed, consisted of a miscellaneous aggregation of units, to which had been given no uniform organization, no settled proportion of the various arms, no definite functions, no clear relation to the Regular Forces and ]\Iilitia, aud no system of local administration. These defects have been remedied, and the Territorial Force, which has superseded the Volunteers, has been constituted as a Second Line Army in the reorganized military system. The Force, brought into existence by the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907, is composed of Infantry Divisons and Mounted Brigades, with the requisite proportion of other arms, on the same pattern as the Regular Army. The Territorial Force is liable for service at home when the Army Reserves are called out by proclamation. A Special Service Section undertakes to be called out at any time for service, either at home only, or at home and abroad. Enlistment in the Force is for four years, except in the case of men transferred from the Volunteers, and every member of the Force, in addition to performing certain drills for efficiency, is required (unless specially exempted) to come up for an annual training of 8 or 15 days (18 days in the Yeomanry). Command and training devolve upon General Officers Commanding- in-Chief, and each of the 14 Territorial Divisions is under the command of a iSIajor-General on the active list of the Regular Army. Administration is entrusted to specially created County Associatitms, composed of representatives of the various interests in each county. An Advisory Council, representing the higher military commands, the County Associations and the Territorial Force, assists in keeping the Army Council in touch with the force. Practically all the 900 units composing the force have been recognised, i.e., have obtained over 30 per cent, of their establishment. ■ The total establislnnent is 315,438, including officers and the pci'mancnt statt' of Regular Adjutants and Instructors. The strength on 1st Jidy, 1908, was 183,686, and on 1st April, 1913, 253,794. U2 [War Office] 308 The work connected with the administration of the Force has been heavy, but the County Associations settled to their difficult task with enthusiasm from the inception of the movement, and have rendered most valuable service. Besides the task of recruiting, they have to deal with the provision of drill halls and stores, of equipment, clothing, horses, &c., and to administer the funds placed at their disposal for these and other purposes. The financial position of these Associations shows signs of progressive strength. Thanks chiefly to the exertions of the Associations, tlie Force is making satisfactory headway throughout the country. Like units of the Regular Army, units of the Territorial Force may carry colours, and a presentation of colours by His late Majesty King Edward VII. took place at Windsor on 19th June, 1909. In training and musketry, owing to improved organization and the stimulated interest of the Force itself, considerable advance has been made. In 1912, the total number of officers and men attending camp was 229,314, of whom 67,400 went for 8 days and 161,914 for 15 days and over. A Nursing Service has been formed for the purpose of maintaining a staff of nurses willing to serve in general hospitals when the Territorial Force is mobilised. A further development has been the organization of Voluntary Aid, consisting mainly of detachments of the British Red Cross Society. The Committees of the Society, working with the County Associations, form and train the detachments, which will supply the Territorial Force with clearing hospitals, rest stations, and ambulance trains. Of these detachments, no fewer than 2,065 have been recognised, comprising 21,114 men and 41,577 women. A Chaplains' Department has been formed, to which clergymen of all denominations may be appointed on the recommendation of County Associations. They are attached to units, attend camp, and may be called up on mobilisation. An Advisory Committee of representatives from the several denominations has Ijcen formed to advise the Secretary of State on matters connected with the Department. The (lovernment has realised that behind the enlisted military forces are large numbers of men, often with previous military experience, willing to be of service to the country in time of need. They have, therefore, created Reserves of tliree kinds— (i.) a Territorial Force Reserve, composed of former meml»ers of the Territorial Force; (ii.) a Technical Reserve of Motor Cyclists, Corps of Guides, &c., and (iii.) a National Reserve. The National Reserve now exceeds 190,000 and is divided into three classes : — (a) those who luidertake an honourable ol)ligati()n for service with the Exi)editionary Force; (h) those who are willing to serve for Home Defence; (c) those who, though too old for active duty abroad or at home, are yet qualified by reason of their former service in tlu; Military Forces of the Crown. The necessary arms, clothing and equipiiu'ut for these men will be available on mobilization. Cadet Corps, consisting of lads between the ages of 12 and 17, have also been brought into relation with the County Associations, and ndes for their organization and administration have been promulgated. 232 units have now been recognised. 309 [War Office] Thus, the base of the Territorial Force, and the ultimate Military Reserve on which the tlefenco of the country rests, is being broadened so as to have its foundation on the voluntary service of the great majority of the nation. CO-ORDINATION OF THE FORCES OF THE EMPIRE. The Government took advantage of the Imperial Conference of 1907 to promote the organization of the forces of the whole Empire. As a result of that Conference, the Dominions were invited to send delegates specially to discuss the general question of Imperial Defence, and, as regards its military aspect, to consider proposals outlined by the General Staff at the War Office. This second Conference met in the summer of 1909, and its conclusions have been approved by the Imperial Govern- ment and the Governments of the Dominions. While the complete control of the several dominions over the forces raised within them will remain unimpaired, those forces will be standardised, and the formation of units, the arrangements for transport, the patterns of weapons, &c., will be assimilated as far as possible to those which have recently been worked out for the British Army. The result is a plan by which, with- out any loss of local autonomy, it will be possible, should the Dominions wish to assist in the defence of the Empire in a real emergency, for their forces to be rapidly combined into one homogeneous Imperial Army. Unity of action is secured through the Imperial General Staff, the creation of which is referred to below. Lord Kitchener's visit to Australia and New Zealand assisted in the fiu'therance of this design : his advice was utilized by the two Govern- ments in the reorganization of their military forces. The Government of the Union of South Africa has now l)rouglit into (jpcratit)n a scheme for the reconstitution of their military forces. It has been possilile, in consequence, recently to reduce the number of Imperial troops in the country. The appointment of an Inspector-General of the Oversea Forces, whose services are at the disposal of the Dominion Governments for the inspection of their forces, has also conduced to this end. THE IMPERIAL GENERAL STAFF. The need of a General Stall' had been fidly recognised by the jjre- vious Government ; but it rested with the present Administration to bring into l)eing that most important feature of a modern Army. Its formation was commenced in October, 190(5, and, after three years' ex- perience, an Army Order was issued on 20th September, 1909, further delining its functions and establishment. Furtlier, tlu; essential unity of the Empire from a military i)oint of view was realised. The conce[)tion of an Imperial General Staff received the approval of the Imperial Conference of 1907. Its general principles were formulated l)y the General Stall' at the War Office in 1908, discussed with selected delegates from the Dominions in the summer of 1909, and subsequently accepted by their several Governments. [War Office] 310 The scheme inckides the formation of local sections of the General Staff and the eventual establishment of local Staff Colleges conducted on uniform principles. The Government of India have also co-operated towards the same end. This movement for the formation of a common school of military thought is a most important contribution towards the solution (if tlie problem of Imperial Defence. SUPPLY OF OFFICERS. One of the most serious aspects of the military problem with which the Government were faced was the shortage of officers, and especially the lack of an adequate reserve of officers ftjr war. A Conunittee was appointed in 1906 to consider the question, and in accordance with its recommendations a Special Keserve of (Officers was instituted in 1908. Some of these officers fill the connnissioned ranks of the Special Reserve units, and others are supplementary to Regular units and will be availal)le to fill vacancies occurring in time of war. All are liable for service al)road in a national emergency. The officers were found in the first instance by transfer from the Militia. Kew entrants, if without previous military training, are required to serve as probationers with the Regular Forces for six months, the training being performed in two parts, if desired, the period being reduced, however, in the case of candidates from the Officers T" raining Corps. In order to provide a source of supply, the Officers Training Corps was formed, partly from A^olunteer and Cadet Corps already existing at certain Universities and Schools, and partly from new contingents raised at other Universities and Schools. It consists of two divisions, the Senior at the Universities and the Junior at the Schools. The scheme provides the students of the two grades with a standardised measiire of elementary military training, with a view to fitting them for commissions in the Special Reserve of Officers or the Territorial Force, and, if necessary in time of emergency, in other branches of the Service. The strength of the Officers Training Corps on 1st April, 1913, was 757 officers and permanent staff and 25,397 other ranks. AVith a view to maintaining a sufficient supply of officers for the peace establishments of the Regular Army, without reducing the term of their military education, the Koyal Military College at Sandhurst has been enlarged. This extension will render it possible for the requisite number of cadets to receive a two years' course of instruction. A scheme of nomination for selected candidates from public schools and a system of pri/.e cadetshijis were inaugurated in 1911. Ciilonel Seely, in liis spcecli introducing the Army Estimates for 1913-14, announced a scheme for increasing the supply of officers by more systematic i)romotion from the ranks. Siich promotion, though an integral part of the Army system, had practically come to an end through the inability of these officers to live on their pay. To meet this difficulty, lie priiposed that officers ])romoted from the ranks should receive an outfit all(i\vaiii'<' of £150, instead of £100 as at present, and for the next three years a siie.'ia] allowance of £.50 a year. At the end of that period, they would coinc dn hi aii increased scale of pay Avhich is being intro- duced with eliect from Ist January, 1914, foi' all officers after 6 years' service, and which will involve a jiermaTient additional charge of between £100,000 and £150,000 a year on the Estimates. 311 [War Office] PAY AND WELFARE OF THE SOLDIER. The grant of additional pay (Service Pay) as an inducement to the soldier to extend his colour service beyond three years, became unneces- sary when, by providing in other ways for the Reserves, the present Government coidd revert to the term of seven years with the Colours, which had always proved best suited to the Cardwell organization. The soldier, however, has not been deprived of his extra emolument, but it is continued in a form (Proficiency Pay) which, l)y the conditions attached to it, encourages his military efficiency. Moreover, from the financial adjustment consequent upon this change, it became possible to give him his 3'/. a day messing allowance from the date of enlistment, and not, as before, after six months' service. IMuch has been done during the past eight years to improve the conditions of the soldier's life both during and after his service. Old barracks are being improved, especially in regard to sanitation, and the plans of new barracks provide for separate dining rooms, recrea- tion rooms, bath rooms, &c., for combined canteen and supper rooms, and in some instances for cubicles. Special attention is being given to the lighting of barracks. To make the life of the married soldiers and their wives and families more comfortable, considerable sums have been spent on providing or improving married quarters. Assistance has been given to religious bodies for the provision of institutes and clubs. The spiritual welfare of the soldier has been made the concern of a widely representative Connnittee, which, called together by the Secretary of State in Xovember, 1906, has become a permanent institution. The Committee deals with a variety of subjects, e.g., the provision of churches, chapels, institutes and libraries, the supervision of entertainments, the promotion of temperance, the suppression of gambling, &c. By an amendment of the Army Act in 1906, corporal punishment was aljolished, and " Detention Barracks " were generally substituted for Military Prisons. The stigma of imprisonment was thus removed from soldiers convicted of purely military offences against discipline, and a ilistinction drawn between them and those convicted of oli'ences which involve ultimate discharge with ignominy. While under detention, the former class wear uniform, instead of prison clothing, and receive military and ])hysical training. At the same time, there has been a marked improvement in discipline, as may be seen from the following figures: — 1905. 1912. Average daily numbers in military prisons or detention barracks .. . ... ... 1,162 489 Proportion per 1,000 of strength ... ... 6T 2*7 Number committed to military prisons or detention barracks ... ... ... 19,461 9,267* Percentage of total strength ... ... 10"2 5 "20 It has also been realised that everything possible should be done to assist the soldier to obtain civil employment on leaving the colours. The Government has recognised its duty in this matter by employing Of these, only 130 were in military prisons. [War Office] 312 ex-soldiers in its I )ei)artments wherever possible. A House of Commons Return, No. 304 of 1912, shows that, of a total of 76,359 persons holding appointments on 31st March as messengers, postmen, watchers, warders, park keepers, attendants, and other non-clerical positions, 19,054, or 24-95 per cent., had had previous service in the Royal Navy or the Regular Army. Tlie War Office alone engaged nearly 1,600 ex-soldiers during 1911, and has 6,867 in its employ at the ])resent time. Effect has been given in Scotland and in the Northern Command to a scheme whereby the religious organizations of the country may be associated in the work of keeping in touch with soldiers during the whole period of their service, and of securing employment for them on discharge or transfer to the Reserve. A ])ractical step has been the institution of technical instruction of soldiers during their service in trades in which there is a good demand for workmen. The purpose of this scheme is to render the soldier a more handy man on his return to civil life. The results have been very encouraging. Again, the rule which prevented a pensioner from commuting any part of bis pension till he reached 50 years of age has been abolished. Ueserving men wishing to make a start in civil life are thus able to realise a useful sum of money when they most Avant it, while improvi- dence is prevented by the regulations under which the concession may be granted by the Chelsea Commissioners. In these and other ways, much has been done by the Government during the past few years for the ex-soldier, who, if he has borne a good character, now enjoys a very fair chance of securing civil employment. One of tlie chief deterrents to the better class of man from entering the ,Vrmy is thus being removed. EDUCATION. To ensure the training in staff duties of a larger number of officers, the number of vacancies at the Staff College has been increased. In view of the experience of the South African War, special courses of instruction for officers have been instituted at the London School of Ei;onomics in subjects useful to them in administrative work. Instruction in sanitation is given to officers and men. Marked progress is being made in the education of the soldier during his service, and the number of certificates obtained shows a steady increase. As stated elsewhere, soldiers are now a])le to acquire technical training in ti'ades. The l)uk(; of York's Royal Military School, which supplies the Army with excellent recruits, has been removed to better buildings and a more healthy position near Dover; and the Government readily a.ssented to maintain from public funds a similar School which has been built and ('(piipptMl from public subscriptions at Dunblane, in Perthshire, as a memorial to the late (,)ueen Victoria and to the sailors and soldiers of Scotland who died in the South African War. The School will provide education for 275 boys, the sons of soldiers of Scottish regiments and of Scotsmen serving, or who have served, in the Navy or Army. The Queen Victoria School was foniially taken over by the War Office in May, 1909. 313 [Wav Office] HEALTH OF THE TROOPS. Improvements iu the conditions of military life and in the adminis- tration of the Medical Service are resulting in a steady diminution in sickness, deaths and invaliding. A School of Army Sanitation has been instituted at Aldershot to give instruction in sanitation to combatant officers and men, and non- commissioned officers and men of the lioyal Army Medical Corps. The same s\diject is now included in the courses at the Staff College, the Koyal ^lilitary Academy, and the Royal Military College, and is taught at military stations ])y lectures and the distribution of literature ; and all officers are examined in hygiene for promotion to captain. By dental treatment on enlistment, a large number of promising recruits are being obtained for the Army whom it would formerly have been necessary to reject. An expert Committee, appointed to investigate the physiological eifects of the soldier's food, training and clothing, has made very valu- able reports, which are now being acted on. A Manual of Physical Training has been issued, Ijased on the Committee's conclusions, and the scientific Swedish system of gymnastics has been substituted for the old-fashioned exercises. A new equipment, possessing both liygienic and military advantages, has been introduced for the dismounted soldier. In August, 1908, a Reserve of Nurses under the control of the Army Nursing Board was formed to supplement Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service in time of war. In the same year, a Home Hospitals Reserve, composed of members of the St. John Ambulance Association and the St. Andrew Ambulance Association, was formed to staff the military hospitals in the United Kingdom upon the withdrawal of the regular Royal Army Medical Corps for duty in the field. The Reserve of the Royal Anny Medical Corps has been augmented 1iy voluntary transfers from the Reserve of the Infantry of a certain number of men with not less than two years to serve, and from reservists of the Royal Garrison Artillery who could l)e spared. MANCEUVRES. Manoeuvres on a wide scale, adapted to the ])rinciples on which the Anny has been reorganised, were held in the summer of 1909. The use of a large tract of country in the counties of Wiltshire, Berkshire, ( )xfordshire and (lloucestershire was obtained under the Manoeuvres Act. The chief feature was the asseml)ly for the first time of four of the six new Divisions as opposing forces. The Man(euvr('s of 1910, which were held in tlie counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorsetshire, and Somersetshire, were specially designed to test practically the principles governing the maintenance of an Army in the field. A complete division was raised to its full war establishment, Ity inviting reservists to come up voluntarily for a short period of training, by tem{)orarily filling up the ranks of the division by men from the ])eace establishments of other units, and by employing men of the Special Reserve. Medical manu3uvres were also held on a smaller scale. [TTar Office] 314 In 1911, owing to the protracted drought, the Manoeuvres Avhich were to liave been held in East Anglia were abandoned. In 1912, Manoeuvres on a large scale were held in East Anglia, at which the King was present, and at which for the first time aeroplanes played an inijiortant part. Such Manoeuvres show the advantage that the troops derive from having an extensive and unfamiliar area over which to train. They also indicate, what cannot be discovered in any other way, defects which require to be made good. HORSES. To be efficient, a modern Army must be mobile. To be mobile, it must have a sufficient supply of horses To meet the requirements of the Army in this respect, important measures have been taken to deal with the problem effectively. In order to provide a reserve of trained horses for the Cavalry, additional horses are being purchased, and arrangements have been made for the lioarding out of Cavalry horses. These horses are being trained for military use, and are then lent to farmers and others for light work during the time they are not required in the ranks. The cost of their keep is thus saved for the greater part of the year, and the War Office retains the right to recall them whenever reqiiired, either for training or on mobilization. The number of horses in Cavalry regiments has also been increased. A broader scheme has been devised for ensuring a reserve of horses for the Army generally. The Territorial and Reserve Forces Act con- ferred on the County Associations the duty of registering horses for any of His Majesty's forces. As a preliminary measure, a census of available horses was taken by the police authorities in 1910. The amendment to Section 1 14 of the Army Act, 1911, gave powers for the enumeration and classification of horses and vehicles. General Officers Commanding-in-Chief, in co-operation with the County Associa- tions, have been made responsible for the selection and classification during peace of the horses and vehicles (with a marghi of 25 per cent, to provide for casualties) re(piired to complete units to war strength. The detailed work lias been carried out by remoimt staff officers assisted by Adjutants of the Territorial Force. Schemes for the collection and distribution on mobilization of the horses required for the Expeditionary Force and the Territorial Forci' have lieen completed, and no delay need now be anticipated. A scheme for encouraging the breeding of horses suitable for Army reciuirements, which has been prepared by the War Office and the Board of Agriculture, will be subsidized by a grant of £40,000 from tlie funds at the disposal of the Development Commission created under the Finance Act, 1910. This grant will be administered, under the Board of Agriculture, by an Advisory Council, on which the War Office will be represented. TIk! sii])stituti()n of mechanically ])r()pelled for horse-drawn vehicles has also contriljuted to lessen the demand for horses both in peace and on mobilization. 