BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1923, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. LLOYD GEORGE'S CRITICISM. LONDON. Nov. 9. Mr Lloyd George was welcomed at Southampton by a great crowd. In an interview, lie said that he adhered exactly to his position of April last, despite Air Baldwin’s incredible pro nouiicemcnt. He had not made any preparations, and ho declined to discuss the question of a general election, which seemed a piece <>i unntteiable folly. It was an insult to the intelligence of the nation to feed its starving industries with the mildewed straw of the last century. The question of a Liberal reunion was not at rest, lie was prepared to work with anyone who served the country faithfully. ELECTION DATE. LONDON, Nov. 10. Cabinet discussed the election date, but came to no decision. SNAP ELECTION LIKELY. LONDON. Nov. 10. The Daily Chronicle, a Lloyd George organ, says:—Air Lloyd George’s free trade declaration policy lias heartened Liberals everywhere. The prospect of a Liberal re-union is welcomed. It is expected an extended campaign will soon he arranged.

“Meantime the Government appears to have decided upon a snap election. Parliament may sit only a few days, in which case an election will he held the first week in December.”

The "Daily Express” says the political situation lias undergone a dramatic change. The opinion was expressed iii .Ministerial circles, following the Cabinet meeting yesterday, that Parliament may lie dissolved the week alter next, in order that- an election may take place early in December. SIR If. HORNE’S VIEWS. (Receivod this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, November 11. Sir R. Horne, at Glasgow, asked how anybody ill the present- circumstance could say all our old theories necessarily held good to-day. Mr Asquith during the war told the House of Commons that our eyes mii-t have been opened to the peiicti-aliug effects of German trade. Now All' Asquith’s eyes were shut again, and for the sake oT party cries he had given up all he had ever learnt in the vicissitudes of the war. returning to the niiimhlnig. ancient shibboleths. He (Sir R. Horne) was neither a free trader nor a protectionist. He believed the whole fiscal policy was a matter of business. The .abnormal circumstances of to-day compelled them to accept the Government's soloct ion. ASSEMBLING OF PARUAAIENT. .Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON, November 11. The "Sunday Express” says Unit Parliament reassembles in an atmosphere of meat excitement. It is confidently expected Mr Baldwin will fix AA’ednesday for the debate on the Gnvernnent’s tariff intentions, and will then declare li is readiness to I aim the verdict of llie country. AIR 1.1.0 YD GEORGE’S PARTY. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON. November 11. Mr Movd George will meet the leaders and officials of his party on I ttesday to dismiss the future policy. Importance is attached to the consultation last Friday night aL the house ol Sir R. Moii;l with the National Liheial Lieutenant.''. Negotiations are knun n to he on foot and a Liberal reunion is twcoming a. practical possioility. LABOR VIEW. LONDON, November TL Mr Ramsay AlacDomild. at Leeds, said in the interests of the Labour party T think the election is a good tiling. Free trade is not ail alternative to protection. The alternative is a positive constructive policy which the Labour Party is going to put forward.