BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 November 1922, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. BRITISH ELECTION CAMPAIGN. LONDON, Nov 4. Owing to the new Party divisions; the present general election in Britain includes a record number of three and even four-cornered contests. Owing to there being increasing friction between the Conservative and National Liberal headquarters, the earlier attempts to establish working arrangements have now broken down. In many electorates especially those in Scotland, the Conservatives have decided to oppose the CoiilitloH Liberals, including Sir A. Mond, Sir H. Greenwood, Captain Guest, Mr Kellewav, and Mr MacNaniara. In some of these cases Labour is likely to reap a reward from the division of the anti-Labour votes. On the other band the Unionists are likely to gain in a. larger number pf electorate!), where the “Wfe Fr@es’ (Independent Liberals) and Labour are both contesting seats against the Conservatives.

The. “Wee Free” candidates now number 300.

There are 400 Labour candidates. In no fewer than 190 constituencies the “Wee Frees” are opposing Labour, with a Unionist ready to gain the spoils. The “Wee Frees” have made several attempts to reach a working agreement with Labour, if only, for this election, until the present simple majority (first past the post) voting system can he amended. However. Ijfibour, in ficcoida-iice with the Party’s unaltered policy, has steadily refused to make any woiking arangements with any other party. Mr Lloyd George has chartered a special train, with a view of delivering ten-minute speeches in support ot his candidates in all parts of Britain. Lord Birkenhend will accompany the train, which starts this week. Speaking at Bolton, Lord Derby said that he took office ill this Government on the condition that when a happy reconciliation with the LTmortis s was effected, Mr Chamberlain and Hie other leaders would be ready to give.Mr Bonar Law their advice and support. His position was at Mr Bonar Law s disposal to give to any one who would strengthen the- Ministry. , The Coalition, lie said, had come to an acute end as the result of its Near East policy, which had brought the country on the edge of a preem**- He wanted the Dominions to he lth Brl tain in any policy, rind not to he puH ed ill at the last moment, The appeal made to the Dominions, lie deciafed, was lit% than Welie' late- Goverrimetit HU* ’SetJ it thought it hcKl. whoM duct of the affair was tragic. Whei France sent her Cotnnussionei to Hem,pTl.«d<l»'t«.. Brit..- •to-W boxing her earsw. Utle MU rial treatment "of Action which film? blow 11 at"'confidence as between Eidwith "‘Government on \v hose every foreign Power trusted Britain s integrity and fidelity. Cent3SJ* £ ££2 HZ (***»<**> policy.

LLOYD GEORGE. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 4. Mr Lloyd George in his first speech in Loudon in the campaign, was supported bv Hon A. Chamberlain and Lord Birkenhead. He said the nation was faced with one of the most perplexing problems it Was ever called on to disentangle. Men who were nowashamed to associate themselves with the Coalition's record, in a few years would proudly claim their share therein. The duty of patriotic citizens was to steer between the two extremists. The municipal elections showed the danger of Socialist extremes, with its challengers, to private enterprise and attacks on capital, was not so imminent as apprehended. The other extreme lay in-the danger .that a majority in tlic new Parliament might be forced by a powerful minority to reactionary courses. That danger was real and imminent. No Government could sit still and do nothing without imperilling the whole social fabric. Tranquility did not depend on the ship but the sea. If the. sea was rough, one laid to battle about. Nine nation must avoid the extreme of stand stilhsm. Every candidate should he asked whether lie was prepared to place the country’s interests before party’s should be judged on that answer. It was of urgent importance that the new Parliament should contain a strong body of independent men, powerful enough to insist on a steady, middle course.

Hon A. Chamberlain said it was well that Irish peace should be signed by its opponents. Its execution by the Irish race, would thus ho assured. Lord Salisbury and M,r McNeill, two of the best bitterest diehards had surrendered in their ditch.

Lord Birkenhead said he had lost the wool sack, but he was still captain of his soul. Sir G. Younger would be a most difficult man to go for a walk with. The young lady of Riga was told it would not be wise to keep company with him. There was no doubt which would return with a smile. It was only where Mr Lloyd George’s forces were strong, that the so-called election pact was being observed.

MR BON Alt L'AW

(Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 4. Hon A. Bonar Lf.w at Leeds, said already there was an inevitable tendency on the part .of all shades of Liberals to draw together, resulting from the reunion of Unionists. The Irish Government might think the Government and its supporters were hostile. ■ - They were not. The whole party desired to give the Treaty a fair trial. He might attend Lausanne Conference himself, but intended tq leave the main direction of the Foreign Poliey to Lord Curzon, who had done well in the past. The root of the - would be co-operation with France and Italy. The Government’s policy was precisely the same as Mr Disraeli’s in 1874, The present was the time for. g t! :— slowly, Government .wonto