BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 May 1923, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

AUSTRALIAN .AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. MR BONAR LAW. HEALTH CAUSES ANXIETY. LONDON, May 18. Mr Bonar Law arrived at Paris from Aix-les-Bains, and saw Sir Thomas Ilorder, the specialist, who went from London to meet him. The “Daily Express” correspondent states that although the Hume Minister looks bronzed, his health is causing anxiety to his friends. His holiday in the Mediterranean and at Aix-les-Bains has not accomplished all that was hoped for. EXPECTED TO RETIRE. LONDON, May 19. Dr Herder has paid a visit to Paris to see Rt. Hon Mr Bonar Law, the Prime Minister. The visit was made, however, by a previous arrangement, and was not due to any sudden development. It i,s understood Dr Herder's examination has revealed that while there has been some response the treatment did not come up to expectations. In political circles there is a renewal of speculation about Mr Bonar Law, and his early retirement from the Premiership. LONDON, May 19 The “Daily Express’s” Paris correspondent states that Mr Bonar Law dined with a party of friends, including Rt Hon Colonel Amery, at the Hotel Crillon. It is understood that further conferences with - specialists will take place almost immediately. The- “Daily Chronicle’s” political writer says;—Tile Prime Minister’s friends say that, although he looks bettor, and keeps fairly well since his lioliday began, any undue strain must he avoided. His early retirement is therefore expected. It is anticipated that it will take place in July. The fact that there are rivalries among the Conservative leaders is becoming more apparent. This indicates that the belief in Mr Bonar Law’s retirement is spreading. His probable successor is being discussed in political circles liefore the adjournment of the House. Lord Cursum (Foreign Secretary) and Mr b. Baldwin (Chancellor of the Exchequer) are the Ministers most prominently mentioned. Mr Austin Chamberlain’s followers maintain that there should be a real reconstruction of the Government in the event of Mr Bonar Law’s retirement. The “Daily Express” says:—“Mr Bonar Law intends to resign on his arrival in London, and to take a long rest.” ENG LAND’S PREMIER. QUESTION OF RESIGNATION. DISCUSSED BY PRESS. (Received this day at 8 a.in.) LONDON, May 20. There is not the faintest indication from any source of the Premier’s intentions. lie intimated to his friends that he will not discuss his condition. Sir Tims Hoarder (medical adviser) returned an absolute negative to requests for information. Mr Hollar Law may have returned to place bis resignation in the hands of the King. On the other hand ho may he awaiting a final medical decision whether he should carry on longer. All that is promised is an announcement as soon as possible. All who saw the Premier at Victoria Station agree that lie was noticeabily tired and walked along the platform with Sykes and Waterhouse, each holding bis arm. Tile anxiety of the whole country is reflected in the Sunday newspapers which, without exception, express sympathy and, eulogise Mr Bonar Law’s services. Lord Beaverbrook in an article in the “Sunday Express” gives the nearest approach to a hint as the result of personal observations and conversations in Paris. This is in reference to the Premier’s public exertions and private sorrows. “Under these circumstances his Premiership cannot bq regarded as permanent, which in the ordinary sense is something co-extensive in time with the term of Parliament or the endurance of his majority. • Tho “Observer” says the political situation is without precedent. The sequel may he of critical importance at home and abroad. It is preferable that Mr Bonar Law should remain Premier until the possibilities of a Unionist reunion have been examined and brought to a conclusion one way or the

other. If he is compelled to retire immediately the choice of a successor will lie between Lord Curzon, Lord Derby and Lord Devonshire, Mr Baldwin and Mr Balfour. Lord Derby would have the hotter chance at a general election than any, hut the best solution would he to bring .Mr Balfour back as head of a broad bottomed administration. None would hesitate to service under him. The “Sunday Times” says there would he such inconvenience in Mr Bonar Law remaining at the head of the Government without directing it, that this cannot seriously he considered. If the decision of the doctors is for a prolonged rest lie should assuredly resign, land Curzon is his obvious successor. Till-: PREMIER’S RETURN. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, .May 20. The Premier, Mr Bonar Law. unexpectedly arrived in London on Saturday afternoon accompanied by his son. The .usual crowd was awaiting the train, but few saw the Premier step lrom the saloon and hurry to a motor car which drove straight to his Private residence in Onslow Gardens. It is said that he looker! tired and ill. Sir Thomas Horder dined with the Premier at Onslow Gardens. He left at 11.45 and said he was quite unable to make any statement. If is understood that Mr Bonar Law went to his own house instead of to the official residence in Downing St., by the special request of Sir Thomas Horder, who wishes him to continue his complete rest. Mr S. Baldwin, at the. annual meeting of the Bewdley Conservative Association said that the Premier desired to return to London by an early train. A vote of confidence in himself was passed at the beginning instead of the end of the proceedings. The “Observer's” Paris correspondent reports that three specialists saw Mr Bonar Law liefore Sir Tlios. Horder. They pronounced the malady from which the Premier is suffering as incurable and urged his immediate retirement from public duties. Lord Beaverbrook had several conversations with Mr Bonar ].aw at the Hotel Crillon. All who saw the Premier in Paris report that ho was a very sick man.