BRITISH ELECTIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 3 November 1924, Page 3

BRITISH ELECTIONS

ACBTIIALIAN AND N.Z. OiBLE ASSOCIATION. BACK TO OL1)' JOBS. (Received this day at 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, November 2. Fourteen Labourites adopted as eleventh hour candidates forfeited their deposits of .Clod each, they not polling one-eighth of the votes uisi,.

It is understood the ox-Ministcrs arc resuming the posts which they formerly held at the Trades Unions, except Mr Bodges who is studying law.

AFRICAN VIEWS. (Received this day at 9.25 a.m.) CAPETOWN, Nov. 2

The press generally expresses satisfaction at the results of the British elections on the ground that it ensures a preferential tariff. General Smuts interviewed l>y the “Cape Times.” said ho did not doubt the change would have a favourable effect on South Africa. For one thing, preferences on South African products would take effect, which would he a great boon to tho Union’s industries, lie lamented, however, the eclipse of the Liberal Party, whereto South Africa owed a debt of gratitude for service twenty years ago, hut with his knowledge of the English character, which he was convinced, was fundamentally Lilrcrnl, and that spirit would continue to characterise the internal and foreign policy.

LOUD It 111 KEN HEAD’S EE AH

(.Received tnis dav at 9.25 n.mA

LONDON, Nov. 2.

Lord Birkenhead in an article in the “Weekly Dispatch” says although the Conscravtivcs won a glorious triumph, t. 1,0 fact that the hahourites polled more than live million votes, represents a serious menace to the future. Although I do not think those votes were cast for Bolsheviks, they disclose a state of mind of workers’ laying n great responsibility upon the Conservatives who must regard with real sympathy and intelligence, the winkers’ legitimate grievances. Jf the Conservatives use their opportunities wisely and consciously, they may ensure at least a decade of stable Government, recovering Britain’s old prosperity anti former position in the world.

THE “TIMES” COMMENT.

[“Tub Times” Skiivice.]

(Itoco'ved this day at 9.45 a.m.)

LONDON, Nov. 2

The “Times’ says Mr MacDonald’s decision to resign on Tuesday is prudent. Ministers may fairly claim a few days to meditate on thu causes of their downfall, wind up urgent business, and present the best face possible for then flollowers’ consideration. They are painful tasks. The last must he as difficult as'painful. No apology, however ingenious, can hide the fact tnat they have been responsible for one of the most crushing defeats in history. Mr MacDonald's remark in the first chagrin of defent that he did not envy the Tories their job, is suggestive. It is. indeed, not a job to he envied. Possibly ifr MacDonald deemed it a job to lie avoided.

AVKAfBBKY CLOSIN'!! SCENES

LONDON, Nov. 2,

Fifty thousand were present at Wembley Stadium which was a quagmire. Torrential rain fell throughout the ceremony which was preceded by an hour of military music, -massed pipes and drums. The Trish and Scots’ Guards at first marched on the running track while workmen dug the ground with forks in an effort to drain the pools of water. Massed bands of the guards played selections, after which the Prince of Wales, in a speech, said the Exhibition had been of signal service to the Empire, enabling a more sympathetic reciprocal 'understanding between those living in the Homeland and those overseas. The attendance was 18 millions, whereof live million were children. He concluded that he understood negotiations with a view to ro-onening the exhibition were now pro-

<C ](ishon Willesden led the prayer. Tlie audience sang “Oh God V ur 11 . t ‘ l ’ - . The massed hands sounded the lfetre.it. The hags of Britain, Dominions and Colonies, which throughout the Exmbition were prominent at the summit of the stadium walls were struck am the crowd sang “Auld Lang Sync and the National Anthem. The Prince of Wales departed aftei encircling the stadium, amid a continuous roar of dicers.