315 [Wav Office] NEW WEAPONS. Several important iinprovenient.s have been carried out in the arming of the Forces. The issue of the new field gun, introduced in 1903, was completed, and the Territorial Force was armetl with converted quick-tiring 15-pounder guns iu 1909. New pattern dial sights will within a short time be issued to all Horse and Field batteries of the Artillery of the Fxpeditionary Force. The Artillery of the Territorial Force will also have received dial sights before the forthcoming practices. A Field Howitzer of an improved and more powerful pattern has been approved, after extended trials, for the Regular Artillery. The uew Howitzer is much superior to that which it replaces. It is a quick- firing gun with an accurate range up to 7,000 yards, and its weight very little exceeds that of a field gun. Each Division of the Expeditionary Force includes a Brigade of 3 batteries armed with these guns, the issue of which has been completed. The Howitzers thus replaced have been placed at the disposal of the Territorial Force. A lighter iiattern ^laxim gun has been adopted for the equipment of the Cavalry. The re-armament of the Kegular Army with the re-sighted short ritle and the issue of a new bullet will shortly be completed. The issue to the Territorial Force of the long rifle converted to " charger loading " was completed in 1910. A magazine rifle of a new pattern is in course of issue for trial by troops. The question of an automatic rifle is being investigated. A new bayonet of increased length, similar to that used in the Japanese Army, and a new cavalry sword were introduced in 1908 and 1909, and are now in the hands of the troops. Other technical improvements have also been effected. AERIAL NAVIGATION. The Government has shown itself fully alive to the importance of the military aspects of this new question. With a view to the scientific treatment of the whole subject, the Government appointed in 1908 an Advisory Committee of experts under the presidency of Lord Rayleigh. This Committee is engaged in collating information on aerostatics from all parts of the world, in carrying out experiments at the National Physical Laboratory, and in scrutinising investigations submitted to it in the course of the work of the Departments concerned. It is also co-operating with the Aero- nautical Society and the Aero League, and has presented several Reports, which have been i)ublished. In November, 1911, a strong Sub-Committee of the Committee of Lnperial Defence was appointed to explore the whole question of Aerial Navigation in its relation to Naval and Military requirements. The principal recommendations of this Committee were announced to the House of Commons in a speech by Colonel Seely on Army Estimates, and are contained in a Parliamentary Paper (Cd. 6,067) presented in April, 1912. [War Office] 316 To give effect to the conclusions of this Committee, Avhich were approved hy the Government, a new Aeronautical Service for Naval and Military services was established in the same month, with the designa- tion of the Koyal Flying Corps, and consisting of a Naval wing, a Military wing, a Central Flying School, and a Reserve, all of which, with the exception of the Naval wing and Naval and Marine members of the Reserve, are under the administration of tlie War Office. Appropriate grades and special enhanced rates of pay for officers and other ranks, a detailed organization and a scheme of training were announced in Army Orders 130, 131 and 132, of May, 1912. A large and suitable flying ground has been purchased on Salisbury Plain, and the erection of the Central School is in progress ; a considerable nximber of aeroplanes, by way of an instalment of the ultimate air fleet, has been prdvided. The Royal Aircraft Factory will continue to l;)e used for the training of mechanics, experimental work and repairs, rather than for construction of aeroplanes. A Competition was held in the summer of 1912, on similar lines to that recently held in France, in order to arrive at the best type of aeroplane for military purposes. To stimulate manufacturers in this country, separate prizes were set apart for British machines. The degree of progress made in this important service is indicated by the growth in expenditure : — In 1911-12, the amount taken in Estimates was £131,000 In 1912-13, „ „ „ £308,000 In 1913-14, „ „ „ £526,000 WAR DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES. The right of persons employed by the War Office to be represented l)y officials of their Trades Unions has been recognised, and they have been given direct access to the Secretary of State on all matters affecting a class. This arrangement has worked satisfactorily on both sides; it has enabled the authorities to ol)tain direct and explicit information on many matters of importance to the Department and to the employees, and has produced a better feeling generally. Arrangements have also been made for periodical visits of the Army Council to various estalflishments for the hearing of petitions of work- pecjple. The South African War and the provision of reserve stores caused an abnormal increase in the numbers employed in the Ordnance Factories, which was inevitably followed by somewhat heavy discharges. These began before this Covernment took office, and they have done every- thing possilile to retard the rate of the discharges and to minimise their hardshi]). As much work as was justified l)y the reciuirements of the service, and the necessity of keeping alive the private trade, has been l)laced with the (Jovernment Factories. Whenever it was foreseen that discharges woidd l)ecome inevital)le, the men concerned have been warned ; and tliose who, after such warning, obtained employment elsewhere were allowed to leave with the gratuity earned by their service, as though they liad actually been discharged on redu(;tion. But the Government has not stopped at temporary expedients, and arrangements have been 317 [War Office] made which will, it is hoped, permanently obviate violent fluctuations in the num})ers employed. These numbers will be kept within certain limits, fixed so as to admit of expansion in an emergency while avoiding a superfluity of lal)Our in normal times. This establishment is being gradually reached by wastage, and compulsory discharges have now for some time been suspended. ARMY CONTRACTS AND FAIR WAGES. Greater attention has lieen devoted to the administration of the Fair Wages Resolution, and an endeavour has been made to administer the Resolution in a sympathetic spirit. It has been made a rule that con- sideration shall be given to the reputation of a firm as employers of labour, when jolacing orders, or adding names to the list of contractors. In the latter case, a pledge of observance of the Fair Wages Resolution is required from any Arm it is proposed to note. Facilities have been given to authorised Trades Union officials to inspect the list of contractors from time to time, and notification is also given to them of forthcoming issues of tenders. Important contracts are periodically published in the Board of Trade Labour Gazette, subject to certain reservations dictated by the public interest. In certain classes of contracts, more particularly those aff"ecting the unorganised trades, the stringency of the labour conditions has been increased, and recently the experiment has been tried of fixing a minimum rate of wage for women and girls employed on clothing and cap contracts. Inspecting officers have been appointed for the investigation of industrial conditions attending Army contracts and for inquiring into labour conqilaints. Infringement of the wages and labour provisions in contracts has been seriously visited, either by removal of the oti'ender's name from the list of contractors or in other ways. THE NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT, 1911. Special arrangements were made in Section 46 of the Act to meet the case of men of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, and the Regular Army, who receive the equivalent of most of the ])enefits as one of their conditions of service. The contribution of the men is accordingly fixed at 1|,/. a week during their service and the Admiralty or the War Office, as employers, will contribute another \^d. a week. If the men are, before the com- mencement of the Act or before enlistment, members of societies which are approved by the Insurance Commissioners, or become members of such societies within six months of tlie commencement of the Act or of enlistment, their membership will continue, Id. instead of l^d. being deducted in respect of reserve values, the remaining f,d. being found out of the Navy and Army Insurance Fund, into which the contril)u- tions of men not belonging to societies will be i)aid, and which will be credited with fths of the estimated benefits which would have been received had the men been in civil life, [War Office] 318 The fund will be chargeable with (i.) maternity benefit during service of men not members of societies, whether at home or abroad, and whether married on the strength or not; (ii.) the transfer values of such men on leaving the Service and going to societies or the Post Office fund; (iii.) the balance of |c/. required for the reserve values of men who are members of societies ; and (iv.) the whole of the \^d. for the reserve values of men wlio are not members of societies. The balance of the fund will be used for providing the benefits for men who, not being already members of approved societies, are unal)le through ill-health to gain admission to such societies on discharge. The solvency of the fund will be guaranteed out of Navy and Army Votes. If a man's health so improves that he is able to enter a society, his transfer value will be paid from the fund. The benefits will not be diminished on account of any pension the man may be receiving. The sickness benefit may be reduced on account of arrears, but not below 5s. a week, fths of the benefit will be paid by the State. LEGISLATION. 1906. Army (Annual) Act, — In addition to the usual provisions, corporal })unishment was abolished and the stigma of "imprisonment" was removed from soldiers, convicted of purely military offences against discipline, who are now confined in " detention barracks." [Cap. 2.] Seamen's and Soldiers' False Characters Act.— It was made an oft'ence to forge a certificate of discharge of any seaman or soldier, or to use such a forgery in securing employment, or to make or use any false statements as to character or previous employment. The latter provision was chiefly aimed at dishonest referees. [Cap. 5.] Reserve Forces Act. —Provision was made for a proportion of men belonging to the Army Reserve behig allowed to reside in a British Protectorate or Colony. [Cap. 11.1 1907. Army (Annual) Act. — In addition to the usual provisions since it was found tliat the, punislmicnts on active service authorised by the Army Act, as administered in Sovith Africa, Avere not satisfactory, these were modified in various directions with a view to making them more effective and deterrent. Various other amendments were inserted which were of a drafting nature. [Cap. 2.] Territorial and Reserve Forces Act.— The Territorial and Reserve Force.-; Act provided for the ultimate replacement of the then existing Auxiliary Forces ])y a Territorial Force and by a Special Reserve of the Army Reserve. It thus organised the British Army in two lines 319 [War Office] instead of three. It also provided for the formation of a Reserve division of the Territorial Force. Part I. of the Act dealt witli the formation and functions of County Associations. Part 11. related to the creation, government, training, &c., of the Territorial Force. Part III. had reference to the Special Reserve. Part IV. was supplemental. [Cap. 9.] 1908. Army (Annual) Act.— In addition to the usual i)rovisions, statutory authority "was (il)tained for the enlistment of discharged soldiers in the Special Reserve, and for making officers of the Special Reserve subject to military law at all times. [Cap. 2.] 1909. Army (Annual) Act. — In addition to the usual provisions, statutory authority was obtained for: — (a) The transfer to the Army Council of the bidk of the statutory powers of the Secretary of State, and all the powers of the Commander- in-Chief and the Adjutant-General under the Act, The full responsibility of the Secretary of State to the Crown and to Parliament is expressly preserved, and the Secretary of State is empowered to reserve to himself, as part of the business to be transacted by him, any of the transferred powers. (b) The power to impress motor cars and locomotives for haulage on mobilization in a case of emergency, and to confer on County Associations the power of furnishing horses and carriages for the Regulars in such circumstances. The former provision is merely a necessary extension of existing powers as to impressment of vehicles, but the latter is one of considerable importance in mobilization arrange- ments, as it definitely associates the various County Associations with the Regulars in the duty of obtaining horses, &c., for all requirements on mobilization. The conferring of this duty on the Associations was foreshadowed in Section II. (2) (k) of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, 1907. (f) The extension of existing powers of billeting, in the event of an emergency arising so great as to necessitate the embodiment of the Territorial Force. Hitherto the only persons liable to billets were keepers of victualling houses. On the embodiment of the Territorial Force, the accommodation in victualling houses would be entirely inadequate, and the new clause enables men belonging to that force or the Regulars to be billeted elsewhere, and entrusts the police authority with the duty of selecting the hoiises. The County Associa- tions are not brought into this matter, which is left to the regular officers concerned to arrange with the police direct. {(I) The power enabling a Colonial legislature to apply the Army Act, if it wishes, to the Colony's forces, subject to such adajjtations as may be necessary to make it applicable. There is no ol)ligation imposed, but, if the Act is applied when Colonial troops are serving on active [War Office] 320 service witli the Eritisli forces, it would obviate the anomaly of troops serving against the same enemy, under the same General, being subject to different disciplinary codes. Further amendments extend the definition of Governor so as to include the High Commissioner or Commissioner of a British Protectorate; make it clear that the Governor of a Colony can be authorised to convene and confirm the findings of general courts-martial, if he has had conferred on him the command of any of His Majesty's forces ; make individual members of Indian and Colonial forces subject to the Act when attached to home forces for training purposes ; and provide a clearer definition of the status of Reservists when subject to military law. [Cap. 3.] 1910. Array (Annual) Act. — In addition to the usual provisions, statutory authority was obtained, with a view to reducing the number of courts-martial, for the increase of the powers of a Commanding Officer, so as to enable him to award sentences of detention up to 28 days for any offence. [Cap. 6.] 1911. Army (Annual) Act. — In addition to the usual provisions, Section 114 of the Army Act, relating to the impressment of carriages and animals, was amended in two particulars — (a) In Great Britain the police authority or the County Associations (instead of the police authority only) were given powers for causing lists to be made of persons liable to furnish carriages and animals ; in Ireland the powers were vested in the police authority only. (b) The right of entry into premises was conferred on properly authorised officers. Section 145 (3), relating to the liability of a soldier to maintain his wife and children, was amended, in that the amount of the process money expended on the attendance of a soldier, at the hearing of a case against him for the enforcement of this liability, may now be recovered by deduction from his pay as a pvd)lic dcl)t, in addition to the ordinary d(;(luctions. [Cap. 3.] Geneva Convention Act.— In order to give full effect to the ratilicution of the Geneva Convention Act, 1906, the use for any purpose of the emblem of a red cross on a white ground, or the words " Red Cross " or " Geneva Cross," without the authority of the Army Council, was forbidden, a period of grace of four years being granted in the case of trade marks registered before the Act. [Cap. 20.] Official Secrets Act. — A ue.w Act for the l:)etter protection of infoiiiiation, the disclosuie of which would be contrary to the public interest, was jjassed in substitution for the Act of 1889. The i)rincipal changes were : — (a) The burden of proof is shifted from the State to the accused; a wrongful intent is inferretl uidess the contrary is proved, 321 [War Office] (fi) Tlic iutcutiou (if (loiiiy; soinethinti; in'cjudicial tn tlio safety or the interests of the State is sulhcient to convict. (f) Power is <,'iven to a Secretary of State for extending tlie definition of proliil)ited places. (d) Powers of arrest, Avithont the leave of Attorney-General, and in certain cases without warrant, and of search are granted. [Cap. 28.] Military ManCEUVres Act. — The :Military Manamvrcs Act, 1897, was amendetl in the following principal particulars : — (a) The same area may be scheduled for manoeuvres by Order in Council within a period of five years, with the consent of the local inunicii^al authorities, and an area, if no })art of it shall in fact have been used for manoeuvres, may be regarded as never having been scheduled. (h) Greater facilities are given for entrance into enclosed woods, plantations and parks, and for closing roads [Cap. 44. J 1912-13. Army (Annual) Act. — Section 145 of the Army Act, relating to the liability of a soldier to maintain his wife and children, was amended, to increase the stoppage from pay for the maintenance of a bastard child from 6d. to 7d. in the case of a non-commissioned officer not below the rank of sergeant, and from 3d. to 4d. in the case of lower ranks. Section 163 (J) was amended, to simplify the procedure in the case of the surrender to the military of a deserter or alxsentee without leave. Section 175 (7) and 176 (9) and (10) were amended ])y the omission of the words " beyond the seas," so that the protection afforded by Article 10 of the Geneva Convention, 1906, to the personnel of volnntary aid societies if subject to military law and regulations, might be extended to the case of operations in the United Kingdom. A. i»layground has l)een (■(piipped with numerous swings, a giant stride, skiitping ropes and a sand pit; and permanent conveniences built for both girls and l>oys. The ground is opened at 9 a.m. and closed half an hour l)efore the time for closing the Gardens. An attendant is on duty to preserve order and to see that the children come to no harm. A statue of Peter Pan, by Sir George Frampton, was presented l»y Mr, J, M, Barrie and erected in the spring of 1912. X 2 [Works, Office of] 324 Material assistance has been rendered to the poHce in the preserva- tion of order at large public meetings in Hyde Park, by the erection of an observation box, fitted with a telephone, so that it is now possible to o])tain a comprehensive view of the proceedings and to call \ip reinforce- ments and direct them to the point where they are required with the least possible delay. In the south-west corner of 8t. James's Park a sand playground for children has been made, which, during the warm weather and the holidays, attracts many hundreds of children from the surrounding parishes. The ground on the west of Primrose Hill was re-turfed in the winter of 1906-7. On Primrose Hill a tea house has been erected, to which is attached a dressing room for the use of boys playing games. There is also a convenience for ladies. In Eichmond Park, a portion of Spanker's Hill Plantation has been opened to the public during certain parts of the year, and some of the roads have been widened. An area of about ten acres in the paddocks has been enclosed and converted into a nursery for raising })lants, shrul)S and trees for use in Hyde and St. James's Parks. This has not withdrawn from the public any ground which was previously opened to them. Boy Scouts have been granted permission, under certain restrictions, to use Eichmond and Bushey Parks for exercises and games. The management of Eichmond and Ivew Greens has been