BRITISH POLITICS.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1930, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

[United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.]

LONDON. March 5

Mr Baldwin's speech to the Conservative Association has had important repercussions on the United Empire Party, which Lord Beaverbrook inaugurated. The development occurred immediately alter the speech. Lord Beaverbrook was booked to deli veir a speech at a meeting of agriculturists, . intsead of which he sent an urgent letter addressed to the Chairman, saying mat Mr Baldwins announcement was a momentous one, almost transforming tile political outlook. He hesitated to make a deelaraLion of policy on behalf of the United Party until he had the opportunity of consulting his «lleagticcs, hut he felt that he could congratulate the members that the prospects of their cause had taken a favoura.be turn.

The Chairman, Mi- Hannon, M.P. read this letter to the meeting which cheered and rcchee'-ed for several minutes the Chairman declaring that lie was in a position to say that the whole of the United Party would stand by the great forward policy which Mr Baldwin had just announced.

The Marquis of Elibank, addressing the same meeting, declared tha though Mr Baldwin's announcement had not went as far as they desired, Lord Beaverbrook and Lord Rothermerc and their colleagues . were prepared to accept it loyally, and were determined to carry it out.

A CHANGE IN POLICY

LONDON, March 5

Tile ‘’Morning Post” says it regards Mr Baldwin’s proposal as a great advance on the policy of negation which hitherto has shackled the Conservative Party. It has no doubts Lord Beaverbrook and Lord Bothermere have discovered that the fathering of a party is more difficult, troublesome, and costly than running a newspaper, and will 'he relieved to find this opportunity of laying the troublesome infant at rest on the capacious bosom of the Conservative “foster mother.”

The “Daily Mail,” commenting on Mr Baldwin’s .Speech, says there can he no doubt strong influences within the Conservative Party were brought to bear on Mr Baldwin to secure such a result and make him realise that the policy of the United Empire Party is what the Conservatives have most at heart. The “Daily Chronicle” stresses that it takes more than one party to remove any issue from party politics. The question of taxing foreign food, on which the lives of the people depend, is a supreme political issue, on which a party must make up its mind and be pepared to stake its existence.

THE LIBERAL PARTY

LLOYD GFDROK REMAINS LEADER.

LONDON, March 4

After the longest meeting of the Liberal Party in history, an official report has been is-ued stating, that a vote of confidence in Mr Lloyd George was carried by acclamation, after a prolonged and frank discussion on Mr Lloyd George’s invitations pledged to work in harmonious Parliamentary co-operation in future. Sir R. Hutchison was requested, and consented, to withdraw his resignation.

It is understood that there was one dissentient from tlie Lloyd George confidence resolution. Rt. Hon. AV. C. Runciman and Sir AY. Mac Lean, and a few other members abstained from voting. The giving of a personal pledge was not expressed as a formal resolution, but was put as a question from tlie chair, as to whether the Party could agree to work harmoniously, which was passed unanimously.