The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 20th , 1924, THE POLITICAL BATTLE

Hokitika Guardian, 20 October 1924, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 20th , 1924, THE POLITICAL BATTLE

It is easily to he seen from the details supplied over the cable, that the British elections now proceeding aro of particular magnituie. The parties are realising in some degree at least that it is a light to a Jinish so far as the ascendency of Socialism is concerned just now. Between the Conservatives and -Liberals there is an amount of fusion going on which is obviously to prevent the opposition in many constituencies being divided and letting Labor slip in in a triangular contest. This action is a product of the times and a realisation not of possibilities, Lut of probabilities. In that respect

the lesson of self-sacrifice which many members aro giving in preference to party movements in such a direction, is arresting. It is given out that the party organisations aro not directing these fusion or compact negotiations,

hut the arrangements are the result of individual conference. Be that as it may, the result will Lc the same, and that is manifest now in the fear on the part of Labor that it will loso seats which at present it holds on a majority vote. Labor made a great mistake in falling out with the Liberals who had done so much to help them into office and afterwards keep them there. Mr Eamsny MacDonald

was more valorous than discreet when he would not accept Mr Asquith's offer about Sir John Simon's amendment to the Conservative vote of no-conlidence m ihe Campbell case. The J/ilynal amendment offered a way out for the Government to save itself, but the Prime .Minister elected to ride the high horse and began to sav bard things about the Liberal leaders, lie cut away the bridges by which be had passed over to office, and nlicii lie vent on bis tour he Was equally sarcastic about the Liberals. But seeing the toils of the fusion pact encircling his party. Mr MacDonald has become more circumspect and is now making overtures to the rank and tile of the Liberals to come over and help him! It i.s a phase of political life which the Prime Minister has been slow to realise. As to the outcome of the great contest, the critics at Home are confounded as to the possible result. The Conservatives have made a good start in the matter of mieontested seats, and in some quarters this may lie regarded as a good omen. Mr Baldwin has had iiis political experience enriched by his fatal move of last year, in precipitating a general election and giving Labar the opening tu office. Oil the lace of it the Conservatives have the best party chance of an absolute majority. But the Liberals may yet be a deciding tuctnr so far as the party in office i.s concerned, and the compact which i.s now materialising may he the basis of a real coalition in the new House of Commons. If that lie so. Labor will be ousted very definitely ; a possibility not remote, and instancing bow hasty Mr AlacDonald was in rushing to the polls. The election is to be dctei mined next Wednesday week, and v,!| ea..d> be an event of world vide ipuportanee overshadowing the presidential election in the United States where party funds are Mowing like water, according to latest news from America. The election in Knghind tines itself down to a contest between moderate political opinion and the extremists. For tho former the Conservatives have put forward a moderate policy and appeal, and this will he the most iiitliicutial effort to counteract Labor’s rule with its ultra-radical policy. It is the determination of this important issue which makes the occasion one of such momentous interest.