transferred, under the powers of the Crown Lands Act, 1906 (6 Edward VII., c. 28), to the Council of the Borough of Eichmond. These Greens are used almost solely for local purposes, and the Commissioners did not feel justified in spending upon them, from Imperial Funds, the money necessary to meet the wishes of the neiglil)ouring residents. A fortunate chance enabled the Department to acquire at a low price four beautifid old lead figures, representing the Seasons, and these have been placed in the Dutch Garden at Hampton Court, In the Eoyal Botanic Gardens at Edinburgh, the rock garden has been reconstructed and a new rose garden made. Additional facilities have been afibrded to Studonts of Botany by the introduction of electric lighting into the Herbarium. HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT. Many useful improvements have l)een made in the accommodation of the House of Connnons. The new Dining Eoom on the Terrace Floor, tlie additional rooms for Ministers, better Smoking Eoom accommodation and tlic alteration in the Division L(J)bies maybe mentioned as the more iiiiixiitaut. It is estimated that under the new system of taking Divisions, instituted by Mr. Plarcourt, something like ten minutes is saved on eacli Division. The Ventilation im})rovements in the House of Commons and its precincts have now been brought practically to a ccmclusion. Additional accommodation for members of the Press Gallery has been provided. A new Grand Committee Room has been constructed, the storage for 325 [Works, Office of] ])(ioks in the Lilirary lias beeu enlarged, and tlic internal .stonework of the building has l)een further cleaned of paint and dirt. A staircase from the Lower Waiting Hall t(j the Terrace is (.Vpril, 1913) 1)eing reconstructed, and, by the removal of a small refreshment bar, it has been possible to put into use for the first time a very handsome fireplace in the Lower Waiting Hall. Improved arrange- ments are being made for public cloak room acconnnodation in connection with the Committee Rooms upstairs. A new Tele})lione Exchange has been constructed on the top floor on the river front, and three telephone boxes placed near the entrance to the Commons' Lobljy. Offices have also been fcn-med on the ground floor, for the official rejiorters of the House of Commons. Several additions have been made to the pictures in the Palace of AVestminster, the most notal)le Ijeing the presentation by certain Peers of six panels of historical sul)jects by well-known artists. A careful examination and systematic repair of the woodwork of the roof of Westminster Hall is in progress, and is expected to be completed in 1914. The ilrainage of the whole of the Houses of Parliament is being remodelled. The work is being carried out in sections, and it is hoped that flooding will now be effectually prevented. Money has been taken in the 1913-14 Estimates for the })rovision of a lift which would rise from the Terrace to the top of the building in a shaft adjacent to the new staircase. Ke-arrangement of the Committee and Public Bill Offices will, it is hoped, put at the disjjosal of jNlemljcrs, later in the year, a large room (jn the wi'st of Westminster Hall, for whatever uses may Ijc thought desirable. PUBLIC CIVIL BUILDINGS. The first section of the new Government (Jffices, Westminster, has been finished, and is now occupied by the Local Government Board and the Education Department. A great concentration of Government (Offices has been effected thereby, in consequence of which other offices, in addition to those named above, have benefited, e.g., Home Office, Treasury, &c. The extension of the building up to St. James's Park is now in hand. It will i)rovide acconnnodation for the growth of the Local Government and Education Offices, for the Office of Works, and for soiue smaller Departments. A Imilding for the extension of the National Gallery has been erected. The extension is westwards, over ])art of the site of St. George's Barracks, and the cost of the work was about £39,000. The existing Galleries are to be rendered absolutely fireproof by the practical reconstruction of the buildings. The work is l)eing carried out in sections. An important improvement was found to be practicable, Avhich still further reduces the risk of fire. All Ijoilers for heating, &c., have been removed from the National Gallery, and from the adjacent National Portrait Gallery; and heat and electric power will be ol)tained from a station in the Orange Street Waterworks, which are Government property, [Wcrks, Office of] 326 on the opposite side of the street. Eccjiiumy in working, as Avell as safety, will result. The establishment at St. George's Barracks and the Recruiting Station have l)een removed from the hack of the National Gallery to Old Scotland Yard, thus further reducing tlic risks of tire and affording space for further enlargement. Four additional Courts at the Koyal Courts of Justice have been erected on the land to the west of the main building ; the cost has been about £97,000. A new Office for the Board of Agriculture and Fislieries is being erected in Whitehall Place; the building is estimated to cost about £100,000. Through tbe generosity of the late Sir J. J. Duveen, an extension of the British Art Gallery, for the exhibition of Turner's pictures, has been carried out. A reconstruction of the dangerous timber roofs of Hertford House, and other alterations, are l)eing undertaken, for the prevention of damage by fire to the Wallace Collection. A new Stationery Office and Stores are being erected in AVaterloo Koad, Lambeth. The accommodation in the present Stationery Office is insufficient, and the building is poorly equipped with modern appliances, and not safe from fire risks. The change will, moreover, set free the present very valuable site in Westminster. The British Museum extension in Montague Place, a range of galleries to the north of the existing buildings, is in hand. The foundation stone Avas laid by King Edward VII. The estimated cost is £208,000. The Imperial College of Science new building was completed in 1907 at a cost of about £330,000. The last section of the Victoria and Alljert Museum, which cost about £600,000, was completed in 1909, and opened in State by King Edward A^II. It has been decided to rebuild the Science Museum, and the Eastern Section will l)e begun shortly. The Commissioners for the Exhil)ition of 1851 will contrilmte £100,000 towards the cost. In connection Avith this scheme, an extension of the Natural History Museiim to the east will be undertaken, and this will include a new Geological jMuseum, to which tlie collection in Jermyn Street will eventually be removed. An enlargement and improvement of the Scottish Law Courts, and also the new Admiralty Extension at Spring Gardens, have been completed. The Sasines Office in the General Register House, Edinlnirgh, has been rendered fireproof. Under tlie National Galleries of Scotland Act, 1906, the l)uildings in Edinburgli known as tlie Koyal Institution, the National Gallery, and tlie National Portrait Gallery, and Duiddane Cathedral, formerly vested ill the IJoard of Manufactures, have Ik-cu transferred to the keeping of the First Connnissioner of Works. Tbe National Gallery Building, Edinbiirgh, has been reconstructed for the purpose of housing the National Collection of Pictures, on the removal of the Koyal Scottish Academy, at a cost of some £12,000. 327 [Works, Office of] A sum of about .£12,500 has been spent on the re-roofing of Glasgow Cathedral, tlie old roof having become unsafe through age. jNEucli more attention than formerly is being given to tlie preservation and }>rotectio:i of Ancient Monuments and Historic Biuldings ; and, in particiUar, much has been and is being done at Carnarvon Castle in tliis way. The First Commissioner (Lord Beauchamp), in co-operation witli the various National Commissions on Historic Monuments, is making special efforts to elicit local activity and interest for the care and custody of these Monuments. The Koyal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, no longer affords the rcijuisite accommodation for the exhibition of objects of interest, and the opportunity has been taken from time to time to acquire property coming into the market for the purpose of extending the building. AVithout compulsory powers, however, it is not possible to obtain the whole of the ground required, and an Act was passed in 1912 to enable the Govermuent to acquire the necessary land. The cost of the further ground required is estimated at £20,000, and the total cost of the l)roposed new buildings at £126,390. It is not intended, however, to carry out the whole scheme of enlargement at once, and the first section of the work is estimated to cost £54,390. LABOUR EXOHANGrE AND INSURANCE BUILDINGS. Considerable pressure has been exerted in the Department during the last 2| years in connection with the provision of accommodation for Labour Exchange purposes. About 420 Exchanges are now open in Great Britain. Permanent buildings are to be erected to accommodate the more inqxirtant Exchanges now housed in hired premises, and sites have already been acquired for this purpose in many instances. Unemployment Insurance will be dealt with in Labour Exchanges, and extensive revisions of the accommodation at nearly all the existing Exchanges Avill be necessary in consequence. COMPLETION OF IMPORTANT BUILDINGS. Li the last six years the following buildings have been com- pleted : — The fourth Wock of the new Admiralty Buildings in St. James's I'ark, conq)leting the scheme begun in 1890, at a cost for land and buildings of over £1,000,000. The :iew Pidilic OHices at AN'estminster for the Local Govermuent Board and the Board of P^duration, erected at a cost of over £650,000. The Duke of York's Koyal Military School at Dover. The removal from Chelsea took i)lace in July, 1909. The cost of the building, exclusive of site, was over £187,000. The new Royal College of Science at South Kensington, erected at a cost of £308,000. [Works, Office of] 328 Till' new IMaynetic 01 )servatoiy for the Eoyal Society at Eskdale Miiir ; cost about £24,000. The Yict(iria and Albert Museum Extension, tlie foundation stone f the Board's Syllabus of Lessons on Temperance ; the initiation of a system of triennial reports on the educational activities of the Local Education Authorities of W'ales, to be follow^ed by a svirvey, every third year, of the condition of Education in the country ; the establishment of a number of Summer or A^acation Schools for Teachers, which are held, each year, at various educational centres in Wales and which are assisted by the Board's grants ; co-operation with the National Library of Wales in efforts to preserve the educational records of Wales, &c., &c. NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE. The appointment of a separate body of Insurance Commissioners for Wales in December, 1911, met with general approval in the Principality, and the City of Cardiff promptly offered, and the Government accepted, a valuable site for the erection of permanent headquarters for the Commission in Cathays Park. A temporary suite of offices in the City Hall wa.s at once lent to the Connnission and furnished by H.M. Office of Works. The indoor statf of the Ccmimission was as far as possible recruited by transfer of established Civil Servants from London, and the outdoor staff" by means of a competitive examination after advertisement and nomination, with due regard to various types of industrial experience letpiired. Care was taken in forming the staff to secure a large proportion of Welsh-speaking officers. Early in 1912, a number of lecturers were engaged to expound the provisions of the Act ; the majority of these were able to speak effectively in the Welsh language. Their work was su])])lemented by means of leaflets and pamphlets, many thousands of which were circulated before the Act came into operation. The Com- missioners themselves also held a series of conferences of representative persons in various parts of the country for the purpose of preparing the way for an intelligent observance of the Act. There are about 680,000 insured persons in Wales, of whom over 105,000 are women. Of this nundjer, 19,000 men and 4,500 women are dei)osit contrilnitors; the rest are members of Approved Societies. The Commissioners have approved, under Section 23 of the Act, 171 Societies. Included in this nund)er are 7 Welsh Orders, with over 400 registered l)ianclies. Eight societies cater for Avomen only. In addition, the international societies approved by the Joint Committee have a large niend)er.ship in Wales. An intere.sting type of Approved Society operating in Wales is the County or District Association. There are 11 of these, with 143 constituent societies. They were formed as ^ 335 [Wales] result of a series of conferences held throiif^hout Wales, at which the Comniissinners were represented, and they have been instrumental in l)reserving the identity '>f the small independent societies. In common with the Scottish Commissioners, the Welsh Com- missioners have issued regulations prn for con- sumptives, he adds : — " Sanatoria, open-air shelters, chalets and separate wards in hospitals and infirmaries have been provided by several boards for phthisical cases, and where no special provision is made in the work- houses, a number of incipient cases are sent to sanatoria in various parts of England." A very large number of cases of tuberculosis are being dealt with by boards of guardians. An interesting recent development towards better classification are the measures which are being adopted by several groujis of unions towards making common provision for certain classes of inmates, more especially the feeble-minded. Expenditure. — The total cost of Poor Law relief in Wales for the year ended 31st March, 1912, was as follows: — Maintenance of indoor paupers ... ... .. £139,922 Out-relief 323,423 Maintenance of lunatics in County and Borough Asylums, &c 140,190 Salaries, &c. ,.. 105,043 Loan charges ... ... ... ... ... 33,411 Buildings, repairs, &c. ... ... ... ... 48,283 Other expenses ... ... ... ... ... 31,854 Gross total £822,126 Deduct (transfers between certain accounts) ... 13,174 Net total £808,952 [Wales] 342 The total expenditure was £31,912 less than in the year ended 31st March, 1911. The expenditure un out-relief included £10,428 on childi-en hoarded-out. During the year ended 31st March, 1912, the expenditure for Wales on — I'er hervd of population. (a) Indoor Relief anunuited on the average to - 2s. Z\d. \h) Outdoor Relief „ „ „ - 2.'^. llr/. {(■) Total expenditure on relief - - - 6.t. l\d. The corres])onding figures for the whole of England and Wales were — 4^. 6 J'/., Is. 1\d. and Sit. respectively. II.-OLD AGE PENSIONS. The nuniher of persons in receipt of Old Age Pensions in Wales on the last Friday in March of each year was as follows : — 1909 24,663 I 1911 38,084 1910 27,381 ! 1912 40,083 1913 41,893. The large increase in 1911 as compared with 1910 was due to the alteration of the disqualification arising from the receipt of poor relief as it had previously existed. The numbers of pensions of different amounts payable o\\ the last Friday in March, 1912, Avere :■ — 5.S. aweek 37,915 4.S-. „ 828 S.'t. „ 767 2-. „ 371 Ls-. „ 202 Total 40,083 C)f tlic total nuiiilier of ]icnsions, 14,881 were for men and 25,202 for woiiicii. As already shown (see p. 340), the grant of old age pensions has had a reniarkalile efi'cct in reducing the number of persons over 70 years of age who are in receii)t of poor law relief. III.-LOANS. The following table gives information of the loans (other than loans to pnor law autlioiities) sanctioned liy the Local Government 343 [Wales] Board during the fifteen montlis from tlie 1st January, 1911, to 31st March, 1912. (1) County (3) Rural Dis- Councils; trict Councils; Purpose. (2) Boroughs (in- cluding County Borouglis) and (4) Parish Councils; Total. Urban District (5) other Councils. Authorities. 1. Education— £ £ £ (a) Higher Education | 113.340(1) 125,661 ] 12;321 (2) (ft) Elementary Education ... | ( 240,170(1) 202,513(2) 442,683 2. Public Health Acts, Municipal Cor- porations Act, 1882, and Local Government Act, 1888 — (rt) Sewerage and Sewage Disposal 118,983(2) 38,747 (3) 157,730 (ft) Street Improvements, making up Private Streets and con- structing new Streets and Bridges ( 23,576 (1) 5,344 (3) 87,832 58,912 (2) (r) Waterworks 25,331 (2) 75,388(3) : 3,393 (5) 104,112 (d) Public Walks and Pleasure Grounds 42,733 (2) 42,733 (^) (Jasworks 46,628 (2) 46,628 (/) Paying off existing Loans ... 17,608(2) 1 7,608 0/) Public Offices 2,581 (2) 316 (4) 2,897 (A) Hospitals and Mortuaries 6,302 (2) 1.1.50 (5) 7,452 (,/■) Refuse Destructors 5,644 (2) 5,644 (k) P'ire Stations, Engines and Appliances ... 5,816 (2) 584 (4) 6,400 (/) Depots 3,352 (2) 3,352 (//() Sea Defence 9.000 (2) 9,000 (n) Sanitary Conveniences 1,193(2) 1,193 (()) Markets... 881 (2) 881 Ip) Police Stations and other County Buildings I 20,646 (1) 23,106 ) 2,460 (2) (c/) Various Purposes 910(2) 910 3. Electricity 51,571(2) 51,571 4. Housing of the Working Classes ... 79,403 (2) 79,403 5. Small DwellingsAcquisitiou Act, 1899 j ( 105(1) 3,963 (2) 7,508 (3) 11,576 6. Small Holdings 1 114,625(1) 20,690(2) 135,315 7. Allotments 5,067 (2) 5,067 8. Burials 2,765 (2) 241 (4) 3,006 9. Baths and Washhouscs 500 (2) 500 ( County Councils ... 512,462 132,671 1,372,260 Totals .. < Borouglis and Urban ( District Councils... 727,127 IV.^HOUSING. Ihe loans sanctioned for housing in the March, 1912, are included in the table of loans. fifteen months ended [Wales] 344 During the year ended INFarcli, 1913, the amount sanctioned was much larger owing to the increased activity in housing matters and tlie impetus given by the Housing, Town Planning, &c.. Act, 1909. The total loans sanctioned during that period for the provision of new houses, nearly 600 in all, by local authorities, and the purchase of the necessary land, amounted to nearly £146,000. Some of the Welsh Authorities have provided a large number of working-class dwellings under Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890. Merthyr Tydfil Town Ccnnicil has provided or is providing 312; Swansea Town Council, 306; Risca Urlian District Council, 245 ; and three other Urban District Councils, 100 or more each. In considering progress in housing, it is inipiirtant to take account, not oidy of the new houses erected, but also of the measures adopted to ])ut into, and to keep in, pro})er condition the houses which already exist. The following are i)articulars for the year ended 31st March, 1912, of the action taken under Section 15 of the Housing, Town Planning, &c., Act, 1909, under which notices may be given for putting houses into habital)le conditions : — Numlier of houses in respect of which notices were given during the year or Avere outstanding at the beginning of the year ... ... .. ... 4,986 Nundjer of houses in respect of which landlords elected to close instead of complying with notices 142 Number of houses in respect of which notices were satisfactorily complied with ... ... ... 2,765 Number of houses in respect of which the local authorities executed or were executing the works in default of the landlord ... ... ... 22 Number of houses in respect of which the notices remained luidisposed of at the end of March, 1912 2,035 Local autln)rities have other powers under the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, and the H()using, Town Planning, &c., Act, 1909, to require houses to l)e put into proper condition and, in certain circumstances, to require the demolition of insanitary houses. The following is a summary of the information obtained from local authori- ties of the action taken by them during the year ended 31st March, 1912, in respect of unliealthy dAvellings under Part II. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, Nundjer of dwelling-houses in respect of which rej)resentations were made to the local authorities 6,910 Number of such houses in respect of which the local authorities decided not to take action under Part II. of the Act 3,182 Numlx'i' (if houses made fit, or being made fit, for humuu habitation without closing orders having been made ... ... ... ... ... 1,146 Number of houses closed or demolished voluntarily, without a closing order or order of demolition being made ... ... ... ... __ 251 345 [Wales] Number of houses in I'espect (if wliidi (jldsiiiL;' orders were made ... ... ... ... ... 1,062 Number of houses in respect of Avlncli closing ordei's were determined... ... ... ... ... 228 Number of houses in respect of wliicli orders of demoHtion were made ... ... ... ... 84 In addition to the notices mider the Housing Acts, thousands of notices to abate nuisances were "iven under the Public Health Acts. v.— PUBLIC HEALTH. Infant W^elfare. — In no sphere has the great work which has been done in recent years in the domain of }ml)lic health liorne more generous fruit than in the saving of the lives of infants, and Wales has shared in the general i)rogress. The following are the deatli-rates per 1,000 births of infants under one year of age in each year since 1905 : — 1905 142 1906 137 1907 125 1908 137 1909 113 1910 117 1911 136 1912 106 The high figure for 1911 was due to the abnormal conditions of that exceptional year, with its prolonged period of extreme heat. General Death. Rate.— The imi)rovement in the health of the community shows itself not only in the reduction of infantile mortality, but also in the retbiction of the general death rate. The following table .shows the general death rate in the whole of Wales (registration areas) in each year since 1905, Year. Estimated Poiuilation. Number of deaths per 1.000 of the population. 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 2,144,390 2,171,274 2,198,449 2,225,921 2,253,687 2,281,759 2,452,812 2,496,171 17-1 16-2 16-1 16-5 15-6 15-3 14-9 13-5 346 LEGISLATION initiated by Private Members. 67 ACTS PASSED. 1906 11 1907 10 1908 17 1912-13 1909 ... 1910 ... 1911 3 Government afforded facilities for 8 7 11 The Government afforded facilities for one or more stages of many of these Bills. 