British Politics.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 November 1922, Page 3

British Politics.

UNITED SERVICE TELEGRAMS LONDON, Nov 10. Mr Asquith speaking at Newcastle said if the Tories were to govern for five years, he hoped a living powerful opposition would he formed, which would function better than a bodyguard suggested by the ex.-Piemier. Lord Novar, speaking at Glasgow, in support of. the Prime Minister, said he had decided to support any Government, whatever its political label, which would undertake to deal energetically with the financial situation at home. Air Boner Law was a man with real Scottish respect for the Bawbees, who expressed himself in

sober language, not in the pelting hiirrieaue. of oratory of Celtic politicians, who saw visions and dreamed dreams. ,Lord Londonderry, speaking at London. appealed to the opponents of the Iri.-b Treaty to broaden their outlook and realise it was a far higher aspiration to be member of the Great Body of Associated Nations like the British Empire, than to concentrate oil their own grievances, and decry a. • British name, lxird Derby responding to an Army toast at Guildhall banquet, said they should refuse to cut down the Army below what lie believed was a safety stage for the Empire'.

CUTiZON REPLIES TO CHURCHILL LONDON, Nov. 10,

Lord Curzon, replying to Hon W. Churchill, describes tlie latter’s statements ns characterised by courageous inaccuracy, and no small malevolence. Lord Curzon declares lie attended a Cabinet meeting on loth September, despite ill health, which was keeping him in the country, hut though in telephonic communications with Air Lloyd George on the Kith, he was not told there was any need to come to London or for the issue of a statement of policy, which he read in the newspapers on tlie 17th, with consternation. He was not surprised to learn subsequently that this was the work of Air Churchill. Air Chamberlain later rang up to complain that Lord Curzon was not present at the Cabinet meeting on the Kith.

BRITISH ELECTION. LONDON, Nov 11

Throughout the land, tlie newspapers and the Party headquarters have begun estimating the general election prospects. Several newspapers after a survey of the country, express it as their opinion, that Air Bonar Law is almo.-.t certain to obtain a small Conservative working majority over all other'parties combined. The cautious Conservative organisers, and even the Labour headquarters, take the same view. Air Sandtrs, Minister of Agriculture, has even ventured to estimate tlio Conservatives would win 33d seats. On tlie other tlie Conservative headquarters forecast is as follows:—Coti•servatives 3*28, “Wee Frees” 11.0, National Liberals 60, Various others 12. Labour 105.

The feature of the contest lias boon the willingness of the Conservatives and tlie Liberals in constituencies to unite in straight, single lights against Labour. They are concentrating against the idea of any capital levy. It is generaly agreed that the plank, together with a recent municipal setback, has reduced Labour's prospects since the dissolution first decided upon. It was then generally expected among tlie opponents tlmt Labour would! win 200 seats in the election. LABOUR’S ESTIMATE.

The Labour headquarters, however, only expects to win from 120 to 135 seats. The “Daily Express” declares the Asquithitcs are gaining ground surprisingly. The Independent .Labour headquarters in a forecast gives the results:—Conservatives 290, Independent Liberals 1.40, National Liberals 75. Labour 110.

CHURCHILL AND OUR/ON. LONDON, Nov 10.

Mr W. Churchill, in a further rejoinder to Lord Cumin, who he has said was absent from his post when tho Cabinet decided on the appeal to the Dominions for the Near East, goes on to say that the salient facts are undisputed. He suggests that Lord Curzon. “should be content with landing himself, by an extraordinary somersault, in tho nick of time, in the opposite camp!” He “should not make reflections upon colleagues whom he has abandoned.” Mr Churchill, in conclusion, records the genesis of the communique to tlie Dominions of September 16t.1i. and says that in the absence of Lord Cur--20,i Mr Lloyd George asked him (Mr Churchill) to make a draft for Ins • ■ nsideration. Mr Churchill consent et, aa he felt strongly that the public ws entitled to information. He sent a draft to Mr Lloyd George, who consulted those colleagues accessible, and made certain alterations, and then authorised its publication.