BRITISH POLITICS

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 51, 24 November 1919, Page 7

BRITISH POLITICS

LABOUR VICTORIES AT MUNICIPAL .POLLS PARTY CRIES AT GENERAL ELECTION By Talegraph-Prese Association-Copyright London, November 19. Mr. Bonar Law, in a epeech at a banquet of the Unionist Association, said he attributed Hi? Labour victories at the recent municipal elections to the disunity of tho coalition's in the electorates, whereas Labour was thoroughly united. It was not due to a change in public opinion. Ho believed tliat if tho general election was delayed for two or three years tho results of Labour's efforts in municipal government would bu tho beat anti-Labour propaganda. Party ories would be heard at tho next general election, but they would relate to 'newproblems. Many social and economic peace problems must bo solved before the Coalition was broken up. j -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

IMPERIAL DEVOLUTION STEPS ]N THE PATH OV SELFGOVERNMENT. (Rec. November 23, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 19. Tho tendency towards Imperial devolution is evidenced by two announcements mado in tho Houfo of Commons to-day. The Joint Select Committe of tho Houso of Lords and the House of Commons in its report states that the Government of India Bill is conceived wholly in the spirit of tho Government pronouncement of August 20.1917, and marks a great step in the path of self-govern-ment. Colonel Amery (Under-Secrotary for the Colonies) staled that Malta would receive homo rule in 1921 in purely local affairs, but tho naval and military services would bo Tinder the Imperial authorities.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. COMMENT ON MR. ASQUITII'S POSITION THE PREMIER AND LABOUR. London; November 19. Mr. Bonar Law, speaking at tho Unionist banquet, eoverely commented on Mr. Asqnitli's position. Never before, he said, had a leader of a, defeated party remained so long outside Parliament, or for so long dared not to seek re-election. "Tho Times," commenting on Mr. Asquith's reported refusal to accept nominal ion for Spen Valley, declares that it is a distinct loss to Parliamentary efficiency that Mr. Asquith's voice and counsel are not available in tho House of Commons. It adheres to its previous censure of Mr. Asriuith, but says his experience would bo valuable at a timo like the present. "Tho Times" adds: "There rnuy be truth in tho suggestion that the Prime Minister contemplates breaking with the Unionists in order to seek on alliance with Labour. It is noteworthy that Jtr. Bonar Law at the Unionist banquet eulogised the Prime Minister as representing the soul of tho , nation during the war."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Aesn.