1906. Agricultural Holdings Act. — Ameuds the law relating to Agricultural Holdings, by — (1) simplifying the method of arbitration as to questions arising between landlord and tenant; (2j providing for compensation to tenants for damage done to crops by winged game or deer ; (3) giving to tenants freedom of cropping and of disposal of produce, notwithstanding custom of the country or restrictive provisions of contracts of tenancy ; (4) giving to tenants, in case their tenancies are put an end to without good and sufficient cause, compensation for loss or expense in connection with sale or removal of goods or stock ; (5) giving to tenants compensation for repairs to farm buildings ; and (6) providing for the making of a record of the condition of the holding on the commencement of the tenancy. [Cap. 56.] Education of Defective Children (Scotland) Act.— Empowers School Boards in Scotland to make special provision for the education, medical inspection, and, where required, the conveyance to and from school of epileptic, crippled or defective children between 5 and 16 years of age, and to defray the cost out of the school fund. [Cap. 10.] Education (Provision of Meals) Act. — Empowers Local Education Authorities to assist voluntary efforts for feeding underfed school children, by providing buildings, furniture, apparatus, &c., — the food to be provided by voluntary effort. Where the Local Education Authority are sati.siied that there are children in want of food, and that earnest voluntary help is :iot forthcoming, they may, with the consent of the Board of Education, provide the food also to the extent of a halfpenny rate. Provision is made for requiring payment for the meals from i)arents al)le to pay. [Cap 57.] Ground Game Amendment Act.— Amends the Ground Came Act, 18(SU. Extends the right of occupiers of moorlands, &c., to kill ground game. Occupiers and owners enabled to make agreements for the joint exercise of the rights over ground game. [Cap. 21.] Intoxicating Liquors (Ireland) Act.— Makes permanent the Irish .Sunday Closing Act of 1878, which has hitherto had to be renewed each year ; and reduces the hours during which licensed houses may be open on Saturdays and Sundays. [Cap. 39.J 347 [Acts — Private Meinbeis'] Local Government (Ireland) Act (1898) Amendment Act. — Amends the Local (Tuvenuaeiit (Ireland) Act, 1898, with respect to Ijridges. [Cap. 31.] Municipal Corporations Amendment Act. — Amends the j\Iunicipal Corporations Act, 1882 (section 12), liy the inclusion of Industrial and Provident Societies. [Cap. 12.] Musical Copyright Act.^ — JNIakes it illegal and punishable to sell iniauthorised copies of musical compositions. [Cap. 36.] Solicitors Act. — Applies section 16 of the Solicitors Act, 1888, to every solicitor Avho, being an luidischarged bankrupt, applies for a fresh certificate or the renewal of a certificate to practise. [Cap. 24.] Street Betting Act. — Provides for the imposition of greatly increased penalties on those who carry on the occupation of street bookmaking, and on their agents. [Cap. 43.] Town Tenants (Ireland) Act. — Gives compensation for improvements to tenants of houses and shops, and for unreasonable disturbance to tenants of shops in Ireland. [Cap. 54.] 1907. Advertisements Regulation Act. — Authorises local authori- ties to make l)ye-laws dealing with high hoardings, with advertise- ments which dishgure landscapes, &c. [Cap. 27.] Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act.— Declares that marriage with a deceased wife's sister is not to l)e deemed void or voidable as a civil contract by reason only of such affinity. .V Ijill for this purjjose was first introduced in the House of Lords by L(»nl Wliarncliffe as far back as 1841. In the year 1849, the Bill secured a Second Reading in the House of Commons by 177 to 143. Subsequently, similar Bills passed the whole of their stages through the House of Commons in 1851, 1856, 1858, 1859, 1870, f871, 1873, 1879, 1880, 1882, 1883, 1886 and 1889, and on tliese 13 occasions were defeated in the House of Lords. [Cap. 47.] Injured Animals Act. — Empowers a police constaljle, upon the certificate of a duly registered veterinary surgeon, to slaughter any diseased or mortally injured animal, and to recover the expense from the owner as a civil debt. [Cap. 5.] Irish Tobacco Act. — Repeals the law which prohibits the growing nf tobiieeo in Ireland. [Cap. 3.] Lights on Vehicles Act.— Renders compulsory the carrying of lights by vehicles at night. [Caj). 45.] Limited Partnerships Act. - Establishes a system of limited ])artnerships on the model of the comviandUe Companies which have l)roved successful throughout Europe and in the United States of America. Must not consist of more than 20 persons (in banking, 10); [Acts— Private Members'] 348 one or more of -wlioiii shall be general partners, who shall be lial)le for all debts and obligations of the firm, and one or more limited partners, who shall not be liable l)eyond the amount of their registered contrilju- tions. A limited partner must not take part in the management of the business. [Cap. 24.] Married Women's Property Act. — Enal)les a married woman to dispose of, or join in disposing of, real or personal property held l)y her solely or jointly Avith any other person, as trustee or personal representa- tive, as if she were a single woman. [Cap. 18.] Notification of Births Act. — Provides, in any area where the Act is adopted, for the notification in writing to the medical officer of health, within 36 hours, of the birth of every child. [Cap. 40.] Petty Sessions Clerks (Ireland) Act. — Extends the pro- visions of section 12 of the I'etty Sessions Clerks (Ireland) Act, 1858. [Cap. 22.] Public Health Acts Amendment Act. — Contains 95 clauses dealing with streets and buildings; sanitary })r(ivisi(jns; infectidus diseases; connnon lodging-houses; recreation grounds; police; tire brigades and sky-signs. [Cap. 53.] 1908. Assizes and Quarter Sessions Act.— Dispenses with the attendance of Jurors at Assizes and (^^uarter Sessions, when it appears that there will be no business for them to transact. [Cap. 41.] Coroners (Ireland) Act.— Provides for the appointment of deputy coroners in Irish counties and boroughs. [Cap. 37.] Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act.— Provides further facilities for the erection of houses for the working classes in Irish cities and towns, gives larger borrowing poAvers, extends the period of repayment for housing loans, and creates an Irish Housing Fund. [Cap. 61.] Law of Distress Amendment Act. — Exem]:)ts, Avith certain limitations, the goods of under-tenants and other persons from lial)ility to distr(\ss for rent due by tenant. [Cap. 53.] Local Authorities (Admission of the Press to Meetings) Act. — Provides for the admission of representatives of the press to the nuietings of all local bodies A\diich have power to make a rate, .subject to exclusion Ity resolutioii if in the public interest. [Cap. 43.] Local Registration of Title (Ireland) Amendment Act. — Amends the Act of 1891 by enabling a rural district council to rectify omission to register. [Cap. 58.] Married Women's Property Act.— Renders married women with a scjiaiati' estate liahlc for the support of their parents. [Cap. 27.] Police Superannuation Act.— Amends in several details the law relating to the superannuation of tlie police. [Cap. 5.] 349 [Acts— Private Members'] Polling Arrangements (Parliamentary Boroughs) Act. — Amends the law relating to the arrangement of polling districts in parliamentary hovonghs, and makes the County Council the atithority, except in municipal boroughs. [Cap. 14.] Polling Districts (County Councils) Act.— EnaWes County Councils from time to time U> rearrange polling districts for the election of county councillors. [Cap. 13.] Polling Districts and Registration of Voters (Ireland) Act. — Confers upon County Councils in Ireland the power t(» alter the pi lUing districts and the method of compiling the lists of voters. [Cap. 3-5.] Public Meeting Act. — Provides tliat, if a person acts in a disorderly manner at a lawful pul)lic meeting for the purpose of preventing the transaction of the business of the meeting, he shall be guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction. If the (jffence is committed at a i)olitical meeting in connection with a Parliamentary election, it will also be an illegal practice under the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act. [Cap. 66.] Punishment of Incest Act. — Makes incest a criminal offence. [Cap. 45.] Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act.— Protects the separate property of the wife or husband of a habitual drunkard; and provides penalties for illegal pawning, drunkenness in charge of children, aiding and abetting driinken persons, and other offences. [Cap. 24.] Tobacco Growing (Scotland) Act. — Repeals the law which ])r(ihil)its the growing of tobacco in Scotland; but imposes restrictive regulations as to cultivation and manufactiu'e. [Cap. 10.] University of Durham Act. — Reconstitutes the University of l)uiham and a]ii)oints a body of 8 Commissioners. [Cap. 20.] Wild Birds Protection Act.— Prohibits the cruel practice of catching or taking wild birds liv means of a hook or similar instrument. [Cap. 11.] 1909. Asylum Officers' Superannuation Act. — Provides for sui)erannuation allowanc(\s to officers and servants in Public Asylums for the insane. [Ca]). 48.] Health Resorts and Watering Places (Ireland) Act.— Empowers local authorities in Ireland to strike a rate — not exceedino- a j)enny in the pound in any one year — to advertise the advantages and amenities of Health Resorts and "Watering Places. [Cap. 32.] Irish Handloom Weavers Act. — Protects the interests of Handloom Weavers in Ireland, l)y enacting that there shall be woven in the selvedge or hem of any hand-woven linen damask tal^lecloth or napkin, or any piece of linen damask goods, the words " Irish liantl- woven linen damask," and that every piece of cambric or linen diaper goods so woven [Acts — Private Members'] 350 shall have stamped or printed upon it in legil)le characters the words " Irish liaiid-woven." Operates on January 1st, 1910. [Cap. 21.] Judicature (Rule Committee) Act.— Amends the consti- tution of the liule Committee liy providing- for the inclusion of two l)arristers and two solieitoi's, to l)e appointed 1)V the Lord Chancellor. [Cap. 11.] Local Education Authorities (Medical Treatment) Act. — Enables Local Education Authorities to recover the cost of the medical tivatment of children attending Puhlic Elementary Schools in England and AVales, where such treatment is provided under section 13 of the Education (Administration Provisions) Act, 1907. [Cap. 13.] Metropolitan Ambulances Act. — Empowers the London County C()uncil to estal)lish and maintain an amlndance service for dealing with cases of accident and non-infectious illness within the County of London. [Cap. 17.] Oaths Act. — To legalise, for all purposes, the form of oath " with uplifted hands " in lieu of the customary form of " kissing the book." [Cap. 39.] Wild Animals in Captivity Protection (Scotland) Act. — Extends tlie Wild Animals in Captivity Protection Act, 1900, to Scotland. By that Act Ijirds, beasts, fishes and reptiles in captivity were protected from unnecessary suffering. [Cap. 33.] 1910. Children Act (1908) Amendment Act.— Amends the Children Act of 1908 by extending the provisions of sections 17 and 18, relating to punishment for causing or encouraging immorality. [Cap. 25.] Diseases of Animals Act. — Under section 1 of this Act, the exportation from any port in Great Britain is prohilnted, except in cases prescribed by order of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, of any horse which has not been examined by a veterinary inspector appointed by the Board, and certified as capable of being conveyed and disembarked without cruelty. A veterinary inspector is empowered to have a horse slaughtered, without the consent of the owner, if he finds it in such a physical condition that it is cruel to keep it alive. [Cap. 20. ] Hotels and Restaurants (Dublin) Act. — Under this Act a Divisional Justice may grant, on application l)y the holder of an hotel or restaurant license within the Police District of Duldin Metropolis, an order exempting him on any special occasion, and during si)ecified hours, from tlie provisions of tlie Licensing Acts relating to closing of premises. [Cap. 33.] Licensing (Consolidation) Act. — Consolidates the law relating to Justices' Licenses for the Sale of Litoxicating Liquor and to the Registration of Clubs. It incoi'porates and (•onsoli< are (jiven under the Depart me fit at heaitinf/s.) 1906. Butter Trade. Cabs and Oiuiiiljuses (Metropolis). House of Couiiuons (Procedure). Income Tax. Post (Office Servants. Sunday TnuliuLi,-. [Joint Committee of Lords and Oomiiio7is.^ 1907. Home Work. Post Office Servants. Procedure (Anticipatory Motions). Radio-telegraphic Convention. 1908. A[)plicatioii of Sinking Funds in exercise of Borrowing Powers. Debtors' Imprisonment. Employment of Military in Cases of Disturbances. Home Work. Hop Industry. House of Commons (Admission of Strangers). Infant Life Protection. Lotteries and Advertisements. \Joint Coiinnittee ounty — either direct or indirect — he would then be perfectly ready to put on a corresponding duty. ]Mr. Chamberlain would adhere in every case to Cobden's principle of free interchange at the natural price. According to this, if he did put on a duty it Avould not necessarily give a claim to any other manu- facturer. If Mr. Chamberlain found that the Germans earned their success legitimately, he would leave the home manufacturers to find out how they did it and to beat the Germans with their own weapons." When Mr. Chamberlain resumed his campaign on behalf of his new policy at Glasgow on (October 6th, 1903, he announced that it would l»e an integi'al part of his policy to impose — "A moderate duty on all manufactiu'ed goods not exceeding 10 i)er cent, on the average, but varying according to the amount of labour in these goods." (2) THE POSITION TO-DAY. In the latest phase of Taritl' Reform policy announced Ijy Mr. Bonar Law at Edinburgh on January 24th, 1913, we were UAd that if the Unionists were returned to power they intended to do the three following things : — 1. — Tliey would impose a tariff lower tlian existed in any industrial country in the world i > O a O •:; ^ O o S" W H hit « a m 1 Total Imports. l'.t(»2 lltll 180 43 I 22:? i;»0 171 264 120 41) ' 1C)9 172 i 76 i 248 120 145 14 134 20 1(!5 2 2 0-5 0-5 2-5 2-5 421 1 107 .50'.) 1 171 528 6S0 ExPORTSf OF THE PRODUCE AND MaNUFACTU Kingdom. res ( )F THE United 11)02 15)11 8 IS it 11 17 21) 82 8 .^0 8 85 58 182 224 1)5 188 227 862 2 5 2 4 4 9 174 297 109 157 283 454 Re-Exports. im)2 IDll 7 11 •A 3 10 14 87 58 1 88 2 60 1 14 20 4 8 18 28 + + i X 1 t + + + + 57 8 65 90 18 lo8 * Shipments (as distinguished from Consignments'). f Consignments, except in those cases where country (n-roldny of consignment has no seaboard, when the exports are allocate! to the count ivnr cole my containing the port of di.scharge. X Figures trifling in value. [Free Trade] 380 Between 1902 and 1911, our Tniiwrts fr.mi F()rei,L,m Co\intrics increased by 88 million <£, or 21 per cent.; our Imports from the Empire over-sea by 64 millions, or 60 per cent. In the same years our Exports to Foreign Countries increased Ijy 123 million £, or 71 per cent., while our Exports to the Empire over-sea increased by 48 million £, or 44 per cent. (2) Exports of British Produce and Manufactures to certain Foreign Countries and British Possessions, 1902 to 1912. To Foreign Countries To British Possessions. 1902 1912 Increase 1902 1912 Increase Millions Millions per cent. il illions Millions per cent. of £ of £ of £ of £ Russiii 8-6 13-8 60% Canada 10-3 23-5 128% Germany 22-8 40-4 77% Australia .. 19-5 34-9 80°/^ France 15-5 25-6 65% New Zealand 5-6 10-3 84% Italy 7-5 14-0 87% South Afiica 17-5* 21-0 20°/ Japan 5-U 12-2 ii^7o India 32-7 57-6 767„ United States 28 -7 30-1 27% The Argentine 5-8 20-6 255% Brazil 5-4 12-6 133% * 1904, because in 1902 the figures (24 million £) were probably still influenced by the war. (3) Exports of British Produce and Manufactures, 1902-12, to Certain Groups of Countries. United Kingdom Exports to 1902 Millions of £. 1912 Millions of £. Growth per cent. (1) The Principal Protected Foreign Countries* 108 177 64% (2) Remaining Foreign Countries 66 133 100% (3) {a) The Self-Governing Colonicsf 60 90 50% (h) Canada. Australia and New Zealand 35 69 97% (4) The Rest of the Empire ... 49 87 77% * Russia, Germany, Holland (included because of transit trade), Belgiuns, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria-Hungary, United States, Japan. t Canada, Newfoundland, Australia, New Zealand, Natal, C'ape of Good Hope. The Exports to Natal and the Cape in 1902 were inflated by the war. In 1907 our Exports to the two Colonies were valued at £13,700,000, (4) Comparisons with Germany. " The character of our oversea trade is changing for the worse. We are exjjorting a larger ])ercentage of raw materials and jiartly manufactured articles and a smaller ])ercentage of finished goods." This is one of the ])et theories of Tariff Reformers, and the following figures are therefore very interesting. 381 [F'ree Trade] (a) Percentage op Exports op Manufactured Goods to Total Exports. (Millions of £.) Germany. United Kingdom. "iears. Exports. Of which Manufactures. Per cent. Exports. Of which ^^„ „„„. Manufactures. ^^^ ''®"*- 1906 1907 1908 190'J 1910 313 337 315 324 367 211 228 205 207 236 67-5 67-7 65-4 64-0 64-2 375 30.-) 426 341 377 296 378 297 430 343 81-2 80-1 78-6 78-5 79-7 It is exactly typical of Tariff Reformers to point to the change in the " character " of our Exports, and to say nothing uhnnt tlie similar cliauge in the "character" of German Exports, (b) Exports per Head, United Kingdom and Germany. Exports per Head. Germany. United King ... 29-2 .. . ir,-7 1910 ... 9-6 ... 37-5 ... 27-9 190(; ... 12-1 ... 31-8 .. . 19-7 1911 ... 9-6 ... 37-3 ... 27-7 1907 ... 10-8 ... 34-2 .. . 23-4 1912 ... 10-1 ... 37-8 ... 27-7 1908 ... 9-5 ... 28-4 .. . 18-9 Iron and Steel Manufactures. — " Your iron trade is going." — Birmingham, November ith, 19t>3. Imports. Exports. Exports less Imports. Imports. Exports. Exports less Imports. 19(12 ... 7-9 .. 28-9 . .. 21 1909 . .. 8 . 38-3 . .. 30-3 1905 ... 8-6 .. 31-8 . . 23-2 1910 . 9-1 . . 43 .. 33-9 l',l()6 ... 8-4 .. 39-8 . 31 -4 1911 .. 11-1 . . 43-8 . 32-7 1907 ... 7-2 .. 46-6 . 39-4 1912 . .. 13 . 48-6 . .. 35-0 190S ... 7-7 .. 37-4 . .. 29-7 Earthenware and Glass. — "Now what about glass .'"- 27 th, 1903. -Liverpool, October Imports. Exports. Imports. Exports. Imports. Exports. 1902 ... 4-7 ... 3 1 1907 ... 4-1 . .. 4-1 1910 ... 3-S ... 4-3 1905 ... 4-3 .. 3-2 1 1908 ... 3-7 . .. 3-7 1911 ... 4 ... 4-7 191)6 ... 4-2 .. 3-7 1909 ... 3-8 . .. 3-7 1912 ... 4-3 ... 5 Tin Plate. Exports. Exports. Exports. 19112 4-3 ll 1907 . 5-9 191(1 6-5 1905 4-6 1! 1908 5-5 1911 ... 6-8 1906 4-9 1909 . 5-8 1912 ... 6-8 (v.) THE WORLD'S MERCANTILE SHIPBUILDING, 1902-12. Table showing the tonnage of vessels of 100 tons gross and upwards (excluding warships) launched in the United Kingdom and abroad during the years 1902-12, [Free Trade] 384 All the World Year. France. German}'. United States. British Colonies. except the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom. Total. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. Tons. 1902 192,196 213,961 379,174 28,819 1,075,197 1,427,558 2,502,755 1903 92,763 184,494 381.820 34,690 9.55,013 1,190,618 2.145,631 1904 81,245 202,197 238,518 30,965 782,773 1,205,162 1,987,935 1905 73,124 255,423 302,827 10,798 891.7.54 1,623.168 2,614,922 1 906 35,214 318.230 441,087 26,042 1,091,420 1,828,343 2,919,763 1907 61,635 275,003 474.675 46,443 1,170.198 1,607.890 2,778,088 1908 83,429 207,777 304.543 34,181 903,617 929,669 1,833,286 1909 42,197 128,696 209,604 7,461 610.991 991,066 1.602,057 1910 80,751 159,303 331,318 26,343 814,684 1,143,169 1,957,853 1911 125.472 255,532 171.569 19,662 846,296 1,803,844 2,650,140 1912 110,734 375,317 284,223 34,790 1,163,255 1,738.514 2,901,769 8hi])l)uil(ling is carried on in Germany under Free Trade conditions, as it is in tliis country. Any article imported for use in making or equipping a ship is admitted duty-free, even thougli if imported for any other purpose it would be subject to duty. The same is true of America, but a nice little trick of the parties concerned (a " tariff joker," as the Americans call it) has rendered the concession of no effect. It should be noted that when Germany considers it public policy to promote an im- portant industry, in which she is hopelessly outstripped by the United Kingdom, she gives that ifidustry Free Trade. v.— A GREAT INQUIRY. The statistics given hitlierto have been of the sort with which the Free Trader has all along refuted his adversary, the Tariff Keformer. The Fiscal controvers,y has, however, V)een an excellent affair for the once- despised economist and statistician. A vast mass of accurate statistical details has been collected and published by various Government depart- ments, notably the Board of Trade. Among these, even in bulk and interest, the Census of Production Avoiild take a leading place. But it has in addition the charm and importance of being the first of its kind we have made. There has certainly been nothing like it in tliis country since William the Conqueror dispatched his inquisitors to take an exact account of his newly won domains. The Census of Production shows us how utterly absurd the lamentations of Tariff Reformers have been. They drew a picture of a Free Trade Britain isolated in a Protectionist world, and therefore having her industries 1)eaten down by a flood tide of importations from her Protectionist rivals. The facts are cruel to this unpatriotic illusion. Of manufactured goods in their final stage we produced in the Census Year, 1907, nearly 735 million £'s worth. Of these we consumed at home 560 million <£'s worth, and exported 176 million £'s worth, while, notwithstanding our helplessness under Free Trade and the power of our rivals under Protection, we imported of the same goods the (•om|)aratively insignificant amount of 50 million £'s worth. Of COUrse, it is hard to get figures admitting of exact comparison, but the Census sums the matter up by saying that out of every £100 worth of finished products of industry, we consumed £75 worth ourselves and exported £25 worth, also importing £7 worth from our dreaded rivals. 