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Hokitika Guardian, 31 October 1924, Page 2

Tim progress reports of the British elections confirm the earlier anticipations that the Consorali ves would “come back.’ There have been many contributing causes for this. The first was the fact that the previous election was on it false issue. The preferential tariff on which Mr Baldwin went to the polls, was a practical blunder as disastrous as the issue on which Mr Ramsay MacDonald rushed to his doom. But having east the die, Mr MacDonald must accept the verdict as Mr Baldwin did before, mid wait for bis opening to “come back.” Bailor will have learned a valuable lesson by its political experience, and must wait its turn again—which will be postponed somewhat indefinitely now that the Conservatives have assumed a definite majority. The lilierals have suffered a debacle, thanks mainly to the efforts to form a pact with tho victors, which has resulted practically in a return to the two party system. There could lie no stable government at Home, with the threeparty system, but once again the House will lie more fairly divided in that there will be a definite line of demarcation between the ins and the outs. All* Baldwin will enter on another stage of his career with his experience ripened. lie will at least have a clear majority behind him. He will have the benefit of the improved condition in the foreign affairs brought about by Mr MncDonabl’s fresh diplomacy, and will find some relief in that quarter. But be will have much to engross his attention in Home politics. not the least pressing of which will lie the Irish affairs. The result of the election is in keeping with English traditions for safety first, in politics. as in till other things.