BRITISH POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1931, Page 5

BRITISH POLITICS

MR MACDONALD’S PROGRAMME

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

LONDON, October 7

“Despite appearances, Mr M.cDonald’s programme is not really a liebnl ous one. He himself is the symbol that the National forces are not t bo dissipated in internecine quarrels. The decision to hold a general election means that all the parties that are supporting the Government realise the overwhelming importance of erushingly defeating the Socialists. Nothing less can reassure the world tnat Britain means to face ler difficulties. It.is for the constituencies to complete the work that the Cabinet has begun, and to choose candidates who are not fiscal fantastics on either side. The election decision has relieved business circles, stitulated the gilt-edged market, and caused a recovery of sterling. Orders received by the Yorkshire textile industry since the lapse of the gold standard total millions sterling, ensuring work for thousands of operators well into 1932. The outlook is the brightest for years. There is talk of a similar revival in the South 'Wales coal fields.”

GOVERNMENT’S VERSION,

RUGBY, October fi,

The announcement that the period of uncertainty had ended was received with general satisfaction, although the powers of the present Parliament are exhausted, and it has for long been recognised by .many leading members of tbe Government, including some who were also members of the late Labour administration that essential leforms require either a united House of Commons, or one in. which a stiong National Government could reply up::n a safe majority. Lord Grey’s timely intervention has done much to convince the Liberals that it is as unreasonable for the free traders to qualify their support of the National Government, by insisting that tariffs should be excluded from its powers, as that the Conservatives should interpret a vote for the National Government, Gas a vote for unlimited protection on party lines. There is little doubt that the public generally is now thoroughly alive to the necessity for an immediate election to permit an active policy of recontruction being undertaken by a wide Ij’-based administration, secure against embarrassment in the division lobbies.

INDEPENDENT PAPER. LONDON, October 7. The “Manchester Guardian” declares: “The general elction decision is merely a device to enable the Tories to introduce ft permanent system of high tariffs, H Mffi LLQ^GeOrGE., t DISAPPROVES OF GOVERNMENT’S ACTION. LONDON, October 6. It is understood that, -while the Liberal members of the Ministry unani mously'acquiesced in an appeal to tbe country, and have, 1 the approval of most Liberals in Parliament for the support they are giving Mr MacDonald and the National Government, the views of Mr Lloyd George remain unchanged. He disapproves of an election at the present time, and of the action taken by the Liberal Ministers. ELECTION CAMPAIGN. MR BALDWIN OPENING. (Received this day at 9.25 a.ml LONDON, October 7. Mr Baldwin opens the campaign 'on behalf of the National Government at Birmingham Town Hall on Friday night. LLOYD GEORGE’S VIEWS. LONDON, October 7. It is understood Mr Lloyd George holds the opinion that the decision of Liberal Cabineters to no longer oppose the election is a gross betrayal of the interests of the Country Party and may result in fastening the shackles of protection on the country for a' generation and will wreck the Liberal Party.

ELECTION NOTES.

LONDON'. October 7

A violent attack on Mr Ramsay MacDonald is a feature of the “Daily Herald” editorial, wherein it declares he rs bound hand and foot by the Tory oligarchy. We believe the country will refuse to be bamboozled by insolent appeals for national unity as puerile and threats that the -return of La bomwill mean a national collapse. Lord Beaverbrook calls on all Empire crusaders to question candidates and make sure they will support* Empire

free trade. Mr Henderson’s opponent is RearAdmiral Gordon Campbell 0.8.0.A.T., [Victoria Cross. It is expected that three-cornered contests will be reduced to a minimum. The campaign will be fousrht on general principles and accordingly there is no need for specialised literature and posters.