385 [Free Trade] Wlien some special trades are eonsidered, tlie cmnparisnu becomes ridiculniis. For example, take Ships: A\^e produced ships worth 32 million pounds, of which we sold 10 million ,£'s worth, and imported " ships " — if the expression may be pardoned — worth £27,000. Take Tin Plates: We produced nearly 7^ million ii's worth, exported three-fourths of them, and imported — not even sixpenny worth. Take Machinery: We made 43 million £'s worth; we sold 24 millii>n c£'s worth and imported less than 4 million ,£'s wortli. Take Cotton (not including- lace and hosiery) : We made 127 million £'s worth; we sold 105 million <£'s worth; we imported 4 niillion £'s worth. Take Agriculture: This is the industry which, as Tariff Reformers constantly assert, has been " practically destroyed " by Free Trade. It turned out in the Census Year produce worth 196 million pounds, being easily the first of our industries. The following table gives the results of the Census of Production: — Produced in the United Kingdom. Net Imports (Imports less Exports.) a ^8 1 o n, Total. .its o 1. Food, Drink, & Tobacco ; Fod- der, Seeds, Plants, Flowers: — («) Natural Products (b) Manufactured troods . . Millions of i;. 172-7 190-3 Millions of £. 32-6 3-4 Millions of i. 2-1 20-1 Millions of £. 207-4 213-8 Millions of £. 107-4* 61 5 Millions of £. 62-7 13-1 Millions of £. 170-1* 74-6 Total 363-0 36-0 22-2 421-2 168-9 75-8 244-7 2. Animals not for food 1-9 35 -G 13-0 18-5 1-5 3-4 -3 _ •3 3. Haw Materials : — (a) Coal (6) Other Mine and Quarry Products (c) Other Raw Materials 38 -S -2 39 40-2 1-8 1-5 114-6 15 -U 20-0 1-1 02-9 128-1* 64 -Ot 128-1* Total 67-1 43-5 149-6 1-1 191-0 192-1 4. Senii-numufacturod G-oods . . 5. Goods in their Final Stage ; Buildings and Public Works 517-2 921-1 t 41-611 144-7 220-7 176-(l§ 463-9 220-7 734-8 1,5-29-7 49-7 110-1 ■611 110-1 50-3 Generai- Total 220-0 377-5 597-5 * £8(57,(100, the cstiniated value of the hides on cattle imported tor slaughter, has been transferred from the value of animals to the value of other raw materials. t Including net imports of unrefined gold bullion and of silver bullion for use in industry. J The value of the .semi-manufactm-ed goods made and used for finther manu- facture in the Unitetl Kingdom cannot be stated; only part of those goods was sold at the semi-manufactured stage. § Including exjiorts of gold and silver bullion refined in the United Kingdom anrm was to draw our supplies of wheat from our own Empire. We now draw, say, 60 million cwts. of wheat and wheat flour from foreign countries. If by law we prohibited this importation and restricted ourselves to wheat grown under the flag overseas, it may be thought that we should confer an enormous boon on the Colonies. Now, at the beginning of the centur}' the amount of wheat exported from the three great wheat-growing Dominions, India Canada, and Australia, was on an average in the neighbourhood of 40 million cwts., whereas in 1911 it was in the neighliourhood of 90 million cwts., an increase of 50 million cwts. by natural economic growth. If we prohibited the importation of wheat, grown on foreign soils, we should require to add 60 million cwts. to the amount now grown in the Empire. This is not much more than the three great wheat-growing areas in the Empire have added to their output since the century began, and it is only a fraction — about one-sixth — of the total Empire crop of wheat to-day. It is important and satisfactory that our supplies of wheat are now becoming more and more Imperial in character ; but, so far as the economic welfare of the Empire is concerned, altogether too much importance has been attached to the problem. In short, to force the whole of our wheat to be grown on Imperial soil would not give that extraordinary fillip to Imperial development which Tariff Kef orni sciolists imagine, while the process would be gravely injurious to ourselves. The economic moral is obvious. Natural forces are doing what is desired, and doing it without causing in this country that liitterncss which is the world-wide result of the taxation of food. VIL-WHEAT AND POPULATION IN 1901-11. (1) British Empire. Country. Wheat Area. Population. 1901. 1911. Increase, ^'^fj 1901. I'll. Increase. I'er Cent. United Kingdom Australia Canada India New Zealand ... Thousands of Acres. 1,746 1.952 206 11-8 41.537 5.116 7.42S 2,312 45-2 ' 3,833 4,225 10.377 6,152 145-6 5.371 23,44() 30.518 7,072 30-2 231,856 163 215 52 i 31-9 i 788 Thousa 45,365 4,449 7.205 244,127 1,008 nds, 3,828 616 1,834 12,271 220 18,769 9-2 16-1 34 1 5-3 27-9 Total 34.696 50.490 15,794 45-5 ;283.385 1 < ' 302,154 6-6 387 (2) Europe. [Free Trade] Countr}'. Wheat Area. 1901. Inoreixse or Decrease. Per Cent. PopulatioD. I'Jll. Increase. „ Tor Cent. Austria P>elgium I'ulgariii France (iermaii}' Ilun^.uy Nc'tlierlanil!- lloumania Russia Servia Spain Total Thousands of Acres. Thousands. 2,612 409 2,039 16,781 3,906 8,863 134 4.042 49,589 753 9,168 98,326 3.O01 378 2,762 15,638 4,876 9.157 142 4,7(i8 63.726 955 9,702 115,105 359 + 31 — 723 4- 1.143 | — 970 [ + 294 i + •^ + 726 1 + + 14,137: + + 202 + + 534:+ 13-6 7-(; 35-5 6-8 24-8 3-3 60 ISO 2S-5 26-8 5-8 26. '■>, 3, 38, I 56, i 19^ I t). i 107. 2 IS. + 16,779+17-1 204 694 789 962 806 363 2<;3 ,001 ,458 ,537 608 291,685 28,568 2,361 9-0 7,490 796 11-9 4,317 528 13-9 39,()02 640 1-6 61,926 8,120 14-3 20,886 1.523 7-9 5,945 682 13-0 7,087 1.086 18-1 135.8.59 28,401 26-4 2,912 375 14-8 19,589 981 5-3 337,181 45,496 15-6 (3) Other Foreign Countries. Country Population. Increase or , Decrease. 1911. I Increase. Per Cent. Thousands of Acres. Thousands. Algeria Ars^^entina ... Jajtan Siberia and Steppes U.S.A. Uruguay Total ... 3,231 I 3,303 8,141 17,036 1,194 1,223 9,505 49,543 798 67,908 81,408 + 72 + 8.895 + 29 + 4,782 — 353 + 75 + 13,500 + 2-2 + 109-3 + 2-4 + 101-2 — 0-7 + 10-4 + 19-9 4,739 4,625 44,710 7,241 77,647 965 139,927 5.564 7.172 50,939 825 2,547 6.229 10,218 93,793 1,132 2,977 16,146 167 168,818 28,891 17-4 55-1 13-9 411 20-8 17-3 20-6 (4) Summary Table. Groups Wheat Area. Population. of Countries. 1901. 1911. Increase. Per Cent. 1901. 1911. Increase. Per Cent. Thousands of Acres. British Empire (5) 34,696 • .50,490 Kurope (11)... ' 98,326 115,105 Others (6) Total 67,908 200,930 81,408 247.003 15.794 16,779 13,500 46,073 Thousands 45-5 283,385 ,302,1.54 17-1 291,685 337,181 19-9 139,927 168,818 18.769 45.496 28,891 22-9 1 714,997 ,808,153 93.15i; 2 B 2 6-6 15-6 20-6 13-0 [Free Trade] 388 (5) Wheat Exports to the United Kingdom, 1909-11, as Percentages op Total Crop of Countries jSTamed. Average Exports to U.K., 1909-11. Percentage of Total Crops. Average Exports to U.K., 1909-11. Percentage of Total Crops. Millions of quarters. Russia ... 5 United States o (nearly) 6 % Millions of quarters. Canada ... 4^ Argentina 4 India ... 4 21% 21% 9% (6) Wheat Acres per 1,000 of Population. United Kingdom Australia Canada . . New Zealand Austria ... Belgium Bulgaria Denmark France ... Germany Hungary... Italy ' Netherlands Norway ... Roumania Acres. 43 1,670 1.440 214 10.5 .50 640 38 39.5 7.5 438 338 24 5 673 Russia Servia Spain Sweden ... Algeria ... Art^entina ChUe Egypt ... Japan Mexico ... Russia (in Asia) Tunis United States . Uruguay ... Acres. 469 328 495 44 .594 2.375 289 113 24 114 658 .521 528 705 VIII.— THE SUGGESTED PREFERENCES. (1) THE SUGGESTED PREFEKENCE OX EXISTING DUTIES. The chief goods on which import duties are ah-eady levied for revenue purposes are as follows: — Cocoa, coffee, dried fruits, condensed milk, sugar, spirits, wine, tobacco and tea. The latest year for which a complete classification of these dutiable imports is available is 1911, and an analysis of them yields uumistakealde results. With regard to tea, which stands in a class by itself, it is important to note that the l)ulk of our imports — ovei' 11 million £ out of a total of 13 million £ — already comes from Imperial sources, and that half of the small remainder comes from one of our ])est customers, China. A })reference on tea would, therefore, be useless to the Empire, which has become the main source of our supply in the best way, by the energy and initiative of our fellow-subjects. Of aU the other dutiable articles it is a significant feature tliat the British Eni])irc produces only a small share, Avith the exception of rum, which is almost wlutUy a British product, though "imitaticni rum," whatever that may be, is a Eureign, not an Imperial, product (Jther sjiirits come almost exclusively from foreign countries. As regards wine, tlie Empire .sends us ;i mere trifle, less than £200,000 out of a total 389 [Free Trade] import (if over 4 million.s. Of toliacco, inanufacturcd and luiiiuuiufactured, llie Empire sends a quite insignificant amount — hardly wortli separate mention, just ov(!r £100,000 out of nearly 5|- million £'s wortli. Of sugar, the Empire sends us 3 million <£'s worth out of a total impoit of 26^ million £. ther less important dutiahlc imports, the same considerations Of the lid good A preferenc on th(»S(' articles would lie useless to the Colonies, uidess it caused a large transference from non-Imperial to Imperial sources. There is really no ground, at any rate no economic ground — which is after all the main ground — for supposing that any availalile preference would cause such a turnover. In Px-onomics, it is no use expecting marvellous eflfects from insignificant causes. (2) THE SUGGESTED PREFERENCE ON THE PROPOSED NEW DUTIES ON MANUFACTURED IMPORTS. Our total import of manufactured articles ready f(ir use is com- paratively small, ranging from 45 to 50 million £'s worth. How this is divided between the Empire and Foreign Countries cannot he stated. The much wider category, "articles Avholly or mainly manufactured," consists in the main of materials for further use in our manufactures. Its value in 1911 was over 165 million £, of which the Empire sent only 20 millions, of which no less than 8 millions were re-exported. For 1910 we can tlistribute this small import of articles, wholly or mainly manu- factured, among the various parts of the Empire. Canada sent us 2^ millions, Australia less than 4 millions. The other Self-governing Dominions contributed a mere trifle, the bulk of the remainder coming from India (5 million £) and the Straits Settlements (5| nnllion £). Imports of Manufactures, 1911. (Imports less Re-exports.) From Canada. From Australia. £ £ Dye-stuffs 3,400 Chemicals 20,000 Leather 324.000 Drugs 11,000 Macliiiiery 75^000 Leather 227,000 Alcohdl 14,000 Old Iron and Steel ... 2,000 Musical Instruments 22.000 Pi^ and Sheet Lead 595,000 Oil-seed Cake 57,000 Tin 383,000 Millboard, and similar irticles 85,000 Other unwrought metal 4,000 Papci' .. 5(),000 Tall( i\v 230,000 VV(Kid-))ulp for niakinj. paper 75,000 Copper, unwrciULiht ... 453.000 ]\Ianid'actin-es of Wikk tiS.OOO C'ltton Manufactures 2,100 £1,925,000 Chemicals 61,000 2,;}00 Drugs ... £844,800 [Yivv 'I'ra.le] 390 Giving a liberal interpretaticin to the term " manufactures," Canada sent us in 1911, in round tigures, manufactures worth £900,000, nearly the whole being semi-manufactured articles, for further use in our own industries. From Australia the same liberal interpretation of the word gives a total of nearly 2 million £, but the exact character of these " mamifactures " is obvious. From South Africa and New Zealand we import nothing Avortli speaking of in this class. The following is a classified summary of our imports fr(.)m the four Dominions in 1911 : — Food-stuffs ... ... ... ... 41^ <£ millions. Raw Materials 24 Drink and Tol)acco ... ... ... ^ ,, Manufactured goods which are raw material of industry {e.;/., copper, lead, leather and chendcals) . . . ... ... ... 3 ,, Other Manufactured Goods ... ... A 69 The objections to the granting of an Imperial Pref- erence on existing import duties or on the proposed new duties on manufactures are therefore :— (1) It would l)e a breach witli our existing Free Trade system — a sacrifice of an important principle. (2) It would be a useless sacrifice of jirinciple, because the economic gain to the Colonies would be insignificant. (3) Moreover, it AS'indd l)e an irritating and |)ossibly dangerous sacrifice of princi[)le. The great Dominions at present understand and respect our devotion to Free Trade. They Avould neither understand us nor respect us, if, with a great flourish of tnunpets, Ave announced our intention of pro- moting their economic welfare, and then gave them the useless and trifling gift of either or both of the above " prefer- ences." " If you are to give a Preference to the Colonies you must put a tax on food." A fair and really valuable preference would require a tax on raw materials. Both are out of the question, and it Avould be burning a toAvn t(i light a candle to Ijreak with Free Trade for the purpose under discussion. 391 [l>i;iry] DIARY OP THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS DURING THE LIBERAL ADJVIINISTRATION, 1905—13. Tlif ParliaiutMitary proceed in<,'.s vecoivleil arc tliose of the House of Coiiimoiis, unless otherwise stated, and cover the period to tlie end of the Session of 1912-13. The figures in parentheses denote majorities on divisions. iV. /?. — The Diary Ik'nis are not Indexed. 1905. Dec. 4 Resignation of Mr. IJalfour. 5 SIK^HENKA' CAMPBELL-BANNERMAX APPOINTEI) PRIME MINISTER. ,, 11 Lil)eral Cabinet announced. 1906. DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT. General Election. First polling day. General Election. Eighteenth and last polling da}'. Result: Liberal and Labour, 429; Nationalists, 83; Unionists, 158. Government majority, 354. ^Meeting of Parliament. Election of Mr. Speaker. Formal Opening of Parliament l)y King Edward VII. Sir Wm. Lever's Motiim, Payment of Mend)ers, carried (238). Sir James Kitson's Free Trade Mcttion carried (377). New Procedure Rules. Education Bill introduced l)y Mr. Birrell. Budget Statement by Chancellor of the Excheipier (Mr. Asquith). May 2 Plural Voting ]>i]l intr(idu(ey Mr. Hurcourt. First Reading carried (261). Note I, pat/e 401, Education Bill. Second Reading (206).' Plural Vothig Pill. Second Reading carried (308). Iliiuse of Lords. Aliens Bill rejecteil on Seccmd Rea«ling (72). iVoCe 2, iia(je 401. Education Bill. Third Reading (192). Transvaal Ci institution. Statements by Lord Elgin and Mr. Chuichill. jNIr. Balfour's attitude. Note 3, paije 401. .\djiiiiiiiment until Autumn (October 23rd). Plural Voting Bill. Third Reading, Sir Henry Kimber's Amendment for its rejection being lost (229). Jan. 8 )' 12 Feb. 8 J5 13 n 19 Mch . 7 M 12 Apl. 2,3 ?> 9 )) 30 )» 10 >) 14 " 17 -luly 3(1 >) 31 Aug. 4 Dec. 3 [Diary] 392 1906. Dec. 10 Edi;catiou Bill. Lords' Amendnieiiis. House (if Lords. Pluriiig Voting Bill rejected on Lord St. Aldwyn's Amendment, Second Reading (100). ,, 11 Education Bill — Prime Minister's Motion for putting Lords' Amendments en J)loc carried (228). ,, 12 Education Bill — Lords' Amendments rejected (309). ,, 13 Workmen's Compensation Bill. Third Reading. Note 4, page 401. ,, 17 South African Constitution. Mr. Churchill's Resolution agreed to. Note 5, page 402. ,, 19 House of Lords. Education Bill. Lord Lansdowne's INIotion of adherence to Lords' Amendments carried (80). Land Tenure Bill. Third Reading. Workmen's Com])ensation Bill. Third Reading. Trade Dis|)utes liill. Commons' Amendments to Lords' Amendments agreed to. Note 6, 2^'^9^ 402. „ 20 Education Bill. Order for Bill discharged. Note 7, jxtge 402. „ 21 Parliament prorogued. 1907. Feb. 12 Formal Opening of Parliament hy King Edward VII. ,, 22 Deceat?ed Wife's Sister Bill. Second Reading carried (229). ISIch. 20 ^Q\v Procedure Rules, &c. House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. on ]\Iarch 21st, sitting lasting 26| hours. „ 25 1 „ 26 I Apl. 11)- New Procedure Rules. „ 15! „ 16J „ 18 Budget Statement by Chancellor of Exchequer (Mr Asquith). Note 8, page 402. „ 23 Territorial and Reserve Forces Bill. Second Reading carried (312). „ 30 Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill. Second Reading (239). May 6, 7 House of Lords. Lords Reform, Debate on Lord Newton's Bill (Bill withdrawn). Select Committee apj)ointed. Note 9, page 403. „ 7 Irish Council Bill. First Reading carried (295). „ 21 Irish Nationalist Convention in Dublin. Mr. Redmond's Motion for rejection of Irish Council Bill carried inianimously. ,, 27 Small Holdings and .Vllotments Bill. First Reading. Territorial and Reserve Forces Bill. Third Reading carried (223). House of Loi'ds' Resolution moved by Prime Minister. • Note 10, page 404. House of Lords' Resolution. Dcliatc continued. „ ., „ carried (285). Land Values (Scotland) Bill. Second Readijig carried (218). June 19 )> 24 )5 25 26 July 10 393 [L'iary] 1907. July 15 Colonial PrefeiviKo. Mr. Lyttcltdii's Vott' of Censure rejected (292). Aug. 9 Small Lainlholders (Scotland) Bill. Third Reading carried (11^7). „ 14 Deceased Wife's Sister IJill. Third IJeading carried. „ 20 Land Values (Scotland) Bill. Third Readii'ig carried (139). ,, 22 Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill withdrawn in consequence of Lords' attitude. „ 24 Hou.se of Lords. Small Holdings and Allotments Bill. Third Reading carried. ,, 26 House of Lords. Deceased Wife's Sister Bill. Third Reading carried (41). Hou.se of Lords. Land Values (Scotland) Bill, Second Reading rejected (87). ,, 28 Parliament prorogued. .Nov. 3 Meeting of Railwaymen in the Alhert Hall. „ 6 Settlement of Railway Disjnite as the residt of the interven- tion of the President of the Board tif Trade. 1908. Formal ( )pening of Parliament hy King Edward VI I. Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill. Second Reading carried (244). Land A^alues (Scotland) Bill. Second Reading carried. Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Bill introduced by Mr. (Lord) Gladstone. Education Bill. First Reading. Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill. Third Reading carried (257). Land ^ alues (Scotland) Bill. Third Reading carried (257). Licensing Bill introduced and read a first time. See pa(je 103. House of Lords. Small Landholders (Scotland) Bill rejected on Second Reading (120). Housing and Town Planning l>ill. First Reading. Mr. Redmond's Home Rule Resolution carried (156). Irish L'niversity Education Bill intrtnluced. Mr. (Sir) Alfred Mond's Fiscal Motion carried (189). April 1 Children Bill. Secimd Reading. ,, 2 Port of London Bill introd\iced and read a first time. „ 5 RESIGNATION OF SIR HENRY CAMPBELL- BANNERMAN. Mr. Asquith sent for by Xing Edward VII. ,, 6 House adjourned. „ 8 Mr. asquith APPOINTED PRIME MINISTER. „ 22 Death of Sir Henry Cami)bell-Bannerman. !May 4 Licensing Bill. Second Reading carried (246). „ 7 Budget Statement by the I'rime Minister (Mr. Asquith). ( )ld Age Pensions scheme detailed. „ 11 Irish Uiuversities P>ill. Second Reading carried (313). „ 20 Education Bill. Second Reading carried (165). See j)a(/e 73. „ 27 Old Age Pensions. Financial Resolutions. Jan. 29 Feb. 18 )) 19 )» 20 >> 24 25 :Mch. 26 27 11 26 30 31 [Diary] 394 1908. May 28 Old Age Pensions Bill. First Reading. June 16 Old Age Pensions IJill. Second Reading. Note 11, 'page 404. July 9 Old Age Pensions Bill. Third Reading carried (305). Note 12, page 404. „ 20 House of Lords. Old Age Pensions Bill. Second Reading carried (107). Note 13, page 404. Licensing Bill in Committee. ,, 23 Deputation of Welsh Meml)ers anil representatives of' the Free Churches of Wales to Mr. Asquith on Welsh Disestablishment. ,, 25 Irish Universities Bill. Third Reading carried (188). ,, 28 House of Lords. Old Age Pensions Bill amemled in Committee. ,, 30 House of Lords. Old Age Pensions Bill. Third Reading. ,, 31 Old Age Pensions Bill. Lords' Amendments of substance rejected, four on the ground of privilege. Aug. 1 OLD AGE PENSIONS ACT. ROYAL ASSENT. Adjournment until October 12th. Nov. 20 Licensing Bill. Third Reading carried (237). ,, 24 Conference of Unionist Peers at Lansdowne House. Decision to reject Licensing Bill. ,, 27 House of Lords. Licensing Bill rejected on Second Read- ing (176). Note 14, page 404. ,, 30 House of Lords. Children Bill. Third Reading. Dec. 7 Education (No. 2) Bill. Motion for withdrawal (Mr. Asquith). „ 11 Mr. Asquith on Lords' Veto. Note 15, page 405. ,, 14 Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Bill. Third Reading carried (175). ,, 21 Children Act and Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Act. Royal Assent. Parliament prorogued. 1909. (.)ld Age Pensions became payable. Formal Opening of Parliament by King Edward VII. Naval Policy. Mr. Lee's A^ote of Censure lost (218). Note 16, page 405. Welsh Disestablishment Bill introduced l)y Mr. Asquith. Trade Boards Bill. Second Reading. Budget Statement by Chancellor of Exchequer (Mr. Lloyd George). See pagex 287 and 259. Labour Exchanges Bill introduced by Mr. Churchill. Indian Councils Act. Royal Assent. Finance Bill introduced by Mr. Lloyd George. Finance Bill. Second Reading, Mr. Austen Cluunberlain's Amendment being rejected after 4 days' del)ate (157). The I'rcmiers of Cajie Colony, Natal, Transvaal and Orange River Colduy arrived in London to discuss the South African Constitution Bill with the Govenniient. New Procedure Rules. House of Lords. South Africa Bill. Third Reading. Jan. Feb. Mch. 1 16 29 Apl. It 21 28 29 I\Iay )) )) June 20 25 26 10 July 18 Aug. 28 4 1909. o95 [Ditiiy] Auk. 19 Sept. (5 5> 10 )5 20 Oct. 20 Nov. 4 Sdutli Africa Uill. Tliinl Kciiding. development IJill. Seeoiul Keailint;-. Housing and Town Planning Bill. Third Reading. SOUTH AFRICA ACT RECEIVED ROYAL ASSENT. Li^])our Exchanges Act. Royal Assent. Trade Boards ^Vct. Royal Assent. Finance Bill. Third Reading. Mr. Austen Chandierlain's Motion for rejection lost (230). ,, 8 H(.)iise oi Lords. London Selections Bill rejectearje 406. ,, 10 ^[r. Asquith's ^Vlbert Hall pledge with regard to the House of Lords. Note 21, page 406. ,, 22 Mr. (Lord) Gladstone appointed first Governor-General of South Africa. 