The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1926.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1926, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1926.

POLITICIANS AND PRESS. A i.Tiiocoii in his "Politicians and Press’’ Lord Beavorbrook tells his readeis not to expect any revelations lie has milch to say, ••'marks a reviewer, that will he news m 'he general public. Certainly In? lias been in an excellent position to see what was going on behind the political scenes. A Canadian by birth, he was very successful in business, and, removing to England, entered Parliament. During the war lie acted on heliall ol the Canadian (Miveiiiment in various official capacities, and been me Minister of Information and an influential member of the inner circle of polities. Some years ago he purchased the “Daily Express,” then in a moribund condition; indeed, Lord Rotbermere advised him against the venture. Under his control it lias prospered, and though Conservative in politics, it does not hesitate on occasion to take a line of its

o" ii in opposition to tlio Government. I.oi'il Bcaverbrnok throws some interesting sidelights oil several episodes in recent political history. W hat, for in--7 stance, compelled Mr Lloyd George to go to the country in 1013? How far was lie responsible for encouraging the Greeks in their disastrous assault upon the Turks? What was the explanation of the Gounaris incident, which showed that a rift was widening , between the parties to the coalition? Who stage-managed the Carlton Club drama which brought about the dissolution of the Coalition? Whv did Mr Winston Churchill join the Con.servnties? These and other ipiestions are 1 answered by the author. We are also given many glimpses of celebrities. ' Lord Bcaverbrnok was an intimate friend of Jfonur Law, a frllow-Canad-ian, and had a great respect for his judgment. Indeed, so often did Donor Law prove right and the author wrong that he preferred it to his own. Of Mr Baldwin’s judgment lie has a less complimentary opinion. Lord Northcl iffe was amazingly sensitive to criticism. Although he never spared others, he bitterly resented any hostile comment upon himself. 'Lord Birkenhead. on the other hand, is quite im-

previous to attacks (it is just as well for his own [v:ace of mind), hut is susceptible to flattery. Mr Lloyd George appreciates the value of a “good Press’’ hut is neither unduly sensitive nor unduly indifferent, lie does not mind how vehemently his public policy is assailed, hut is very indignant if anyone impugns his private life and conduct. Mr Winston Churchill likes praise and dislikes blame more than Mr Lloyd Gieorge. but lie objects to cnticism of his public policy as liotlv as Mr l.loyil George does to reflections on his personal affairs. In discussing the relations between politicians and Press, laird Boa verb rook claims for the latter a very important role. It is not

enough, lie says, that it should he independent. The Press must actually govern. Only thus can we get things done. .Politicians are lacking ifi enterprise and timid unless assured of support. 'l’he Press should furnish them with ideals and be tl»? driving force which makes them carry them out. Tn point of fact, peraps, the author exaggerates the influence of the Press. ' Tts powers are great, but are not un- j limited. Thu- in Britain the Press is dominantly Conservative. The Liberals j have been at a disadvantage in this respect. Yet often in the past they have been victorious at the polls.