BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1924, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CADLK ASSOCIATION.

PRESS CON!M EXT. LONDON', Jan. 23. The “Daily Chronicle” (Liberal)

says:—Tho Cabinet forms an interest-

ing list. It is scarcely the list that '"'the Labour rank mul file expected, hut it is not necessarily the worse for that. -Mr .MacDonald has fitted the necessity of taking administrative capacity and experience where he could find it, and he hits suceeded in finding a good deal.” The “Morning Post” says:—“Assuming that it Socialist- Ministry was inevitable, there is not much to take

exception to in this one. It might easily have been worse, but possibly the relief it now brings will be modified when the names of the Under Secretaries are known. It is noticeable that only nine of the new Ministers have been manual workers. LONDON, Jan. 22.

On Monday the papers were printed so early that editorial comment on the defeat of the Baldwin (lovornment was mostly written beforehand, though based on a foregone conclusion.

The “Daily Telegraph” says that

anti-Socialist forces will not forget the blunders of the Liberals when the country reaps the conse(|nonces of their action. It declares that Mr Asquith has “sung the swan song of his party,” and the country will never again (dace Liberals in power, as they betrayed its trust.

The “Morning I’ost,” (Tory) says Mr Baldwin is serene in his defeat, liecause it was in a good cause. The Liberals betrayed the “present order,” which clears the mind of the nation. It believes the Conservative Party will become stronger for its heavy misfortune. The ‘Daily Kxpress” (Tory), tells the Conservatives to work up enthusiasm, and attract energetic young men and women, also to drop its ancient party shibboleths and lieeoinc progressive, vigorous and spirited. Then history would have only one verdict on the attempt to foist Socialism on an unwilling nation. “DA ILV 11 KHALI)” CO.MMKNT. I.OXDOX, Jan. 22. The “Daily Herald” says: - Mr .MacDonald is taking office with a deep sense of his responsiblitv and a clear perception of the difficulties that confront his Ministry. Tt can rely only on a third of the votes in the House. ’ It adds that one of the war’s worstfeatures was that it gave tyranny the advantage over freedom. .Now that there is a change all felt that the worst of the reaction is over.” “DA ILV CM I’OXICLR.” LONDON. Jan 22. The “Daily Chronicle” says:—“lhe public will watch the kick-oil of Air MacDonald’s team in a fair spirit, and will make all allowances ior the newcomers.” NO- CONFI D lONC K TO BE MOVED BY CON SKI W ATI YES. ■Hoesired this day at W.O a.m.) LONDON, January 2d. Sir Kingsley Wood and other Conservatives have given notice of a motion of no confidence in the (Jovern- / merit which is representing less than one third of the electorate and which is pledged to Socialism and unable to carry on the administration in aceoidniiee with the wishes of a majority of the citizens.

It is understood that .dr .Mae Donald is leaving His Majesty to fill the Court posts with the exception of the Chaiiihorlainship.

GERMAN PUBLIC WARNED. LONDON, .Tamifiiy SM. The Timlin com'spoiulent of - the Lon;l.,u “Tii iips” states tlmt Berlin does inil expert. Mr MacDonald to greatly (•iiangc the British foreign policy. It ;s thought that his chief task will ho 'ii the realm of home affairs and the public is warned'against delusion that the Labour .Party will give precedence to any hut British interests. Nevertheless, some hopes tire held out that the Labour Government will take a stronger line regarding the reparations. The Democratic, and Socialist newspapers, for instance, suggest that steps for a general liquidation of the war’s aftermath may ho taken by Air -MacDonald along new lines, perhaps through the League of Nations or a Congress at which Germany will appear on terms of equality with Britain and

Franco. The retention of tho naval programme, even in the interests of employment, caused ft gasp of astonishment, and is accepted as evidence that nothing very revolutionary must he expected from the British Labour Party.

EMPIRE wireless and LABOTJR GOVERNMENT. LONDON, January 23. It is believed in oversea quarters that the Labour Postmaster General is likc]v to take decisive action and erect wireless stations in England to meet the overseas desires. GRRAIAN HOPES. BERLUX'. January 23. Tho “National Zoitimg” is confident the British Labour Government will rescue Germany from France’s claims. The “Vorwaerts” devoted two columns to a. discussion of tho policy c f “Our English comrades.” CANADIAN CONFIDENCE IN LABOUR. LONDON, January 23The Toronto correspondent of the “Times” states that it is significant that tliere is little hostile criticism of the British Labour Party by tho Canadian newspapers. Much confidence is Expressed that many of the evil results flfat were predicted from the Labour Administration will never he realised. The eorresponent quotes tho “MonPreal Star” as expressing the opinion that more anger is to he feared Irom Labours' inexperience than its radicalThe paper considers that lew „ !C n aro better equipped that Air AlacIlonnld to mould the British foreign policy. So far as the study of actual conditions are concerned, it wonders, however, if bo will prove a match in the diplomatic duelling with M. Poincare and M. Alillerand. JUI press comment shows confidence that no vital interests of the Empire jj-RI bo sacrificed by the Labour Goverufljh'ent and no revolutionary legislation •vi’l he forced through Parliament.