1910. Jan. 10 DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT. ,, 14 I General Election, to > Result : Liberals, 275 ; Laljour, 40 ; Nationalists, 82 ; Feb. 10' L^nionists, 273. Government majority, 124. Feb. 15 iSIeeting of Parliament. Election of Mr. Speaker. ,, 21 Opening of Parliament by King Edward A"II. ,, 28 The last Ijatch of Chinese Laljourers left the Rand. Mch. 14") House of Lords. Lord Rosebery's Motion for H(^)use of to y Lords' Reform agreed to (17th). Note 22, page iOQ. „ 17j ,, 21 House of Lords. Lord Rosel)ery's Resolutions. „ 22 House of Lords. Lord Rosebery's Resolution on the Heredi- tary Principle carried (158). ,, 29 I ^Ir. Asquith's Resolutions on Powers of House of Lords. to > 91 days' debate. Note 23, pa Nationalists, 84 ; Unionists, 272. Government majority, „ 19 J 126 ; " British " majority, 60. 397 [Diary 1911. .Jan. 31 Meeting of Parliament. Election of Mr. Speaker. Feb. 6 Opening of rarlianient by King George V. ,, 21 Parliament Bill again introdueed by Mr. A sqnith. „ 22 Parliament Bill. ' First Reading carried {12i). Mar. 2 Parliament Bill. Second Reading carried (125). April 4 1 to }■ Parliament Bill. Committee. Bill reported (118). May 3 J May 4 National Insurance Bill introduced l)y Mr. Lloyd George, and read a first time. „ 8 Mr. Cave's Referendum Amendment to Parliament Bill defeated (99). House of Lords. Lord Lansdowne's House of Lords' Recon- stitution Bill introduced and read a first time. Note 29, page 409. „ 10 Parliament Bill. Report stage concluded, „ 15 Parliament Bill. Third Reading carried (121). „ 16 Budget Statement liy Mr. Lloyd George. „ 22 House of Lords. Reconstitution Bill. Second Reading. „ 24 Trade Unions Bill introduced and read a first time. „ 29 National Insurance Hill read a second time without a division. Ht)use of Lords. Parliament Bill read a second time without a division. " Grave amendments " indicated. June 22 CORONATION OF THEIR MAJESTIES KING GEORGE V. AND QUEEN MARY. ,, 28 House of Lords, in Committee, amended the Parliament Bill in vital particidar.^, strengthening rather than diminishing the powers of the Peers. JiUy 5 National Insurance Bill in Committee. House of Lords. Lord Lansdowne's Referendum Amendment to Parliament \V\\\ carried (207). Note 2,0, page 410. „ 20 House of Lords. Parliament Bill, as amended. Third Reading. Lord Lansdowne's statement. Note 31, page 410. ,, 21 Conference of Unionist Peers at Lansdowne House to consider Parliament Bill. Meeting broke u}) withoiit coming to a decision. „ 22 Publication of letter from Mr. Asquith (dated July 20th), intimating to ]\lr. Balfour and Lord Lansdowne that the Government intended the Parliament Bill to jiass un- altered, if necessary by the exercise of the Royal Prerogative. Note 32, -page 410. „ 24 I'arliament Bill. Lords' Amendments. Prime Minister refused a hearing by tlie Opposition. Speeches by Mr. Balfour and Sir Edward Grey. House adjourned by Si)eaker on accoinit of "grave disorder." [Lord Lansdowne and Mr. Balfour wrote letters advising the Peers to acqiiiesce in the Bill.] [Diary] 398 1911. July 25 Section of Unionist Peers, under the leadership of Lord Halslmry, decided to vote against the ])ill. Aug. 7 Creation of Peers. Mr. Balfour's Vote of Censure rejected (119). Note Z^, page i:U. „ 8 House of Lords. Vote of Censure carried (214). Parliament Bill. Lords' Amendments— those which did not injure the principle of the Bill accepted; the others rejected. „ 9 House of Lords. Parliament Bill. Commons' Amendments to Lords' Amendments. „ 10 House of Lords. On Lord Morley's Motion, LORD LANSDOWNE'8 REFERENDUM A]\IENDMEXT NOT INSISTED ON BY 131 to 114. Note 34, paf/e 411. Payment of Members. Mr. Lloyd George's Resolution carried (98). „ 18 ROYAL ASSENT TO PARLIAMENT ACT. „ 22 Railway Strike. Api)ointment of Commission. Adjourn- ment to October 24. Nov. 8 AnnovmGement by Mr. Balfour of his resignation of the Leadership of the Unionist Party. „ 13 Election of Mr. Bonar Law as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons. „ 21 National Insurance Bill. Conclusion of Committee stage, 29 days. ,, 22 Discussion on Railway Commission Report. Dec. 6 National Insurance Bill. Third Reading carried (303), Mr. Forster's Amendment being rejected (97). Notes 35 and 36, ^jar/e 412. „ 12 House of Lords. The King's announcement as to the Capital of India. „ 16 House of Lords. ROYAL ASSENT TO NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT. Parliament prorogued. 1912-13. Feb. 14 Opening of Parliament by King George V. „ 20 Coal Strike. Mine Owners and Men invited by Mr. Asquith to confer with the Government. See page 241. ,, 22 Separate Conferences commenced of Owners and Men with the Government. ,, 27 Government submits })roposals for settlement. „ 28 Owners in some areas accepted, others rejected proposals. ,, 29 Mr. Asquith addressed Miners' Conference. Expiry of Strike Notices. Mch. 1 Conference suspended by the Government. ,, 12 Negotiations resumed by Joint Conferences of the Government, Owners and INIeu. ,, 15 Joint Conferences broken off by the Government. 390 [Diary] 1912. Mcli. 19 Coal ]\IiuL'S (]Miniiiiuiii ^Vaj^'c) lUll introduced l)v Mr. Asquith and read a first time. Noie 37,p'ii/e 412. „ 21 Coal Mines (]\Iininiuni Wage) Bill. Se(M)nd Keading, Mr. Balfour's ^lotion for Kejection being defeated (123). ,, 2G Coal Mines (Mininmni ^\'age) liill. Third Reading carried (165). „ 29 Royal Assent to Coal ]\rines (Minimum "Wage) Act. .iVpril 2 Budget Statement by ^Ir. Lloyd George. „ 1 1 Home Rule Bill introduced by Mr. Asquitli. N'otes 38 ami Sd, 2Jage.< i\3 am/ Hi. „ 16 Home Rule Bill read a first time (94). „ 22 Government of India Bill. Second Reading. „ 23 Welsh l)isestal)lislnin'nt Bill introduced by Mr. ISIcKenna. „ 25 Welsh Disestablishment Bill. First Reading carried (78). May 9 Home Rule Bill read a second time, Mr. Long's Rejection Motion being lost (101). Note iO, pa(je 414. ,, 16 Welsh Disestablishment Bill read a second time, Mr. F. E. Smith's Rej(>ction Motion being lost (81). -lune 12 Mr. A. Chand)erlain's Vote of Censure (Protection of AVork- men) lost (77). J uly 1 2 Franchise and Registration Bill read a second time, ]Mr. Prety- man's Rejection Motion being lost (72). „ 27 Mr. Bonar Law at Blenheim on Ulster and Home Ride. Note 41, page 414. Aug. 6 Trade Unions (No. 2) Bill read a second time, Mr. Salter's Rejecticm Motion being lost (100). Adjournment to October 7th. The Ulster Covenant signed. N'ote 42, jjage 415. Temjierance (Scotland) Bill. Tlurd Reading (157). See page 213 o.v to )J / Sep. 28 Oct. 9 [Diary] 400 1913.' Jan. 30 House of Lords. Homo Rule Bill rejected on Second Reading (257). Feb. 5 Welsh Disestalilishment JUll read a third time, Mr. Lyttelton's Rejection Motion lieing defeated (107). „ 13 Hoiise of Lords. Welsh Disestablishment Bill rejected on Second Reading (201). ]\Ich. 7 Parliament prorogued. BILLS IN PROGRESS UNDER THE PARLIAMENT ACT. Earliest possible date for reacliimi the Statute Bonk under Section 2 (1) of Parliament Act. Temperance (Scotland) Bill ... ... April 1st, 1914. Irish Home Rule Bill May 9th, 1914. Welsh Disestablishment Bill May 16th, 1914. 401 DIARY NOTES. 1906. Note 1.— Mr. Harcourt's Plural Voting Bill (May 2ui\), provided that no man shouM vote iii more than one constituency in tlie same year; left tlie vnter all liis qualifications, and allowed him to select which qualification he would exercise durini;' tlie ensumg year. Note 2. — Mr. O'Grady's Aliens Bill provided that an Alien was to be excludcil if la^ were hrou.n'ht into the United Kingdom under contract to take, or with the intention of taking, the place of a workman during a traile dis[)ute. The Bill passed through all its stages with the unanimous consent of tlie House of Commons, but was rtyected in the House of Lords liecause the Government liad not taken the Bill uj). Note 3.— Mr. Balfour on the Transvaal Constitution (House of Commons, July .'Ust) : — " No human being ever thought of such an experiment before — that of giving to a population e(|ual to, and far more homogeneous than, our own, absolute control of everything, civil and military. There is nothing to prevent the country making every preparation, constitutionally, quietly, without external interference, for a new war .... I am astonished that any (rovernment or any party that cherished the British connection in the Transvaal should desire so audacious an experiment to be tried. . . . . What security does he (Sir Kufus Isaacs) see that this absolute power given to the Transvaal will not be used to establish a condition of things which may make some future action against this country possible, probable, and dangerous 1 I see no such security, and because I see no security against this danger, I refuse to accept the invitation so kindly offered to us by the Under-Secretary for the Colonies that we on this side should make ourselves responsiUe -with the Government for what I regard as the most reckless experiment ever tried in the development of a great Colonial policy." Note 4.— Workmen's Compensation Bill. This Bill added about si.x million persons to those aheady entitled to compen- sation, including workers in workshops and transport service, clerks with salaries under £250 a year, fishermen, builders, seamen and shipmasters, shoj) assistants, postmen and domestic servants; it reduced the period of disablement entitling to comiiensation from a fortnight to a week; and it extended the compensation to injuries caused by certain industrial diseases. The compensation paid in the seven great groups of industries for which records are available (shipping, factories, docks, mines, quarries, construc- tional work and railways) amounted to £2,274,238 in 1909, £2,700,32.'5 in 1910, and £3,0.50,404 in 1911, making a total for the three years of £8,030,967. The iiuml)er of enii)loyed persons coming within the pro- visions of the Act in 1911 was 7,305,997. In that year, compensation was paid in 4,021 cases of death and in 419,031 cases of disablement. The average payment in case of death was £154, and in case of disablement, £5 16s. {Cd. 6,493, 6^.) 2c [r>iary Notes] 402 ISTote 5. — Transvaal Constitution. Mr. ChiTrchiU's mo- tion : — " That this House approves the grant of constitutions conferring responsible go^'ernnlent upon the peoples of the Transvaal antl Orange River Colonies." Note 6. — Trade Disputes Bill. Lord Lansdowne in the House of Lords on Second Reading (December 4tli) : — "We are passing through a period when it is necessary. 'for the House of Lords to move with great caution. Conflicts and controversies may be inevitable. Let your Lordships, as far as you are able, be sure that, if you are to join issue, you do so upon ground which is as favour- able as possiljle to yourselves. La this case the ground is iTnfavoiu'able." Note 7. — Education Bill— Lords and Commons. Sir Henry Canipljell-Bannerman's speech in the House nf Commons (December 20th) :— "It is i)lainly intolerable that a Second Chamber should, while one party in the State is in power, be its willing servant, and when that l)arty has received unmistakable and em})liatic condenniation by tlie country, be al)le itself to neiitralise and thwart and distort the policy Avdiich the electors have approved. That is a state of things to which for the nonce we must submit. A settlement of this grave question of education lias been prevented, and for that calamity we know, and the country knows, upon whom the responsibility lies. But the resources of the British Constitution are not wholly exhausted. The resources of the Hoiise of Commons are not exhausted, and I say with conviction that a way must l:)e found, and a way will he found, by which the will of tlie people, expressed througli their elected re])resentatives in tliis House, will be made to prevail." 1907. Note 8.— Mr. Asquith on Finance and Social Reform in his Budget Statement (April 18th). "It is, I tlunk, a mistake to treat tlie annual Budget as if it were a thing by itself, and not, as it is, or as it certainly ought to be, an integral part and a necessary link in a connected and coherent chain of policy. In my opinion .... the country has reached a stage in which, whether we look merely at its fiscal or at its social exigencies, we cannot afford to drift along the stream and treat each year's finance as if it were self-contained. The ChancelL »r of the Exchequer, in other Avords, ouglit to l;udget, not for one year, ])ut for several years " What, then, are the lines for financial ])rogress which this Govern- ment, and a majority in this House, are liound by their pledges and liy their convictions to pursue 1 First and foremost, we are under an immediate obligation, often insisted upon when we sat upon the other side in the last I'arliament, and reiterated certainly by me over and over at the General Election after I had assumed the office of Chancellor of the Exchequer, an immediate obligation (if reinstating and inipiMving the national credit " But behind and beyond this there lies the whole still unconquered teri'itory of social reform. Social reform may l)e regarded, according to 403 [Diary Notes] tlie ]Kniit (if view fi'Diii wliicli ymi Idok at it, as a luxury lU' as a necessity, hut in any case it is expensive. It has U> he paiil inr. Someone must l)e prepared to meet the hill. Well, now, this is a House of Commons which was elected more clearly and detinitely than any other House in oui' histoiT in the hoi)e and belief on the part of the electors that it would tind the road and provide the means for social reform " There is another thing nearer the other end of the journey of life, which makes an equally strong, though hitherto an unavailing, apjieal ])oth to the interest and to the conscience of society — I mean the figure of the man or woman who, perhaps, spent out with a life of ill- requited lal)Our, find tlu^nselves confronted in old age, without fault or demerit of their own, with the prosiiect of i)hysical want and the sacrifice of self-resjiect " Whatever is done in this matter, as I have said before in this House, must be done by steps and stages, and cannot l)e achieved at a single blow. Hut this I do say, and T wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable, speaking for the whole of my colleagues who sit upon this l)ench, that, in the sphere of finance, we regard this as the most serious and the most urgent of all the demands for social reform." Note 9. — House of Lords Reform. Lord Newton's proposals " to reduce the preponderance of the hereditary elements in the House of I>(trds," are summarised in the Liberal Marjazine, April, 1907, pp. 184-5. Lord Cawdor moved the following resolution, May 6th: — " That a Select Committee be appointed to consider the suggestions which have from time to time been made for increasing the efficiency of the House of Lords in matters affecting legislation, and to report as to the desirability of adopting them, either in their original or in some modified form." To which Lord Crewe moved an amendment : — " To leave out all the words after the word ' That,' and to insert the words 'in the opinion of this House, it is not expedient to pioceed with the discussion of various proposals for reforming the constitution of this House until provisicm has been made for an effective method of settling differences which may arise between this House and the other House of Parliament.' " Lord Newton withdrew his Bill on an assurance that its pro])osaIs wt)uld ]}e considered l)y the Select Connnittee. Lord Crewe's amendment was defeated (152). The order of reference for this Select Committee was agreed to on January 30th, 1908, and the Conunittee's report was issued late that year. Its conclusions are sunnnarised in the Liberal Marjazine or January, 1909, pp. 747-9. Briefly, it suggested that the new House of Lords shoidd consist of : — Representatives of the hereditary peerage . . . 200 Representatives of Spiritual Lords of Parliament 10 ReprCvSentatives of the Colonies ... ... ... 4 (^)ualified hereilitary peers ... ... ... 130 Life peers ... ... ... ... ... ... 45 389 2c 2 gainst Absent. 'Z 64 — 2 — 61 29 91 [Diary Notes] 404 Note 10.— Sir Henry Campbell -Bannerman's Resolu- tion (June 24th-26tli) :— " That, in order to give efi'ect tu the will of the people as expressed hy their elected representatives, it is necessary that the power of the other House to alter or reject Bills passed by this House should be so restricted by law as to secure that within the limits of a single Parliament the final decision of the Commons shall prevail." The outline of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman's proposals will 1)e found in the Parliamentary Debates, June 24th, 1907, vol. 176, col 921, 1908. Note 11. — Old Age Pensions Bill. Second Reading (June 16th) :— For. Liberals and Labour ... ... 325 L.E.C. Members and Socialist ... 30 Nationalists ... ... ... 22 Unionists ... .. .. 42 Of the Front Opposition Bench, one voted for the Bill, three against, and nineteen aljstained from voting. Note 12.— Old Age Pensions Bill. Third Reading (July 9th):— For ... 317 Liberals and Labour 258; Nationalists 47 ; Unionists 12. Against ... 12 11 Unionists and Mr. Harold Cox. 140 Unionists did not vote. Note 13. — Lord Lansdowne on Old Age Pensions (Honse of Lords, July 20th) :— "This Bill Avill cost the nation as much as a great war would cost. . . . This measure, I am much afraid, is one which will weaken the moral fibre of the nation and diminish the self-respect of our people. " The wiser course is to throw upon His Majesty's Government the sole and entire responsiliility foi' a measure which we regard with great apprehension, and which, we fear, may have far-reaching and disastrous etfects \i])on the future of this country." Note 14.— Licensing Bill. The proceedings in the House of Commons occupied 30A w and hereafter." Speaking at Ladybank, on October 29th, Mr. Asquith said: — " The assemljling of the Constitutional Conference was a step for Avliich there was no example, taken in circiunstances which were equally without precedent — a step which was bound to excite much legitimate criticism and some not wholly unnatural suspicion, It was, nevertheless, a step wliich, in my belief, was and is approved by the good sense of the vast majority of the people of these Islands. I have never wavered in the opinion, nor have any of my colleagues, that, whatever may lie the issue, the experiment was one which was not only worth trying, Init which, in the circumstances, it was the bounden duty of the statesmanshi]) of this country to attempt. But if the Conference was to have a fair chance of success, it wns obvious from the first that two conditions must be satisfied. In the first place, having regard to the area and character of the field to be surveyed, its proceedings must not be unduly hurried ; and, in the second place, these proceedings must be carried on, in the very nature of the case, xnider the seal of the strictest confidence. Both conditions, I am happy to say, have been and are Ijeing fulfilled." The twenty-first, and final, meeting of the Conference was held on Novend)er lOtli, when an ofiicial announcement, as follows, was issued : — " The Conference, which has been sitting to consider the Constitu- tional question, has come to an end without arriving at an agreement. " It is the opinion of all the Members of the Conference that the conditions under which its proceedings have l^een held preclude any disclosure as to the course of the negotiations or the causes which led to their termination." Note 25. — Accession Declaration. — The form of Declaration required to be made by the tSovereign was altered to read as follows : — " I (name of Sovereign), do solemnly and sincerely, in the presence of God, profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the Throne of my Eealm, uphold and main- tain the said enactments to the best of my powers accorcling to law." Note 26.— Lord Lansdowne's Notice of Motion (•Novend)er 15th) :— " That this House invites His Majesty's Government to submit without further delay the provisions of the Parliament Bill for the con- sideration and decision of Parliament." Note 27. — Lord Rosebery's Resolution on the com- position of the House of Lords (November 17th): — 409 [Diary Notes] (1) "That in future tlie House of Lords .sliall consist of Lords of Parliament : (a) Chosen hy tlie wliole body of liereditary peers from among tiiemselves and l)y nomination by the Crown ; (h) Sittinjf by virtue of office, and of (jualiti cations held by them; (c) Chosen from outside." Note 28.— Lord Lansdowne's Resolutions (November 23rd) :— " That, in the opinion of this House, it is desirable that provision slioidd be made for settling- differences which may arise between the House of Commons and this House, reconstituted and reduced in luunbers in accordance with the recent Resolutions of this House. "That as to Bills other than Money Bills such provision should be upon the following lines: — '* If a difference arises between the two Houses with regard to any Bill other than a Money Bill in two successive Sessions, and within an interval of not less than one year, and such difference cannot be adjusted by any other means, it shall be settled in a joint sitting composed of members of the two Houses ; provided that if the difference relates to a matter which is of great gravity and has not been adequately submitted for the judgment of the people, it shall not be referred to the joint sitting, but shall be submitted for decision to the electors by Koferendum. " That as to Money Bills such i)rovision should be upon the following lines : — "The Lords are })repared to forego their Constitutional right to reject or amend Money Bills which are purely financial in character ; ])rovided that ettectual jU'ovision is made against tacking ; and provided tliat if any question arises as to whether a Bill or any provisions thereof are purely financial in character, that question be referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses, with the Speaker of the House of Commons as Chairman, who shall have a casting vote only. If the Committee hold that the Bill or provisions in question are not purely financial in character, they shall be dealt with forthwith in a joint sitting of the two Houses." 