BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 November 1918, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

COALITION MINISTRY. 1 ONDON, Nov. 15. Lnlbour Ministers ha'Je decided to adhere to the Coalition Ministry. LLOYD GEORGE’S LETTER. FOR APPEAL TO COUNTRY. [PKII PRESS ASSOCIATION. —•COPYRIGHI.) LONDON, Nov. 16. Hon. Lloyd George, in a letter to Hon. Bonar Law, outlying the basis of the appeal to the country and For a continuation of the Coailtion Government. which Bonar Law read at a private meeting of the Unionists on Tuesday, is now published. The letter states if the General elections arc held it ought to be it coalition election, asking the country to return supporters ot the present Government, to negotiate peace and also to deal with the reconstruction problems which arc hardly less pressing than the war problems, and also required hardly less drastic action. These cannot he dealt with on partv lines without disaster. Moreover the National unity, which made victory possible, should be maintained until "the foundations of the national reconstruction are securely laid. Aly fundamental object is to promote uni y and development of the nations composing the British Empire, preserving their position, influence and authority m the world’s affairs which they have gamed l,v their sacrifices and efforts in tho cause of human liberty and progress. I hope the already accepted policy ot Imperial preference defined in the imperial Conference resolution will be given on existing duties and also any duties subsequently imposed. Ihe policy does not iclude a tax on food, but does not exclude preference on articles like tea and coffee, whereon the duties ar already imposed. Britain’s agricultural position must be .improved in many directions particularly transport. Security must be given against unfair industrial competiton, especially dumping of goods below the cost of produetlOl’ do not support a settlement of Home Kule imposing coercion on Ulster. I claim the right to bring m Home Rule excluding tho six northern Counties, but such a settlement must be i postponed as it could not succeed in the 1 present condition oi Ireland. ! Ido not think there is a ny desire anv- | where repeal of Welsh disestablish- ! meat, but the war has created financial i difficulties. T cannot offer any definite solution now. but T believe the financial solution is not impossible.

WOMEN IN FARLIAMENT

( ••itK.i’Tl lt’s” TELEGRAM.I LONDON November 16

In the Lords, the Bill enabling women to sit in Parliament, was finally passed, lord Haldane’s amendment permitting peeresses to sit in the Lords in theii own right, was rejected by 33 to 11 votes.