BRITISH POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 September 1928, Page 4

BRITISH POLITICS

POSSIBLE LEADERS. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) LONDON, Aug. 31. The- dying months of the Baldwin Government are noteworthy for tho illnesses of its leaders, at- a time when it is faced with the General Election next year.

The question arises as to who will be tho next chiof. It may be that in the next Parliament tile Conservatives will have only a working majority, and hence will require all the talent available. Tlie retirement is announced of the first Lord of tlie Admiralty, Mr IV. S. Bridgcmnn. Tiiis emphasises how the old brigade of Conservatives is diminishing, if not disappearing." Many of the party’s leaders are suffering from ill-health, and some are considering retirement to an easier life.

Mr Baldwin, the Prime Minister ■himself, frequently shows signs of strain, and he avails himself of every opportunity to seek seclusion.

Sir Austen Chamberlain is far more seriously ill than was at first imagined. His condition when he left yesterday, on a protracted voyage, was a shock to all of his friends, and he will probably wish for a less exciting life. Tt is certainly realised in intimate quarters that Sir Austen is no longer ambitious for the reversion to him of the Party’s leadership. Lord Cushendun (Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs) who has deputised for Sir A. Chamberlain in signing the Kellogg Pact and who also is now at Geneva, is not a strong man. He has Had a serious and trying illness recently. Mr Winston Churchill has only just emerged from a serious illness, which has necessitated his absence from many of the recent Budget discussions. Certainly he is not himself today .

lit. Hon. Neville Chamberlain (Minister of Health), though he escaped serious illnesses, is not strong. Sir W. Joynson Hicks'(Home Minister) who is an overhand worker, runs a constant risk of a breakdown.

Ministerial life seems more strenuous than ever. The retirement of Mr W. C. Bridgcman seems to emphasise the diminishing strength of tile Conservative leadership. In the House of Commons it is singularly weak in leaders. Many prominent figures have deserted politics for the city. Sir Eric Geddos and' Sir 11. Horen are examples.