1911. Xoic 29.— Lord Lansdowne's House of Lords Recon- Stitution Bill (IMay 8th). Briefiy, it provided for: — Qualified Hereditary Peers, elected out of 300 Qualified Peers, by 670 Hereditary Peers 100 Lords of Parliament chosen for districts by colleges of M.P.'s 120 Lords of l^irliament nominated in jjroportion to strength of Parties in the H(nise of Commons ... ... ... 100 Princes of the Blood ... ... ... ... ... ... 3 Spiritual Lords of Parliament ... ... ... ... 7 Legal Lords of Parliament ... ... ... ... ... 16 346 [Diary Notes] 4l0 The four days' debate on the Bill was described by Lord Haldane as " sombre acquiescence, punctuated by cries of ])ain." The Bill was read a second time without a division, but proceeded no furtlier. On March 12th, 1913, there were 650 members of the House of Lords : — Hereditary Peers of the United Kingdom ... ... ... 574 Scottish Representative l^eers ... ... ... ... 16 Irish Representative Peers ... ... ... ... .... 28 Life Peers ... ... ... ... ... ... .•• 6 Archbishops and Bishops ... ... ... ... ... 26 650 Twelve minors reduced tlie voting strength to 638. Note 30. — Lord Lansdowne's Referendum Amendment to Parliament Bill (duly 5tli), as an additidu to the clause concerning liills, other than JNloney Bills, provided further that any Bill — " (a) which affects the existence of the Crown or the Protestant succession thereto; or (b) which establishes a National Parliament or Assend)ly or a National Coiincil in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, or England, with legis- lative poAvers therein; or (c) which has been referred to the Joint Committee, and which in their opinion raises an issue of great gravity upon which the judgment (if the country has not been sufficiently ascertained, shall not be presented to His Majesty nor receive the Royal Assent under the provisions of this section unless and until it has l)een sub- ndtted to and approved by the electors in manner to be hereafter provided by Act of Parliament. (2) Any question whether a Bill comes within the meaning of })aragraphs (a) (b) of Sub-section (1) of this section shall l)e decided by the Joint Committee." The effect of this, with other amendments, was that the peers, as far as possil)le, converted the Parliament Bill into the Unionists' "alternative" scheme of November, 1910 — the very alternative which the electors had refused in favour of the Parliament Bill. Note 31.— Lord Lansdowne's Statement (July 2uth):— " I am quite ready to say one thing to the nol)le viscoiuit, and that is, that in our view some, at all events, of the amendments which we have introduced into the Bill are so essential, that we should certainly not be prepared to recede from them in substance so long as we remain free agents." Note 32.— Mr. Asquith's Letter (July 20th) to Opposition Leaders in both Houses: — " When the Parliament Bill in the form which it has now assumed retui'ns to the House of Commons, we shall be compelled to ask that House ti) disagree with the Lords' amendments. In the circumstances, should the necessity arise, the Government will advise the King to exercise his prerogative to secure the passing into law of the Bill in substantially the same form in Avhich it left the House of Commons, 411 [Diary Notes] ami His ^rajesty has been pleased to sigTiify that he will consider it his duty to accept and act on that advice." Note 33.— Mr. Balfour's Vote of Censure (August 7th):— "'i'hat the advice given to His Majesty by His Majesty's Ministers, whereby they obtained from His ^lajesty a pledge that a sufficient number of peers would be created to pass the Parliament Bill in the shape in which it left this House, is a gross violation of constitutional liberty whereby, among many other evil consequences, the people will be prechided from again pronouncing upon the policy of Home Rule." Mr. Asquith gave the terms of the Statement which accompanied the advice to King Edward on November 15th, 1910, to dissolve l-'arliament : — " His Majesty's INlinisters cannot take the responsibility of advising a dissdlutidu uidess they may understand that, in the event of the jiolicy of the Government 1)eing aj)[»roved by an adequate majority in the new House of Commons, His Majesty will be ready to exercise his Constitutional power, which may involve the Prerogative of creating peers, if needed, to seciu'e that effect shall be given to the decision of the country. His jNIajesty's Ministers are fully alive to the importance of keeping the name of the King out of the sphere of party and electoral controversy. They take upon themselves, as is their duty, the entire and exclusive responsiliility for the jjolicy which they will place before the electorate. His INIajesty will doubtless agree it woidd be inadvisable in the interests of the State that any communication of the intentions of the Crown should l)e maele })ublic unless and until the actual occasion should arise." Note 31.— Lord Morley (August 10th), in answer to Lord Lansdowne, said : — " 1 am glad to take this oi)i)ortunity of replying to the question put to me by the noble marquis. It is a question that deserves and requires an answer that is plain, deliberate, and beyond all cavil or mistake. If the P>ill should be defeated to-night. His Majesty would assent to a creation of peers sufficient in number to guard against any possible combination of the different i)arties in opposition by which the Parlia ment Bill might again be exposed a second time to defeat "All I have got to say on this part of the matter is, that every vote given to-night against my motion not to insist on what is called Lonl Lansdowne's ^Vmendment, is a vote given in favour of a large and prompt creation of jieers." The whole of the general debate in the House of Lords on August 9th and 10th was taken xi\) with the question of whether the Peers should insist on adhering to Lord Lansdowne's Amendment, and when tlie amendments were considered in detail, all were agreed to without a division except the Commons' excision of the Lansdowne Amendment. The Co)umons' reason for disagreeing with the Lansdowne Amendment was as follows : — " Because iheij consider that there is nv just iji cat ion for inalcimj any xpecifi] I'-cception from the operation of the Bill such as those set out in the Aiiiendment, nor for addiu;/ a refereudum to t lie procedure retpdred by tlie Bill as respects any subject." [Diary Notes] 4l2 On Lord Morley's motion (August lOtli) the peers voted thu.s : — ■ Fur in.ststencc on Ldimdowne Amendment. ^L//ainxt. Unionists 112 ... 37 Liberals ... 81 Episcopal Bench ... ... ..'. 2 ... 13 114 131 Absent from the Division ... ... ... 387 Royal Princes ... ... ... ... ... 3 JSTote 35. — National Insurance Act. Unionist attitude on Third Reading Division, Decendjer 6th: — 218 Unionist voted for Mr. Forster's Amendment to postpone l*art I. until the Session of 1912. L^pon the actual Third Reading Division, 9 voted for the Bill, 11 against, and 255 absented themselves. Note 36. — Mr, Bonar Law and the National Insurance Act (February 14th, 1912 ):— Mr. Asquith: "Is the right hon. gentleman, if and when he comes into power, going to repeal it 1 " Mr. Bonar Law replied by giving a nod, and saying "Certainly!" But before the day was out, Mr. Bonar Law was Avriting to the jjajiers to say that when he t:;ai(l " Certainly," what he really meant was " Certainly not " ! ! 1912-13. Note 37. The Case for a Miners' Minimum Wage. Mr. Asquith, in introducing the Coal Mines (Minimum Wage"! Bill, said (March 19th) :— " We were satisfied, and I believe the evidence is overwhelming, that there are cases of frequent occurrence where miners working under- ground are prevented, from causes for which the individual miner is in no sense responsible, from earning what he is al)le and willing to earn. The common case, })erhaps the commonest of such cases, is when a miner, a hewer, finds himself face to face with a seam of coal which is technically called in this industry an 'abnormal place' — that is to say, a place where, for the time lieing, the physical conditions are such that he cannot, Avith the best will in the world, by the utmost exertion of his industry and effort, secure from his labour of the day anything like an average output. . . . But that does not by any means exhaust the area of the grievance. There were as we are satisfied, and as I think the evidence abundantly shows, and are, numbers of cases of constant and often daily occurrence where, although the place in which the miner is set to work is not physically and structurally an ' abnoinial place,' Ijiit is normal in the seam, yet he is pre'N'ented from turning out and sending up to the surface the amount of coal which he is ready and able to hew, l)y such causes as deficiency of tubs, the imperfect condition of the roadway — I only mention these as two illustrations, I might say, out of almost a hundi'ctl — and, generally speaking, through imperfections or slackness or want of organisation in the iniderground management of the mine." Speaking on the Second Reading of the Bill two days later, Mr. Asquith said (March 21st): — "We did not think it was our duty to sit here with folded arms, 413 [Diary Notes] what they call ' keeping the ring,' while those two combatant parties, not at their own exjiense only, but at tlie expense of the whole com- munity, fought out their conflict to the bitter end. We did not so read our Constitutional duty." Ml'. Iklfour's view was that it was " ini[)ossible to approve of the Bill." Note 38.— Home Rule Bill.— Mr. Asquith said (April 11th) :— " I myself, while recognising to the full the priority and paramount urgency of the Irish claim, have always presented the case for Irish Home Kide as the first step, and only the first step, in a larger and more comprehensive policy. I said so with the utmost distinctness in a s})eech which I made on the Second Reading of the Bill of 1893, and in the twenty years which have since elapsed there is not one year which has not illustrated and emphasised with ever-growing cogency and clearness the imperative need, in the interests of the United Kingdom and of the Empire as a whole, for the emancipation from local cares and local burdens of the Imperial Parliament. Look, first of all, at the effect of our present system upon purely domestic legislation and administration. It inflicts every year a double injury upon each of the component parts of the United Kingdom .... You will never get — I am speaking the lesson that has been taught me by a qi;arter of a century of Parliamentary experience — the separate concerns of the different parts of this United Kingdom treated either with adequate time or with adequate knowledge and sympathy until you have the wisdom and the courage to hand them over to the representatives whom alone they immediately affect " I do not exaggerate when I say that if you were to sit con- tinuously during the whole twelve months of the year, and worked through them with imremitting ardour and assiduity, you Avould find at the end not only that there were still large arrears of legislation which you had not even attempted to overtake, not only enormous sums raised by taxation Avhose appropriation had never even been discussed, but that there were vast areas of the Empire— I do not now speak of the Self- governing Dominions — for which Ave are still directly responsiljle as trustees, to whose concerns we had not been able to afford so much as fnie single night. From the Imperial point of view, that is the case for Home liule. The claim of Ireland rightly comes first, and must be separately dealt with " Have you any aiuswer to the demand of Ireland lieyond the naked veto of an irreconcilable minority and the i)romise of a freer and more copioiis outflow to Ireland of Imperial doles'? There are at this moment between twenty and thirty Self-governing Legislatures under the allegiance of the Crown. They have solved, under every diversity of conditions, economic, racial and religious, the problem of reconciling local autonomy with Imjierial unity. Are we going to break up the Empire l)y adding one morel The claim comes this time, not from remote outlying cpiarters, l»ut from a people close to our own doors, asso- ciated with us by every tie of kindred, of interest, of .social and imlu.strial intercour.se, who have borne and are bearing theii' share, and a noble .share it has been, in the building u}) and the holding together of the greatest Empire in history. That claim no longer falls on deaf ears. p>iavy Notos] 414 'riuTc lias liccii I'cscrvcil U>y lliis Parlianu'iit, tliis House of Commons, llic iloiihk' hoiiniir (if rt'cdiicilini;- rrclaml and cniancipatinf;' herself." Note 39. — Home Rule Bill. Tntelli<;ont anticipation by the Opposition LeathMs: - Mr. lUlfour. — "The aroirod intention of the CloA'ernment is, in substance, to abohsh the Second Chamber, and then, nntliout any refe- rcnrr to tht' cfrrtors, to grant a sweeping measure of Home Rnle to Ireland. . . ."-~Mi'.<.<(v/e to Mr. C. S. Parlcer, Barn.^apl,', " Time.<^," Docemher l'2th, 1910. Lord liansdowne. — " 'Sir. Asquith, to my mind, makes it perfertly clear that the first step that will be taken will be to deal with the (luestion (^f Irish Home Knl(>." — Portsmouth, Noreml>er 30th, 1910." Mr. r.ouar Law — " If the precious Veto Bill were law now. Home Kulc would be passed to-morrow.'" — Pemje, Xoceniher ilfh, 1910. Mr. Austen Chamberlain. — " AVhat was the Government going to do if they had a majority— a snfhcient majority? They were going to aliolish the ^'eto of the House of Lords. Next, they were going to establish Home Kule in Ireland."' — OtiUniry, DeceinJter Sth, 1910. Mr. Chaplin. — "Every vote given in support of the Government at this Election is yiven in support of Home Rule."" — Mliithy, Dei-emher Uth, 1910. Mr. Lvttelton. — " The Parliament Act once passed, a Radical Govornment, if faithfitl to its pleitijes, would carry Home Rule." — E/ci'fioti Aihlress, December, 1910. Xtne 40. — Home Rule. The progress made by Irish Home Kule is adminibly illustrated by the fate on Second Reading in the HiHise of Commons of the three Home Ride Bills of 1886, 1893 and 1912. The tiguivs for Givat Britain and Ireland are given separately, and for the I'uited Kingdom as a whole : — Great Rritain. United Kixgdom. 1886 1893 1912 94 Agjunst 14 A^raiust 39 For 64 For (^80 to 16) 57 For (80 to 23) 62 For (81 to 19) 30 Aiiainst 43 For 101 For Xoto 41.— Mr. Bonar Law, at Blenheim, on Ulster and Home Rule ^luly 27th^ :— " While I had still in the jxuty a jKw?ition of less responsibility than that which I have now, I s^tid that, in my opinion, if an attempt were made, without the dearly express^tn.! will of the people of this countiy, and as {xart of a ivrrupt Parliamentary bt\rgi\in, to deprive these men of their birthright, they would be justitieil in resisting by all means in their |H>wer. including force. I stiid Si> then, and I Siiy now, with a fuU sense of the resjjKmsdbility which attaches to my possition, that if the attempt be made under present ovmditions, I can imagine no length of resistance 415 [Diary Notes] to whicli Ulster will pro wliich I shall not he ready to sujiport tlioiii, and ill which they will not he suitportcil hy the overwheliiiin^' iiiajority of the Ih'itish jieople." In the House of Coimnons, on Jidy 31st, he said, with reference to the ahove remarks : — " I liave heen carefully considering them for a long time, and 1 did what I rarely do — I actually wrote down the words I used. I thoroughly realised the seriousness of what I was doing." Replying in the same delmte, the Prime Minister said : — "The UKmient you lay down, as the leaders of the Constitutional Party lay down, the doctrine that a minority — I do not care what minority, if you like, a majority— are entitled ])ecause a i)ai'ticvdar act of legislation is distasteful to their views, and as they think, opjii'essive to their interests, to resist it hy force, there is an al)Solute end to Parliamentary government. That is the real significance of the right honourahle gentleman's statement. It is a declaration of war against Constitutional Government." Note 42. — The Ulster Covenant (Septemher 28th): — "Being convinced in our consciences that Home Kule would 1)6 disastrous to the material well-heing of Ulster as well as of the whole of Ireland, suhversive of our civil and religious freedom, destructive of our citizenship, and perilous to the unity of the Empire, we, whose names are underwritten, men of Ulster, loyal subjects of his gracious Majesty King (Jeorge V., humbly relying on the God \Vliom our fathers in days of stress and trial confidently trusted, hereby pledge ourselves in Solemn Covenant in this oin- time of threatened calamity to stand by one another in defending, for oiu'selves and our children, our cherished position of equal citizenship in the United Kingdom, and in using all means which may be found necessary to defeat the present conspiracy to set up a Home Kule Parliament in Ireland ; and in the event of such a Parliament being forced upon us, we further solemnly and mutually pledge ourselves to it'fuse to recognise its authority. In sure confidence that God will defend the right, we hereto sul)scribe our names, and, further, we individuallv declare that we have iiot alreadv signed this Covenant." 417 INDEX. It xhould he hom.p. hi mind that the titles o/ some BilU undergo modl/ieatiou when placed upon the Sfn^iite Book. In this Index, t/ie titles as Puhlio Acts are invariahltj giren. PAGE Accession Declaration Act, I'.Mo 2'.i0, 40S Acts, Public — Goverumeut — see Ui^jiart mental sections Private Members' ... ... ... 34(i Summary ... ... ... ... 3ol Admiralty — xee Navy Advertisements Res^ulation Act, 1907 .. .".. ... 98, 347 Aerial Navigation .. ... ... 97 Military 315 Naval 11 Aerial Navigation Act, 1911 ... 105 Aerial Navigation Act, 1912-13 ... 321 AfEorestation ... ... ... ... 42 Agricultural Holdings Act, 1906 ... 346 Do. do. 1908 ... 45 Do. do. 1912-13 ... 46 Asjricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act, 190S 45 Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Amendment Act, 1910 211 Agricultural Organisation Society... 21 Agriculture - Aiforestation ... ... ... 42 Allotments ... ... ... 23 Animal Diseases on the ('ontinent 31 Anthrax 33 Bovine Tuberculosis ... ... 34 Commercial Control P.ranch ... 40 Control of Dogs ... 34 Co-operation ... ... ... 21 Crown Lands and Forestry ... 41 Decrepit Horses, Trade in ... 34 Development Grants ... ... 42 Education and Research... ... 25 Epizootic Abortion 33 Employees... ... ... ... 43 Forestry 42 Fisheries — Fishery Statistics ... ... 37 Fishing Harbours 39 Inshore Fisheries 38 International Investigations ... 38 Lob.stcrsanil their Protection ... 39 Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries 39 Sea Fisheries ... ... ... 37 Shell Fisli 39 Trawling ... H8 Foot and Mouth Disease .29, 31 Agriculture (^co nti n ited) — Glanders or Farcy 32 Grants to Institutes 26 Horse Breeding ... ... ... 35 Horticulture- Destructive Insects and Pests ... 27 Isle of Wight Bee Disease ... 27 Sugar Beet Cultivation ... 28 India; 115 Ireland 129 Legislation ... ... ... 44 Live Stock 36 Parasitic Mange 33 Publications ... ... ... 40 Scotland 200 Sheep Scab... ... ... ... 33 Small Holdings 17 Compensation to Tenants ... 23 Compulsory Acquisition of Land 19 Swine Fever ... ... ... 32 Veterinary Laboratory ... ... 34 Veterinary Officers ... ... 35 Wales 332 Aliens Act, 1905 98 Alkali, &c..Works Regulation Act, 1 906 1 76 Allotments 23 Ancient Monuments ... 328, 337 Ancient Monuments Protection Act. 1910 331 Animal Diseases ... ... ... 29 Anthrax ... ... ... ... 33 Ai)pcllate .Jurisdiction Act, 1908 ... 140 Appropriation Act, 1906 283 Do. do. 1907-8 284 Do. do. 1909 286 Do. do. 1910 .. ... 290 Do. do. 1911 294 Do. do. 1912-13 ... 301 Appropriation (No. 2) Act, 1910 ... 290 Arbitration ... ... ... ... 79 Army- Aerial Navigation 315 Contracts and Fair Wages ... 317 Co-ordination of the Forces ... 309 Education 312 Employees ... ... ... ... 316 Finance 303 General Staff 309 Health of Troops 313 Horses ... ... ... ... 314 2p 418 PAGE Army (continued) — Legislation ... ... ... 318 Manoeuvres ... ... ... 313 Military Policy 302 National Health Insurance ... 317 New Weapons ... ... ... 31.5 Officers 310 Regular Army ... ... ... 304 Special Eeserve ... ... ... 306 Strength 304 Territorial Force 307 Welfare of Soldiers 311 ArniT (Annual) Acts, 1906-12 318, 319, 320, 321 Assay of Imported Watchcases (Existing Stocks Exemption) Act, 1907 246 Assistant Postmaster-General Act, 1909 194 Assizes and Quarter Sessions Act, 1908 348 Assurance Companies Act, 1909 ... 248 Asylum Officers Superannuation Act, 1909 104 Australian States Constitution Act, 1907 ',9 Bankruptcy Law 224 Banks and Agricultural Co-operation 22 Bee Disease ... ... 27 Bee Pest Prevention (Ireland) Act, 1908 133 Bills of Exchange (Crossed Cheques) Act, 1906 140 Board of Agriculture and Fisheries Act, 1909 4.5 Board of Trade Act, 1909 247 British North America Act, 1907 ... 59 Budgets^.§ce Finance Acts Burgh Police (Scotland) Amendment Act. 1911 211 Burial Act, 1906 177 Butter and Margarine Act, 1907 ... 44 Cabinet, The Census (Great Britain) Act, 1910 ... Census (Ireland) Act, 1910 Census of Production Act, 1906 ... Ceylon Charitable Loan Societies (Ireland) Act, 1906 Children — Borstal Institutions Children Act, 1908 Children Act (1908) Amendment Act, 1910 Children Act Administration Education ... Employment ... ... 67 Half Time Committee Infants — see Local Government Board Medical Inspection Physical Training... Poor Law ... 1 178 135 243 50 132 99 102 3.50 93 61 ,98 63 65 66 145 PAGE Children (oonfAnued) — Probation of OfEenders Act, 1907 101 Provision of Meals ... ... 66 Reformatory and Industrial Schools 97,196 Vagrants' Children ... ... 100 China Loan ... ... ... •... 82 Cinematograph Act, 1909 ... ... 104 Civil List Act, 1910 290 Clerks of Session (Scotland) Regu- lation Act, 1912-13 212 Coal Mines Act, 1911 105 Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act, 1912-13 251 Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1908 ... 102 Coast Erosion and AfEorestation — Royal Commission ... ... 225 Colonial Marriages (Deceased Wife's Sister) Act, ] 906 59 Colonies, &c.