BRITISH ELECTIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 30 October 1931, Page 5

BRITISH ELECTIONS

MEETING OF PARLIAMENT

A LARGER CABINET.

(United Press Association.—By Electric

Telegraph.—Copyright.)

LONDON. October 28.

Parliament meet's next Tuesday and after the formal preliminaries will be opened by the King on November 10. The Prime Minister will probably see the King to-morrow, beiore the meeting of the old Cabinet. He is expected to consult Mi- Baldwin and'Sir H. Samuel. Tho reconstructed Cabinet will not be lirnittd in members as the former for the emergency in August. It is thought likely that -Mr Lansbury will lead the Labour Party in the new Parliament.

’ ROYALLY OVATIONKD. AT LONDON THEATRE. LONDON, October 28. Wild enthusiasm marked Their •Majesties’ ,visit to a theatre, crowds waiting in the Mall in Bitter cold to cheer them as they passed by. In the Strand, a crowd rushed the roadway cheering and waving, and special police were called in to restrain the excited people from breaking down the cordons outside the theatre. Their Majesties were obviously touched by the warmth of the reception, The st-emes in the theatre ' were unparalleled for many years and the entire house rose and cheered madly when Their Majesties accompanied by the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York and Prince George, entered the Royal "box. The King, wearing white gardenia, repeatedly bowed, and the Queen waved her white-gloved hand. After the National Anthem, there was a moment’s silence as the orchestra struck up “Soldiers of the Queen,” when cheering was renewed and the House joined in the chorus.

When the play ended with an impressionistic scene depicting hectic days in 1913, Wending into a toast, “May the country of ours that we love so truly find dignity a.nd peace again,” every face in the vast audience turned to the Royal box, there being a moment of tense silence before the lights went up. The players .stood on the stage before a huge ■Union .Jack, singing the National .Anthem. The aud : ence did not join in the chorus. It seemed overawed with emotion. Many eyes glistened with tears. Their Majesties were actually leaving the box before a great cheer came. The Queen turned bowing and smiling and beckoned the King to her side, and they stood -together acknowledging an ovation. Outside the theatre, enthusiasm was unabated, as thousands shouted as the cars disappeared.

STATEMENTS.; LONDON, October 29. Mr R. MacDo-naM has issued a message to the nation in which, after thanking the millions of all parties who supported the National Government it the polls, and subordinated fop, the moment party feelings to national needs, he says: “The majority is as unique as it is gratifying, .and must convince the whole world that when (Britain calls for assistance, wiring hands and devoted minds will always respond heartily. The very emphasis of the response is embarrassing, but I appeal for forbearance, as we]] as con fidence. If the people see our task is difficult we will also give them ample evidence that the Government is Facing it with sincerity, and that the men who may not see eye to eye on ordinary political questions, are united, h uri and soul, in rinding the best way to overcome the present troubles. My political friends, who have suffered such unusual reverses and especially ito those of them, who with splendid faith and courage backed our appeal and he.iped, to swell the victory, I give the assurance that our triumph will in no way mean that the interests of the working classes will be overlooked, in the performance of the task before us.’’

Mr MacDonald, interviewed at Sea.

ham, awaiting his own figures, said:—

V The election results are astounding. ' The most gratifying features are Mr Thomas’s noble win, and Sir H. (Samuels’s clef eat of his Conservative opponent. Nothing shows more ■ clearly that the election was national, and not on party issues. Sir J. Simon says : The result surprises only those who under-estimated the people’s sanity and steadfastness. It will stand in history as the crowning proof that our democracy knows how to make short work of demagogues. Britain has saved herself and recaptured the confidence of the world by grit and commonsense. Interviewed, Mr Snowden said : “A great task awaits the National Government. The result of the election gives it an unanswerable right to speak and act for the nation, but not to pursue any party object. Great Britain’s position dm the world will be immeasurably strengthened.’’ Mr Baldwin issued a statement which says : "This is no party victory, lit -is an emphatic declaration in favour* of national co-operation to restore

the fortunes of the country. The overl ' whelming support given the Nation" 1 Government will resound throughout the world and re-establish confidence in the stability and greatness of Britain.”

SINGAPORE'ARMAMENTS

REVIVED

LONDON, October 28. Rear Admiral H. J. S. Bronwrig'g,

addressing the United Service Institution, refuted the argument that “ail Australian port cou.d be used instead of Singapore as a naval base in improving 'Umpire defence.”

MR COATES’ COMMENT. WELLINGTON, October 29. “The electois of Britain have decided for 'National stability,’’ remarked lit. Hon. Mr Coates, “and (oniideiice in the British Nation will be restored and greatly enhanced if .1 intercept correctly the declarations of the leaders and those supporting the .National Government. Thu people of Britain have determined to five within their income. An 'important feature is that Empire trade, n.-.sisi-ed by reciprocal negotiations and •arrangements, is of vital moment to New Zealand. The result of the election 1" a cle.tr proof that the people of Britain have had sufficient of a Socialist regime, and that they are sat'sliecl. N'o hope can be looked for from that quarter." Commenting on the results of the British General Election, Mr Forbes said the result showed that in an hour of crisis, Party polities could be subordinated to a nation's call for assistance and co-operation. The effeet would be undoubtedly to inspire confidence and assist in setting the wheels of industry again revolving. New Zealand would soon feel the benefit of a return of prosperity in Britain and it could certainly regard the verdict with satisfaction.’’

