The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27th., 1931. THE BRITISH ELECTIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 October 1931, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27th., 1931. THE BRITISH ELECTIONS.

Ax epoch-marking event in the history of Great Britain, if not in the Empire, has mow reached its climax, and the result of the general election at Home will soon be widely known. Events politically have moved quickly in the Old Country since July dost. 11l that month, the Labour Government was face to f; c,;> with a financial debacle, bu't despite the impending crisis, the Government p-rposed to defer action tijj thp House as embled again in November. But ea: ly in August there was a “run’ Q» the Bank of England

produced mainly by the depletion or the gold reserves. The Bank had to be 1 helped by both the United States and France, and this caused alarm on the Continent. Still Government did mot | move. But the bankers had to approach the 'Government, and urge consideration of the financial stringency. . Economics were drafted, but the Labour Cabinet split over retrenchments, and matters were in, the melting pot. Under the King’s influence a. National Govermtct wag formed of the remnant of the Labour Party, the Conservatives and part of the Liberals following. These events moved quickly, but the creation . of the National Ministry checked and ultimately, saved the situation. The gold run was said to have been caused by the refusal of Labour to balance the budget, and that refusal wag due to internal differences—as is since being disclosed. The cutting of the dole payments by 20 per cent, was i very vital issue with Labour members. There had been a vast expend-

( iture under the dole, and the Trades Union Council seemed to dominate the position, and influenced the majority of Cabinet hence the resignation of the Labour Ministry. It will be interesting to see how the masses will view the record of the Labour Government. Actually, out side of the dole, little wus done for the betterment of'labour. It was the boast of- ijhe Labour Min* ister that Miss Bond field had obtained two hundred millions for the unemployed. But that huge expenditure did not advance the country and still the unemployed called for more! The leaders have since been trying to put | the blame on the hankers and banking institutions, but Mr Snowden has scotched that. The policy of the new Government may be summed up in one word—“’Safety.” The details of that policy have not been fully explained—only hinted at- yet the preponderance of public opinion is with the National Party. The Government is a very able team. It contains the clearest thinkers of the Labour movement, u. leaven of Liberal aspirations, and practically the brains of the Conservatives. In the fight, Mr Snowden is a tower of strength for he has a. store of ammunition, the discharge of which spreads dismay ini ,the Labour ranks. Mr MacDonald lias played the game and Mr Baldwin has qualities well known to inspire confidence. Mr Henderson who leads the Labour group now, is not as extreme as many of the rank and file. He has a good record as a Foreign Minister and lie would be a loss to the House were he defeated. In the light of the reports from Home the National Government seems

destined to win! 7 by a large majority. Such a result will have a good effect on the Continent and abroad. It should help matters, too, in regard, to India, and generally restore Great Britain to that high pedestal among the foremost Powers, a- position which has been filled always with credit and renown.