— Ceylon ... ... ... ... 50 Cyprus ... ... ... ... 59 East Africa Protectorate ... ... 56 Eastern Colonies — Harbour Works 50 Railway Construction ... ... 49 Falkland Islands 54 Fiji 54 Gambia ... ... ... ... 55 Gibraltar ... ... ... ... 59 Gold Coast 55 Imperial Conference ... ... 48 Legislation ... ... ... ... 59 Malay States 50 Malta 59 Mauritius 50 Nigeria ... ... ... ... 54 Nyasaland 58 Opium Question ... ... ... 49 St. Helena 54 Sierra Leone ... ... ... 55 Uganda ... ... ... ... 57 West Africa — Health Conditions 56 Land Systems ... ... ... 56 Silver Coinage, New 56 West Indian Colonies — Agrieidture ... ... ... 52 Finances 50 Mail Service 53 Oillndustry 52 Railways 51 Wireless Telegraphy 54 Commissioners for Oaths (Prize Pro- ceedings) Act, 1907 140 Committees, House of Commons — Select 361 Standing ... ... ... ... 360 Commons Act, 1908 45 Commons, House of— Compo.sition ... ... ••• 353 Consolidation of Statutes ... 367 King's Speech Measures ... ... 364 Legislative Output 354 419 Conimous, House ol" {co/itinued) — Order of Business... Principal Officials... Procedure ... Select Committees (190(5-1 2) . . , Sessional Record ... Standing Committees (190G-12)... Supply (1912-13) Time Table (1912-13) Time spent on Government Bills rejected, &;c., by House of Lords Time spent on Principal Govern- ment Measures ... Companies Act, 1907 do. do., 1908 Companies Administration ... Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908 Companies (Converted Societies) Act, 1910 Conference, The Constitutional Consolidated Fund (No. 1) Act, 1906-7 Do. Do. Do. Do. Consolidated Fun do. do. do. do. Act, 1912-13 1908 1909 1910 1911 Consolidated Fund (No. 2) Acts, 1909 Do. do. 1910 Do. do. 1911 Consolidation of Statutes ... Constabulary (Ireland) Act, 1908 ... Consular Service Continuation Schools Conveyancing Act, 1911 Copyriglit Act, 1911 ... 221, Coroners (Ireland) Act, 1908 Costs in Criminal Cases Act, 1908... Council of India Act, 1907 County Common Juries Act, 1910... County Councils' Mortgages Act, 1909 Cran Measures A.ct, 1908 ... Criminal Appeal Act, 1907 ... Criminal Appeal (Amendment) Act, 1908 Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1912-13 Crofters' Common Grazings Regula- tion Act, 1908 Crown Lands Act, 1 906 Crown Lands and Agriculture Cyprus 3.') 4 3.-, 3 35.0 361 3r)() 360 3.59 3.-)8 368 356 245 216 222 246 249 407 283 284 286 2S7 291) 301 286 290 291 367 133 78 63 141 250 348 141 120 141 178 45 140 141 106 210 44 41 59 Deaj^ery of Manchester Act, 1906 283 Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act, 1907 347 Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1907 44 Development and Road Improve- ment Fumls Acts, 1909-10 ... 287 Development Connnission ... ... 263 Agriculture ... ... 25, 264 Fisheries and Harbours ... ... 265 PAGE Development Connnission {continued) — Forestry 42,265 Inland Navigation ... ... 265 Tobacco growing ... ... ... 265 Diseases of Animals Acts, 1909-10... 45 Dogs Act, 1906 44 Dogs, Control of ... ... ... 34 Duke of York's School (Chapel) Act, 1910 331 Eastern Colonies 49 East Africa Protectorate ... ... 56 East India Loans Act, 1908 ... 120 East India Loans (Railways and Irrigation) Act, 1910 121 Education- Agricultural ... ... ... 64 Army ... ... ... ... 312 Continuation Schools ... ... 63 Education Bills, 1906-11 ... 71 Elementar}^ — Building Grants ... ... 61 Half -Time Committee ... ... 63 Mechcal Inspection ... ... 65 Physical Training ... ... 66 Provision of Meals ... ... 66 Rearrangement of Grants ... 62 School Accommodation ... 61 Supply of Teachers ... ... 62 Teaching of Hygiene ... ... 67 Teaching Staff ... ... ... 62 Temperance Lessons ... ... 67 Examinations in Secondary Schools ... ... ... ... 68 Imperial College of Science and Technology 70 India 112 Ireland 123 Legislation... ... ... ... 74 Science Museums ... ... ... 71 Scotland 205 Secondary Schools ... ... 68 Teachers' Regi.stration Council ... 69 Training Colleges ... ... ... 67 University Education ... ... 70 Victoria and Albert Museum ... 71 Wales 333 Education (Administrative Provi- sions) Acts, 1907-9 74 Education (Atlmiuistrativc Provi- sions) Acts, 191 1 ... ... 75 Education Bills, 1906-11 72 Education (Choice of Employment) Act, 1910 75 Education of Defective Children (Scotland) Act, 1906 346 Education (Provision of Meals) Act, 1906 346 Education (Scotland) Act, 1908 ... 209 Electric Lighting Act, 1909 ... 248 Elementary School Teachers (Super- annuation) Act, 1912 ... ... 75 Employers' Liability Insurance Companies Act, 1907 ... ... 245 420 PAGE Employment of Women Act, 1907 102 EiKlowed Schools (Masters) Act, 1908 Kstablished Church (Wales) Bill ... Estate Duties Evicted Tenants (Ireland) Act, 1907 Do. do. 1908 E vidence (Colonial Statute.s) .Vet, 1 907 Expiring La wsCoutinuancc. Act. 1906 Do. Do. Do. Do. Do Extradition Act do. do. do. do. do. 1906 1907-8 19J9 1910 1911 1912-13 74 106 2.55 132 134 59 283 284 286 290 294 301 101 102 Factory and Worksho[) Act, 1907 Factory and Workshop Acts Ad- ministration ... ... ... 90 Factory and Workshop ((Cotton Cloth Factories) Act, 1911 ... 105 Fatal Accidents (Damages) Act, 1 908 246 Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Inquiry (Scotland) Act, 190(i ... 203 FertiIizersandFeedingStufEsA Workmen's Compensation 96, lOl,4(M See Dejjartmental Committees (Home Office) See Government Employees See Legislation (Home Office) See Select Committees (Home Office) See Unemployment Labour Exchanges Act, 1909 .. 248 Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906 ... 132 Do. do. 1911 ... 135 Land — nee Agriculture 422 PAGE Land Tax Commissioners Act, 1906 283 Law of Distress Amendment Act, 1908 348 Law Officers' Department — Legisla- tion ... ... ... ... 138 Legislation- Government — see Departmental sections Private Members' ... ... ... 346 Public Local Acts 354 Summary ... .. ... ... 354 Licensing Act, 1906 140 Licensing Bill, 1908 103 Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910 350 Light Railways Act, 1912-13 ... 252 Lights on Vehicles Act, 1 907 ... 347 Limited Partnerships Act, 1907 ... 347 Local Authorities (Admission of the Press to Meetings) Act, 1908 ... 348 Local Authorities (Ireland) (Qualifi- cation of Women) Act, 1911 ... 136 Local Authorities (Treasury Powers) Act, 1906 283 Local Education Authorities (Medi- cal Treatment) Act, 1909 ... 3.50 Local Government Board — Birmingham, Extension of ... 176 Cerebro- Spinal Fever ... ... 168 Cholera 167 Diphtheria Anti-Toxin, Supply of 168 Federation of Pottery Towns ... 176 Food. Inspection of ... ... 165 Health Visitors ... ... ... 165 Housing and Town Planning ... 154 Infant Blindness ... ... ... 165 Infant Welfare 163 Infantile Mortality, Reduction in 164 Infectious Disease in London ... 167 Infectious Diseases, Notification of 168 Inspection of Food ... ... 165 Intercepting Traps ... ... 169 Legislation... ... ... ... 176 Loans sanctioned to Local Authorities 170 Medical Department Reports ... 169 Meetings of Trade Unions, &c. ... 176 Motor Cars ... ... ... ... 174 Old Age Pensions ... ... ... 151 Poor Law ... ... ... ... 142 Public Accounts 176 Public Health and Social Condi- tions 176 Rag Flock 169 Rat Plague in F>ast Anglia ... 168 Tuberculosis ... ... ... 161 Unemployment ... ... ... 150 Vaccination ... ... ... 166 Wales 339 Whiskey, Royal Commission on ... 176 Local Government (Ireland) Act (1898) Amendment Act, 1906... 347 LocalGovernmeni(Scotland)Act,1908 210 Local Registration of Title (Ireland) Act, 1909 134 PAGE Local Registration of Title (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1908 348 London Cab and Stage Carriage Act, 1907 102 London Elections Bill 405 London Institution (Transfer) Act, 1912 75 Li.irds, House of — Composition ... ... ... 410 Government Bill Rejected, &c. ... 368 Reform ... 403.404,406,408.409 Lunacy Acts, 1908-11 141 Lunatic Asylums ... ... ... 98 Malay States 50 Malta 59 Mange, Parasitic ... ... ... 33 Marine Insurance Act, 1906 ... 138 Marine Insurance (Gambling Policies) Act, 1909 "! 248 Maritime Conventions Act, 1911 ... 249 ' Marriages in Japan (Validity) Act, 1912-13 ... 78 Marriage with Foreigners Act, 1906 101 Married Women's Property Act, 1907-8 348 Matrimonial Causes Act, 1907 ... 140 Mauritius ... ... ... ... 50 Merchandise Marks Act, 1911 ... 294 Merchandise Marks (Ireland) Act, 1909 134 Merchant Shipping ... ... ... 214 Merchant Shipping Act, 1906 ... 243 Do. do. 1911 ... 249 Merchant Shipping Act (Tonnage Deduction tor Propelling Power) Act, 1907 246 Merchant Shipping (Seamen's Allot- ment) Act, 1911 351 Merchant Shipping (Stevedores and Trimmers) Act, 1911 249 Metropolitan Ambulances Act, 1909 350 Metropolitan Police Act, 1912-13 ... 105 Metropolitan Police (Commission) Act, 1906 101 Military Manwuvres Act, 1911 ... 321 Miners' Minimum Wage — Mr. Asquith on 412 See Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act Mines 85, 87, 93, 97 Mines Accidents (Rescue and Aid) Act, 1910 104 Ministries, 1905-13 1 Money-Lenders Act, 1911 250 Motor Car (International Circulation) Act, 1909 177 Municipal Corporations Amendment Act, 1906 347 Do. do. 1910 178 Municipal Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Act, 1911 ... 351 Musical Copyright Act, 1906 ... 347 423 NatI()xal Debt National Galleries of Scotland Act, 1906 National Gallery and St. James's Park Act, 1911 Nalional Insurance Act, 1911, Part I.. Health Insurance Benefits Contributions ,, Collection of Finance Scoi)e of the Act Valuations ... National Insurance Act, Part II., (Unemploynieut Insurance) ... National Insurance Act, Unionist Attitude ... National Library, Wales National Museum of Wales... Naval Discipline ( Dominion Naval Forces) Act, 1911 Navy- Additional Civil Lord Aeronautics Finance Home Fleet Imperial Navy Improvements Conditions Legislation... Materiel Mediterianean, Naval Strength in Naval War Staff ... Oil Fuel, Royal Commission on ... Personnel ... Shipbuilding Programmes. 1910-14 Works Nigeria Notice of Accidents Act, 1906 Notification of Births Act, 1907 Nyasaland in Lower Deck PAGE 254 208 331 295 298 296 298 299 295 300 250 412 335 336 16 12 11 10 12 11 14 16 12 13 12 12 13 10 16 54 ... 101 164, 348 ... 58 Oath.s Act, 1909 350 Official Secrets Act, 1911 321 Old Age Pensions 127, 151, 192, 203. 342 Old Age Pensions Act, 1908 ... 285 Do. do. 1911 ... 294 Old Age Pensions Bill — Divisions ... ... ... ... 404 Lord Lansdowne on ... ... 404 Ojien Spaces Act, 1906 44 Opium — Colonies .. ... ... ... 49 India 114 Pacific Cable Act, 1911 Parliament Act, 1911 Parliament Bill — Lord Lansdowne's Referendum Amendment Mr. Asquith's Letter to Opposition Leaders ... Mr. Balfour's Vote of Censure, Creation of Peers 294 291 410 410 411 PAGE Parsonages Act, 1911 352 Patents 222 Patents and Designs Act, 1907 ... 245 Do. do. 1908 ... 246 Patents and Designs (Amendment) Act, 1907 244 Pensions (Governors of Dominions, &c.) Amendment Acts, 1911-12-13 60 Perjury Act, 1911 141 Persia and Anglo-Russian Agreement 80 Pettv Sessions Clerks (Ireland) Act, "1907 348 Pilotage Act, 1912-13 252 Poisons and Pharmacy Act, 1908 ... 103 Police ... 98, 99, 196 Police Act, 1909 ... 104 Police (Liverpool) Inquiry Act, 1909 104 Police (Scotland) Act (1890) Amend- ment Act, 1910 351 Police (Superanimation) Act, 1906... 101 Do. do. 1908... 348 Police (Weekly Rest-Day) Act, 1910 105 Polling Arrangemeuts (Parliamen- tary Boroughs) Act, 1908 ... 349 Polling Districts (County Councils) Act, 1908 349 Polling Districts and Registration of Voters (Ireland) Act, 1908 ... 349 Poor Law 126. 142, 339 Port of London Act, 1908 247 Post Office- Buildings 189 Committees ... ... ... 193 Contract Labour ... ... ... 189 Contracts 190 Legislation... ... 193 Old Age Pensions 192 Postal Improvements — Colonial ... ... ... ... 185 Domestic 180 Foreign 186 Staff 191 Telegraphic Improvements — Colonial 187 Domestic ... ... ... 181 Foreign ... ... ... ... 187 Telephone System ... ... ... 182 Wireless Telegraphy ... ... 184 Post Office Act (Consolidation), 1908 194 Post Office (Literature for the Blind) Act, 1906 193 Post Office (Money Orders) Act, 1906 193 Post Office Savings Bank Act, 1908 193 Post Office Savings Bank (Public Tru.stee) Act, 1908 194 Poultry Act, 1911 46 Prevention of Corruption Act, 1906 140 Prevention of Crime Act, 1908 ... 102 Prisons 99, 131, 196 Prisons (Ireland) Act. 1907 133 Prisons (Scotland) Aot, 1909 ... 210 Private Members, Acts passed by ... 346 Probation of Offenders Act, 1907 ... 101 424 PAGE 3o5 238 243 141 105 Procedure Amendments Production, Census of Production, Census of, Act, 190() ... Prosecution of Offences Act, 1908 ... Protection of Animals Act, 1911 ... Protection of Animals Act (1911) Amendment Act, 1912-13 Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act, 1912-13 ... Public Health Act, 1908 Public Health Acts Amendment Act, 1907 9J Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1911 ... Public Health (Regulations as to Food) Act, 1907 Pu1)lic Health (Scotland) Amend- ment Act, 1907 Public Health (Scotland) Act (1897) Amendment Act, 1911... Public Libraries (Art Galleries in County Boroughs) (Ireland) Act, 1911 Public Meeting Act, 1908 Public Ofhces (Sites) Act, 1912-13... Public Offices Sites (Extension) Act, 1908 Pulilie Koads (Ireland) Act, 1911 ... Public Trustee Act, 1906 Public Works Loan's Act, 1906-12 283, 284, 286, 290, 294, 301 Puuisliment of Incest Act, 1908 ... 349 352 352 177 177 136 177 209 352 136 349 331 331 136 139 Qualification of Women (County and Borough Councils) Act, 1907 Qualification of Women (County and ToMn Councils) (Scotland) Act, 1907 ... RA(i Flock Act, 1911 Railway and Canal Traffic Act, 1912-13 Railway Companies (Accounts and Returns) Act, 1911 Railways and Canals Recorders, Stipendiary Magistrates and Clerks of the Peace Act, 1906 Reformatory and Industrial Schools 97 Regency Act, 1910 Registration Act, 1908 Registration of Biiths, Deaths and Marriages (Scotland) Amend- ment Act, 1910 Released Persons (Poor Law Relief) Act, 1907 Removal of Offensive Matter Act, 1906 Reserve Forces Act, 1906 .. Resident Magistrates (Belfast) Act, 1911 Revenue Act, 1906 Do. 1909 Do. 1911 Revenue and Expenditure 257, 261, 177 209 178 252 250 218 101 196 290 141 211 102 177 318 136 283 286 291 262 PAGK Road Board .. ... ... ... 267 Advances to Local Authorities ... 268 Royal Commissions- Coast Erosion and Atibrestation . . . 225 Indian Tublic Services ... ... Ill Justices ... ... ... ... 85 Lighthouse Administration ..'. 226 List, Complete 369 Metalliferous Mines and Quarries 85 Metropolitan Police 85 Mines and Quarries 85 Oil Fuel 12 Vivisection... 85 Whiskey 176 Royal Scottish Museum (^Extension) Act, 1912-13 331 54 44 St. Helena Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, 1907 Schools, Elementary, &c. — see Edu- cation Scottish Office- Board of Agriculture 200 Congested Districts Board ... 198 Departmental Committees ... 197 Education Department — Agricultural Education ... 207 Elementary Education ... ... 206 Secondary Education 206 Superannuation of Teachers ... 207 Technical Education 206 Training of Teachers 207 Fishery Board 201 Housing and Town Planning ... 203 Industiial Schools 196 Legislation... ... 208 Local Government Board... ... 202 Municipal and County Govern- ment 195 National Galleries 198 National Insurance Act Adnunis- tration ... ... ... ... 204 Old Age Pensions 203 Police 196 Prisons 196 Reformatory Schools 196 Small Holdings 198,200 Unemployment ... ... ... 202 Sea Fisheries ... ... .. ... 39 Sea Fisheries (Scotland) Applica- tion of Penalties Act, 1907 .. 209 Seal Fisheries (North Pacific) Act, 1912-13 78 Seamen's and Soldiers' False Characters Act, 1906 318 Secondary Schools .. ... ... 68 Seed Potatoes and Seed Oats Supply (Ireland) Act, 1908 ... 133 Seed Potatoes Supply (Ireland) Act, 1906 132 Select Committees, (1906-12) ... 361 Sessional Record ... ... ... 356 Sheep Scab 33 425 PAGE SherifT Conits (Scotland) Act, 1907... 209 Do. do. 1912-13 212 Shops Act, 1911 105 Do. 1912-13 106 Do. 1913 352 Sierra Leone ... .. ... ... 55 Small Holdings — England and Wales 17 Conipnlsory Proceedings ... 19 Departmental Coninuttee ... 20 Scotland 198.200 Small Holdings Act, 1910 45 Small Holdings and Allotments Acts, 1907-8 45 Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911 211 Solicitors Act, 1906 ... 347 South Africa Act, 1909 60 Standing Committees (1906-12) ... 360 Statutes. Summary of ... ... 354 Statute Law Revision Act, 1908 ... 141 Statute Law Revision (Scotland) Act, 1906 208 Street Betting Act, 19U6 347 Sugar Heet, Cultivation of ... ... 28 Sugar Convention ... ... ... 82 Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act, 1908 349 Summary Jurisdiction (Scotland) Act, 1908 210 Summary Jurisdiction (Scotland) Act, 1908, Amendment Act... 210 Superannuation Act, 1909 .. ... 286 Supply (1912-13) 859 Supreme Court of Judicature Act, 1910 141 Supreme Court of Judicature (Ireland) Act, 1907 132 Swine Fever ... 32 Tariff Reform 372 Taritt' Reform, Maintenance of ... 371 Taxation Reduced, increased, &c. ... 258 Tearhers' Registration Council ... 69 Teachers' Superannuation ... ... 75 Telegraph (Arbitration) Act, 1909... 194 Telegraph Construction Acts, 1908 & 1911 194 Telegraph (Money) Act, 1907 ... 193 Tele})hone Transfer Act and Telephone Transfer Amendment Act, 1911 194 Temperance (Scotland) Bill. (Passetl in House of Comnums, 1912-13) 212 Territorial and Reserve Forces Act. 1907 318 Teriitorial Force 307 Tohacco growing 130,265 Tobacco Growing (Scotland) Act, 1908 349 Town Tenants (Ireland) Act, 1906... 347 Trade, Board of Bankru}>tcy Law ... ... ... 224 Census of Troduction ... 238,243 PAGE Trade, Board of (^(■(ini'mued')- Coast Erosion and .Afforestation .. 225 Commerce - Commercial Attaches ... ... 232 Commercial Intelligence 229, 230 Co7iventions with Foreign Countries ... ... ... 227 E.xhibitious Bianch ... ... 231 Foreign Taritfs Branch 227 Imperial Conferences, 1907, 1911 228 International Conferences ... 228 Companies' Administration ... 222 Conciliation and Arbitration ... 239 Copyright ... ... ... ... 231 Departmental Committees 215,219,226 Labour Department Reports ... 232 Labour Exchanges ... ... 234 Legislation ... ... ... ... 243 London Traffic 221 Merchant Shipping ... ... 214 Patents 222 Railway Confeionce ... ... 219 Railways and Canals ... ... 218 Royal Commissions ...215. 225,226 Tiade Boards ... ... ... 236 Unemployment Insurance ... 235 Wages Census of the United Kingdom . . ... ... 232 Trade Boards Act, 1 909 248 Trade Disputes Bill, Lord Lansdowne on 402 Trade Disputes Act, 1906 138 Trade, Over-sea 379 Trade Union Act, 1912-13 141 Training Colleges ... .. ... 67 Transvaal Constitution, Mr. Balfour on 401. 402 Transvaal Loan (Guarantee) Act, 1907 60 Trawling in Prohibited Areas Pre- vention Act, 1909 210 Treasury- Development Connnission ... 263 Estate Duties ... ... ... 255 Income Tax ... ... ... 256 Legislation ... ... ... 283 National Debt '254 National Health Insurance 269, 295 Revenue and Expenditure 257, 261 Road Board ... ... ... 267 Taxes- Increased or Inii>osed ... ... 259 Reduced or Kenntted ... ... 258 Treasury (Temporary Borrowing) Act, 1910 287 Treaties 76,77 Trusts (Scotland) Act, 1910 351 Tuberculosis 126,161,337 Tuberculosis, Bovine ... ... 34 Tuberculosis Prevention (Ireland) Act, 1908 134 Do. do 1912-13 ... 136 Uganda 57 426 Ulster and Home Rule, Mr. Bonar Law on ... ... ... ... 414 Ulster Covenant ... ... ... 415 Unemployment ... 150, 202, 338, 381 Unemployment Insurance ... ... 235 University of Durham Act, 1908 ... 349 University of Wales (Medical Graduates) Act, 1911... ... 352 Vaccination 166 Vaccination Act, 1907 ... ... 177 Vaccination (Scotland) Act, 1907 ... 209 Victoria and Albert Museum ... 71 Wales- Agriculture — Coast Erosion 332 Commissioner for Wales ... 332 Road Board 332 Small Holdings 332 Ancient Monuments, &c. ... ... 337 Disestablishment Bill ... ... 106 Education ~ Audit of School Accounts . . . 333 Public Elementary Schools ... 333 Secondary Education ... ... 333 Training Colleges 333 University and University Colleges 334 Welsh Language ... ... 333 Investiture... ... ... ... 339 Labour Exchanges ... ... 338 Local Government Board - Housing ... ... ... ... 343 Loans ... ... ... ... 342 Old Age Pensions 342 Poor Law 339 Public Health 345 National Healtli Insurance ... 334 National Library ... ... ... 335 National Museum of Wales ... 336 Public Records 337 Tuberculosis ... ... ... 337 Unemployment ... ... ... 338 "War OflB.ce — ■•<(v Army War Loan (Redemption) Act, 1910 287 VN'eeds and Agricultural Seeds (Ire- land) Act, 1909 184 West Africa ... ... ... ... 54 West Indian (Jolonies ... ... 50 Whale Fisheries (Ireland) Act, 1908 133 Whale Fisheries (Scotland) Act, 1907 209 White Phosphorus Matches Pro- liibitiou Act, 1908 103 PAGE Wild Animals in Captivity Pro- tection (Scotland) Act, 1909 ... 350 Wild Birds Protection Act, 1908 .. 349 Wireless Telegraphy... ... ... 184 Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1906 ... 193 AVonien — Ciiminal Law Amendment Act, 1912 106 Deceased Wife's Sister's Marriage Act, 1907 347 Employment of Women Act, 1907 102 Factory and Workshop (Cotton Cloth Factories) Act, 1911 ... 105 Industrial Employment after Childbirth 96 Inte.'^tate Husband's Estate (Scot- land) Act ... ... ... 351 Labour Exchanges ... ... 234 Lady Inspectors — Home Office ... 90 Married Women's Property Acts, 1907, 1908 348 National Health Insurance ... 269 National School Inspectors (Ire- land) 124 Nightwork 97 Nurses- Army 313 Nurses and Mid wives for Poor (Ireland) 126 Qualification of Women ("County and Borough Councils) Act, 1907 177 Qualification of Women (County and Town Councils) (Scotland) Act, 1907 209 White Slave Traffic 97 Widows of Police Officers, Pensions increased to ... ... ... 104 Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906 96, 101, 401 Workmen's Compensation (Anglo- French Convention) Act, 1909 104 Works, Ofl&ce of - Ancient Monuments ... ... 328 Contracts and Laljour (,)uestions ... 329 Labour Exchange and Insurance Buildings 327 Legislation ... ... ... 331 New Buildings 327 Parliament, Houses of ... ... 324 Post Office and Telegraph Build- ings 328 Public Civil Buildings 325 Royal Palaces 322 Royal Parks 323 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. ^TihV} ^ :. 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