BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1924, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY BYEL LECTION. HOTTEST IN AI ANY YEARS. lusthaltan AMP N.Z- cabi.k association. (Received this day at S a.m.) LONDON, -March 15. Tin; Westminster Abbey bye-election bus developed into the hottest contest for many years, this being hugely owing to Mr Churchill's independent and anti-Socialistic candidature, which lias been blessed by many loading Conservatives despite the tact that theie is an official Conservative candidate in the field. Four candidates, Nicholson (Conservative), C'huicliill (Independent), Scott-Duckets (Liberal). Fenner Brockwav (Labour), are fighting their hardest morning and night. Each is convinced of success.

Air Churchill relies upon his direct anti-Socialist appeal to draw votes liom both Liberals and Conservatives in the electorate. On the other band it is thought the splitting of the Conservative vote between Nicholson and Churchill may let Labour in. Mr Chill chill himself emphasises that the Liibomite is his real opponent not Air Nicholson. The election is regarded as the most important as it is likely to show whether a Labour candidate can be successfully fought by an anti-,Socialist party commanding the support of both Liberals and Conservatives, or whether the allegiance of the parties is still strong enough to make the three party system inevitable for some time to come. So far as Labour is concerned, it is admitted on till sides that Labour i» fighting ail uphill battle in a Conservative stronghold like Westminster Abbcv. The press attitude is as complex as the election itself, Air Churchill being supported by the Rnthermere and Beaverbrook Press as well as the “Daily Telegraph”, the latter on the ground that Air Churchill’s anti-Socialist leadership is needed by the Commons and the country. A notable development during the week-end was Earl Balfour’s letter to Mr Churchill commending his candidature on the ground of a desire to see Air Churchill once more use his brilliant gifts in the Commons. A more amusing development was Air Bernard Shaw’s letter to Air Brockway promising his vote, adding: Please don’t tell anyone as nothing would terrify a Westminster voter more than I the prospect of voting with yours faith-

fully.” Mr Shaw continued : “I should like to vote for Mr Churchill, because I am tho only man alive who cares to confess that the thought of Gallipoli "as a good idea and I still think it would have justified itself if it had been carried out as conceived. But, regarding Russia, Mr Churchill wants Tsardom back.” There were extraordinary scenes at Essex Hill. Strand, to-night, when four candidates gave their views on the League of Nations. There seemed little difference in the candidates’ views, but much difference in their retention. Mr Churchill buttoned his oat and remained with his arms c olded for five minutes while the audience Hoed and cheered. Eventually he received a good hearing.