PRESS COMMENTS. BERLIN, October 28

“Vonvaerts” says: Thfc class solidarity of tho British bourgeois united the Conservatives and Liberals against Labour,

PARIS, October 28

“Le Matin” snvs : England has provided an impressive spectacle of a. magnificent recovery. The election will have an enormous repercussion, world-wide. The English people have shown a determination to react strongly against the policy of disorders and even in the working-class districts.

ROME, October 28

“II Tevere” interprets the British election as a blow to Socialism throughout the world. It hopes that the new Government will not adhere to the Conservative tradition of favouring French hegemony in Europe.

LONDON. October 29,

The “Evening Standard” editorially says: England’s voice will be heard throughout the world. What’s more our purpose has been heard throughout the Empire, and will awaken a tremendous response there. -The Government’s first action should Re the summoning of a new Imperial Conference, not a\t Ottawa, but at London.

SYDNEY, October 29

The “Herald.” in a leader on the election, say: The result of the election throughout the Empire will probably be as momentous as in Britain. Indeed, it is the likely response from the Dominions, as much as anything, which may recommend an effective preferential tariff to the new Government, nor is that all. In Australia and New Zealand, at any rate, the definite declaration of tho British people for strict administrative economy, reinforces up to the hilt, the advice given to these Dominions by the financial experts invited hither from the Old Country.

PANICKY ELECTORS

STAMPEDED BY A PLOT,

.MR, HENDERSON FORECASTS EARLY DISILLUSION.

LONDON, October 28

“The electors have been, duped on a grand scale, and rnv Ministerial colleagues and old friends have fallen a victim to an election plot repeating the worst Features of the coupon campaign,” declared Rt. Hon. A. Henderson. Labour has suffered a severe set-hack, but it was not broken nor discredited.

“Our total vote proves the bedrock ■strength of Labour constituencies,” remarked Mr Henderson. “But the new House will be mockery of democratic represntations. Th'e absence of an effective Official Opposition will undermine faith in Parliamentary inistitutions.” “Panic-stricken electors have been stampeded to an extent that has been unparalleled in British politics. Labour, as being the only effective bulwark against both reaction and revotemporary setback, and Labour w T ill lotion, goes on undisturbed by thP rise more vigorous than ever.”

A FRAUDULENT VICTORY

GRAVE WARNING OF TRAGEDY

LONDON, October 29,

The “Manchester Guardian” says: “The shortest and most fraudulent campaign in our time has ended, but Mr MacDonald’s tragedy is just beginning. He and the Liberals within the Government did, more completely than foreseen, the business of the Conservatives. The new House is Protectionist to the core. The electorate has been swept away by panic and fear. The campaign was carried on in a mood of hysteria, making one tremble for most of the political leaders’ sense of proportion.” NEW LABOUR LEADER. ON THE RESULTS. LONDON, October 29. Mr George Lnnsbury, who has already been, mentioned as Leader of the Labour Party in the House of Commons, attributes the result to the fact that the bulk of the people did not understand the economic causes of the world depression, which many of them

vainly imagine will be righted by tariibs. The people, lie says, have bpen paniestricken, and yet all of their fears were groundless.

TRADES UNIONIST LEADER

SOUNDS INDUSTRIAL NOTE

LONDON, October 28. Air Bromley, chairman of the T.U.C

states: The Union movement has not always been served as fully as it

should hare been by Labour politicians. r ] he movement will immediately begin to rebuild and start the fight all over again.

H. G. WELL’S COMMENT

A TORY PARTY VICTORY

v REACTION FORESEEN

WASHINGTON, October 28

H. G. Wells, the British novelist, views the National Government’s victory as a simple mandate to call in doctors rather than a triumph of Conservatism. “This, is not a Conservative victory, it is a Conservative Party's victory if you like, but do distinguish between the two.” Should the Nationalists fail to restore prosperity, Air Wells foresaw a swing towards Communism, Radicalism, and he forecasts in this event that a Socialist, even Communistic, Labour might come back to power as group.

TJ.S.A, PRESS COMMENTS. NEW YORK, October 28

Tim injection of a now spirit of optimism in world affairs is seen as one of the majov results of the British election by representative United States editorial writers and a brighter outlook for worldwide security. The repudiation of Socialistic doctrine is held a proof of the theory that Britain always goes Conservative in times of crisis, and an indication of the soundness of British public opinion. These are some of the outstanding opinions expressed by newspapers.

