BRITISH ELECTIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1923, Page 2

BRITISH ELECTIONS.

[Reuters Telegrams.] TARIFF REFORM PROPAGANDA. LONDON, Nov. 29. hi the elections campaign, the Tariff Reformers purpose countering the effect of the circular of Motley’s firm re free trade increasing prices. They point out that 22 manufacturing firms in London, Birmingham and elsewhere oiler to employ Ht>,o-1.’5 additional hands if Mr Baldwin’s proposals to protect the home market become operative. The British Electrical Association alone promises to employ To,ooo additional hands.

The “Yorkshire Post” says I There is an accumulation of evidence in anticipation of a Conservative triumph. Inquiries are being made regarding factories and factory sites in Britain, where goods now imported will lie made. A number of American and European firms have commenced negotiations for ihe purchase or rental of factories. MB LLOYD GFORGE. LONDON, Nov. 29. Mr Lloyd George, during the day, covered a great part of Lancashire. Commencing at Leeds, he spoke at every stopping place, where supporters clambered on empty railway trucks to see him. He left the train at Accrington, and addressed a crowd ol 10,000. Later he addressed 5000 at Preston. Other meetings were held at Blackburn, Burnley, and Oldham, Whitburn, lie motored in a blinding snowstorm, and made his ninth set speech. At Preston .Mr Lloyd George gave an amusing description of Lord Derby as -'the erring sin of Lancashire, who nightly gave an exhibition of looping the loop.” One day lie was upright for the principles of free trade, and the next day he Imd his head down to his heels for protection. lie would have fallen out long ago if lie had not been strapped in. He added: “Lord Derby lloiimleis about like a harpooned walrus, lb* said last, night- that tile Kreni-li statesmen prefer to deal with Mr Baldwin, rather than myself. I am sure they do.” MR BALDWIN JX SCOTLAND. LONDON. Now 29. Mr Baldwin made a 65 minutes speech to a great gathering in St. Andrews. Later he addressed an overflow meeting. He said that in Glasgow eighteen per cent of i 1 it* people wen* living in oiio-rnomed houses, and eighteen per cent wen* out of work, li was the duty of everyone to strive for a better standard of life. For this nothing was better than regular employment. It was an unproved assertion that an increase in colonial trade would decrease their foreign trade. Mr Churchill is having a liarrassing time at Leicester, owing to continual interruptions at his meetings by Socialist rowdies. Mr Churchill meets the interrupters with considerable courage and quickness. Incidentally, ho said Socialism was fatal to individual libertv.

"What about conscription?” shouted a Socialist. “Socialism means conscription for everything,” was Mr Churchill's retort.

Mr Asquith, at Paisley, received a patient hearing at his first meeting, blit--there was much ironical shouting and cheering during bis later speeches, lie said the abolition ol tbo McKenna duties, which were the sheet anchor of the protectionist cause in this election, would be the first of tin:- duties of a Liberal or a Labour Government,.

Lord Derby, at Liverpool answering the taunt that he is a wealthy man, said: “I am not living oil my income, but on my capital. The taxation is now so high that a time is coming when I may have to consider leaving Knowsley. which lias so long been the borne of my ancestors.” He added that there was a capital levy already ill existence, in the form of the death duties. "When I succeeded to my father.” he said, "I took 12 years to pay the duties.”

LORD BIRKENHEAD. LONDON, Nov. 29. Lord Birkenhead, who is following up Mr Lloyd George, speaking at Leeds, described Mr Lloyd George's recent- travels as a “reconciliation honeymoon.” Life would he intolerable without its reconciliations. (Loud laughter). After doing more than any other nation to win the war, Britain was incomparably in a worse position than any of the conquering nations. No protected nation had such chronic unemployment. When lie read Mr Lloyd George’s speches, he tailed to find a single minute given to the consideration ot this all-important problem. It was difficult to believe the country’s troubles could he solvotT" by brilliant sarcasms and vivid raillery. I'ree trade was a mad, senseless handicap. which the Government, wiCTi the help of the electors, meant to end.