The resolutions passed by the Council of the National Liberal
Federation at Newcastle on Friday week were numerous and comprehensive. That moved by Mr. Haldane advocated the speedy amendment of the Licensing Act so as to secure a time-limit to the compensation clause, and to restore the right to refuse licenses and impose conditions to a local licensing authority invested with larger powers. A second resolution declared no settlement of the Education question permanent which did not secure effective popular control and management, and the removal of religious tests and sectarian influences. The resolution dealing with the Land question recommended as essential reforms the taxing of land values, and the amendment of the Agricultural Holdings Act of 1883 and 1900 so as to secure the tenant-farmer the statutory right to carry out improvements and compensation for capricious disturbance, and to confer larger powers on local authorities to provide small holdings and better housing for the poor. A fourth resolution advocated Parliamentary reform on the triple basis of a simplified franchise with one man one vote, facilities for enabling the less wealthy classes to enter Parlia- ment, and the withdrawal from the House of Lords of the power to throw out Bills passed by the Commons. All these resolutions were carried unanimously. A further resolution was also carried advocating the removal of disabilities at present attaching to women by reason of sex in the matter of Parliamentary suffrage, and of election to local bodies. Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, who was the principal speaker at the evening mass meeting, outlined the policy of the Liberal party on the lines of the resolutions given above.
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