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Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1930, Page 4

The trend of British politics promises to be governed to a great extent in the near future, by the important speech delivered by Mr Baldwin, exrremier, at an important gathering of the Council of the National Union of the Conservative Association. For some time there has been a tendency on the part of a section of the Conservatives to force tile pace politically in the endeavour to regain the confidence of the people' and save the country from the possible political excursions of the Labour Ministry. Quite recently the United Empire Party lias been formed with Lord Beaverbrook (named also as the next Premier) at the head of it and assisted by Lord Rotherniere, the two noble lords controlling a large section of the British press. Their policy was avowed to assist the Dominions which were to be helped by providing more of the food of the Motherland, the assistance to come through a tariff barrier to foreign supplies. Despite the natural unpopularity to food taxes, the policy has had a remarkably good reception, and the force and power of the United Empire Party have been growing steadily. Mr Baldwin as the head of the Party was naturally looked to to' give a lead in tne matter, and his recent speech as leader of the Conservatives was designed for that end. Mr Baldwin lias succeeded evidently in outlining a policy which has rather captured the imagination of his Party, and the leaders of the Empire Party are not prepared to condemn it, but regard the declaration hopefully, and as suggesting a way to meet more unitedly the present complex political situation. Mr Baldwin lias always been a capable leader and clear exponent of his policy. On this occasion he appears to have excelled himself. He has set out the difficulties—and they are groat—clearly, and offers a safe method for Hie country to give an intelligent verdict on the great fiscal issue. Whether Air Baldwin can possibly in the near ■future regain the Treasury benches, and place his proposal for a referendum before the people for decision, is another matter. Mr Baldwin is being charged over and over again with the responsibility of securing the “vote for dappers,” and has added so tre-

memlously to the rolls, that he has removed for an indefinite time the chances of a speedy return of the Conservatives to j tower. But what is clear at the moment is that Mr Baldin has shown a way to heal the breach within his Party, and consolidate the Conservatives in respect to a definite objective which will make for unity, and so retain the political importance due to the age-old Conservative following. The London press appears to recognise the result as tending to that end, and there appears to be rather rejoicing that Mr Baldwin by a single stroke has been able to bring off so important a result for his Party organisation.