BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1922, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LORD GREY’S VIEW. LONDON, Oct 25. Viscount Grey, speaking at Bradford said Jlr l.loyd George thought tho crisis a crime, and Lord Balfour thought it verged on political insanity. He himself liked it, and hei felt relieved that something unwholesome had gone out of the political atmosphere. The Coalition had ended through mistrust. Tho country needed more quietness and steadiness in political affairs. If the election produced that, so much the hotter, whatever quarter it came from. Turning to 'foreign politics, Lord Grey said the last crisis saw France and Italy drawing together, and Britain becoming isolated. Britain narrowly escaped being separated from the other Powers, and finding herself in a war single-handed

Lord Grey said the Coalition had manoeuvred itself into the position of appearing to he the only anti-Mos-lem power in the world. 1 his was a real peril to the Empire. There was no reason why their former foreign policy, outside party politics should not be returned to, even though there should be differences, due, to the League of Nations, which should be tbe dominant note in foreign policy. Tie concluded ;—“The uprising of goodwill hoped for from war had not yet come, but there was no reason why it should not come into politics and into our whole lives. The country must enter these elections in a loftier spirit, with higher motives, than it did last election. If this is done, the eleotion will give a Government which will have the country’s respect.

HON. It. McKENNA. LONDON, October 25

The fact that Air McKenna, who was formerly Chancellor of the Exchequer has now changed his politics gave a high significance and interest to Mr R. McKenna’s speech in the city yesterday to a crowded meeting, representing all branches of financial and mercantile life.

A letter was also read from Sir Robert Perks a Literal Freetrader and a Nmi-confcrmist, who wrote: —“I am in complete agreement with Mr McKenna.” Mr McKenna was loudly cheered when he rose to speak. He said that with industry in its present deplorable condition and with the national expenditure being maintained oil a reckless scale, thote was a positive danger to the country’s economic stability.” “The country needs a period of real peace, and strict economy in administration,” he said. “We need the establishment of commercial confidence, founded upon a wise direction of our financial and foreign policy, which alone can ensure a recovery of our trade. We have had the experience of a policy of improvised adventure, regardless of cost, and reckless of consequence; and we have not prospered. I esteem the courage ''Hich has led Mr Bonar Law to take up this heavy burden. The city will welcome Air S. Baldwin, the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The new Government’s policy is one of peace and retrenchment. 1 do not believe there is any danger of Bolshevism in England, but tho Leaders of tlie Labour Party have announced a programme of a capital levy and of war on private enterprise. In the present welter of parties the Bonar Law’s Government alone offers the prospect of stability.

NO LABOUR MINISTER, LONDON October 25.

It. is understood tliat Mr Bonar Law proposes to abolish the position of Minister of Labour. It will take some days to fill the remaining positions in the Ministry A LIBERAL .SEAT. LJONDON, October -26. Arrangements are being made to contest the Consctt Division of Durham on behalf of Mr Aneusin Williams, a Liberal, in his absence in Australia. THE HOME ELECTIONS. PREPARING FOR THE FRAY. E LECTION CA NDIDATES. (Received this dav at 8 aim.) LONDON, Oct. 24. Candidates have opened the campaign throughout the country. The following numbers have already been adopted:— Conservatives (all* varieties) 41.'5. National Liberals. 200. Asquithian Liberals, .‘IOO.

Labour, 400. A general understanding has been reached under which the Unionists agree not to oppose National Liberals, subject to the local association’s consent. Tt appears likely that Glasgow will he the touchstone of the election, as were Birmingham in 1900 and Manchester in 1906. It is significant that Glasgow’s associations are leaving Unionists free to vote for any supporters of the Coalition. Sir R. Horne interviewed, emphasised that although he woidd open his campaign on the same platform as Mr Llovd George, he was still a Unionist, and likely to agree to every point of Air Bonar Law's policy. Home believed that Scottish Unionists, like himself, strongly disapproved of ending the co-operation with the National Liberals. He believed a. continuance of a similar alliance with the moderates to face Socialism was still necessary to ensure a Government on safe constitutional lines.

Official Unionists are making a campaign against Socialism. The country is flooded with posters urging—“ Safety first, no hands up to the Reds, and Socialism is all red. and the road to ruin.”

Independent Liberals were the first in the field with an official manifesto which closely followed Manchester, and adds democratic reform of the 'licensing system, and proportional representation. It declares that the four years alliance between Lloyd George and Conservatives dominated the affairs of the nation and left behind an unexampled record of extravagance and failure. Tt must he remembered that both wings of the Coalition were equal--I'* responsible for its misdeeds. Mr Lloyd George and bis colleagues spent as they pleased. Their peace treaties are impossible of fulfilment. They have been equallv incapable of securing food understandings abroad, or following a. consistent, poliev at borne. The nation demands a. complete change of conviction instead of a compromise of eoonomv in place of extravagance. The Manifesto concludes: —“Liberalism is not socialism, and it. repudiates warfa.-,- against private enterprise.”

OOSSIP about cabinet. LONDON, October 25.

One of the biggest surprises in the New Ministry is Mr Bn'dgeman at file Home Office, but his appointment is well received politically. He is highly respected and has shown quiet good sense as Secretary of Mines. He maintained excellent relations with the miners.

Lord Selbourne refused to join the Government. Lord Londonderry refused tlie Air Ministry, preferring to obey Sir Jas. Craig’s special request to serve Ulster in Parliament as long as necessary. It is not anticipated Air Bonar Law will hurry to fill the minor appointments, possibly awaiting to see who is available after the elections. Under a recent Act, members of the House of Commons accepting paid Crown offices within nine months of a general election do not thereby vacate their seats.

There is also a possibility tliat) some Chamberlainites may be persuaded to return to the official Conservative party in which case it is conceivable that changes will be made, even on the personnel announced. ■ANOTHER SOMERSAULT. Tile most recent sensation, concerns Mr Montagu who has stated he intends to stand for his present constituency (Cambridge) as a Conservative. The Conseivative party has piotested almost en bloc, to Mr Bonar Law that if Mr Montagu changes his party or not he will be opposed by an official Conservative. REVUTNG TO GO. Lord Reading is expected to vacate the vice-Royalty of India in accordance with an arrangement that lie should be allowed to return after two years in office.

THE “THUNDERER,” LONDON, October 25.

John Waler and John Jncob Astor announce they will maintain the highest traditions of “The Times”, ' and will ensure its continuance as a maiio'nal institution, conducted solely in the interests of tlie naticn and of the Empire.” Mr Jacob Astor is a supporter of Air Bonar Law. As such, L» will contest the Dover seat against Mr Poison an Independent Conservatii e.