BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1924, Page 3

BRITISH POLITICS.

tlt e utk us T ei, eg n\m a. ] ATI! BA LI) W IN’S SPEECH. VARIOUS .MATTERS DEALT WITH. (Received this cliiy al, 11.25 a.m.) I.().\DON, November 11. At the Guildhall -Mr Stanley Baldwin (Piimo Minister) said the late. Government did its best In carry out the resolutions of the Imperial Kcouoinie Conference which were not subject to political controversy. Hut the la rue questions of policy .affecting the Dominions, like preference and defence, would have to he reviewed by the present Government; while others, like the Geneva Protocol, tiie Government was pledged to examine in conference with the Dominions. All rejoiced nL the success of Wembley which was invaluable. It had stimulated inter-imperial trade and had extended the knowledge of the Empire. The Govtirninent did not intend Unit this oreat enterprise should cornu to an untimely end. Practically the whole capital expenditure already incurred and the cost of reopening Wembley next year thus allowing many more millions to see the Kxliibition; would not he great. 'I he Government was unable to stand alone in this respect, but would ask Parliament to provide Iresh and sufficient guarantees if they were adequately supported by the other paties concerned.

Whatever the delects the new administration might have it would not fail to seek the co-operation of the Dominions in all matters pertaining to

our common heritage. As regards home allairs the Government would institute a thorough inquiry into the high prices and imuiedjnteiy' grapple with the housing problem and a clearance, of the slums. The Government would do its uttermost to improve the social conditions

of I lie masses. Air \V. C. Rridgoniait (First Lord of the Admiralty) referred to the Government’s high ideals in using the nayy as the best and cheapest form of insur. anee for the peace of the world, without intention to gratify the lust of ambition and conquest. Sir Laming V urthiugton-Evuns, ( Secretary of State for War) declared that tho "army bail been reduced to a size compatible with its functions. U was small as compared with the duties

it had to perform. It must, thereloro, 1, 0 highly efficient anil equipped with the host weapons. It must also he highly mobile in older to concentrate on"any threatened point, lie concluded by appealing for greater support for the territorial army.