The American Press comment, however, generally emphasises the Protection aspect, of the Conservative victory, though the “New York Times’’ stresses enlightened leadership as being the principal need of the Conservative Party, and concludes: “What the new policies will be is yet uncertain, hut there is no uncertainty ahout the resounding verdict on men and affairs of the past two years.” The “New York Sun” says: “The voters in Britain demonstrated in a fashion that the most timorous politicians understand that in 'times oi crisis it pays to tell the people the truth.”

The “Boston Tran-sscript” says: “Scare him well, and the Englishman pulls Ills Conservative jackboots out of the cupboard!” An early vote of tariff duties, with a hopeful squint towards Empire protection, is probable.” The “Boston Herald” declares: “For better or for worse, Britain is going to shrive free trade

The “St. Lewis Star” nsk« • “What have the Conservatives to offer that they did not offer before ? Nothing except a protective tariff—and that is a. disillusion 1” The “Chicago Tribune” says: “The doctrine of cakes and circuses is a drug. Extreme national danger seems to have, revived the British people.”

AMERICAN COMMENT,

TARIFF ANTICIPATED

WASHINGTON. October 28

Astonishment and optimism were combined on Wednesday night in the United States officialdom’s reaction to Great Britain’s political upheaval. The overwhelming support for the National Government led to optimistic statements that the Government would be now in a position to deal positively with Britain’s economic difficulties.

President Hoover closely followed the returns. While no formal comment was made at White House, or by the State Department, the support given to the National Government was received with gratification. Senator Hull, the Democrat, however, said: “’The result probably means another retaliatory high tariff in response to the American high tariff leadership of the world for at least ten vears.”

Chairman Fess of Republican National Committee, stated the results of the British election came as “rays of sunshine from that part of the world, they indicate the people of England are going to meet their problems with courage and deliberation.”

EARLY IMPERIAL CONFERENCE OTTAWA, October 28.

The Canadian Government will propose to the various Empire Governments that the Imperial Conference, the assembling of which last August was postponed, should meet at Ottawa, at the earliest possible date. This nnnoucement was made by the Prime Minister, Mr Bennett, in a statement in which he expressed the hope that the former difficulties .surrounding the plan of holding the Conference- at the Canadian capital would be now rernjved:. He ,said: VTliis Government was confident t,lm conference will achieve an enduring plan of . closer economic as negation. The need for sue i association was never more urgent, and its benefits never more apparent. Canada will do its full share to bring it about.

CANADA’S IDEA-

ONLY TO RAISE HER TARIFFS

OTTAWA, October 28.

The General Election in Great Britain, with a preponderance of the Conservatives elected, together with their expressed intention of giving effect to their principles of tariff protection and wider Empire trade, is

regarded by political observers here, as bringing into office in the United | Kingdom an administration calculated | to listen sympathetically to an Empire I preference scheme as enunciated n>y | the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr I Bennett, at the second plenary session of the Imperial Conference at London, when he declared. “I offer to the Mother Country and to all parts of the Empire a preference in the Canadian. market in 'exchange for a like preference in (theirs, the preference to he based upon an addition of ten per cent, by way of increase in the prevailing Canadian tariffs, or upon tariffs yet to be created. In a universal acceptance of this offer, and in like proposals and acceptance by all other parts of the Empire we would attain to ideal of Empire preference.

ELECTED UNOPPOSED. Among the 67 candidates who were returned unopposed were;— GOVERNMENT. CONSERVATIVES.

Mr Stanley Baldwin (Bewdloy). Major R. G. C. (Lynn (Abingdon). Sir B. M, Eyres-Monsdl (Evesham). Sir Thoms Inskip (Fareham). Lord Huntington (West Derbyshire). Sir Frederick Thomson (Aberdeen South).

Mr A. Duff-C'ooper (St. George’s, Westminister). Captain E. A. Fitzroy (Daventry). Sir Hilton Young (Sevenoaks). Mr F. A. MneqiC.sten (Argyllshire). Lord Stanley (Fylde). Mr A. M. Samuel (Farnham). .Mr A. Noel Skelton (Perth and Kinross). Captain R. G. Bourne (Oxford City). Sir John Withers (Cambridge University).

Mr G. A. , Wilson (Cambridge University). Lord Hugh Cecil (Oxford University). Sir Charles Oman (Oxford University).

Colonel John Buchan (Scottish Universities). Sir George Berry (Scottish Universities).

NATIONAL LIBERALS. Mr Waiter Runciman (St. Ives). Sir V. Bowater (City of London). Mr E. L. Granville (Eye). Mr J. 1. Marpherson (Ross and Cromarty). Mr Isaac Foot (Bodmin). Sir Robert Hamilton (Orkney and ■Shetland). Mr D. M. Cowan (Scottish Universities).

OPPOSITION. LABOUR Mr W. Thorne (Piaistow). Mr A. Bevan (Ebbw Vale) STATE OF PARTIES IN 1929. The state of the Parties after 1929 election was as follows : CONSERVATIVES ... "A. ... 260 LABOUR 287 LIBERALS 59 INDEPENDENTS 9 TOTAL 615