TO THE POLL IN BOATS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume V, Issue 318, 7 December 1910, Page 5

TO THE POLL IN BOATS.

PRESS OPINION. FREE, FULL, RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT. London, Yesterday. Owing to the floods many of the voters in Nottingham and Worcester were conveyed to the polls in carts and boats. Hundreds of horses and cattle have been drowned at Westbridge ford. The "Times" says the election is largely a replica of the January voting. Only the more wide awake were in the least prepared or aware of the serious difference in the situation. The majority are in a bewilderment of perplexity and doubtless have taken refuge by voting as in January. An analysis of the figures reveals the beginning of a change, but the Government's worthy tactics and shifty experiences have effectually precluded a new and considered judgment of the situation.

The "Daily News" states that yesterday's pollings are an excellent defence of Luvjralism, and every day now gives more and better opportunities of attack. The "Daily Chronicle" declares the Tories and Peers are already beaten, Mr Aquith, speaking at Aecrington, and describing the Lords' obstruction after the election of 1906, as the greatest electoral revolution, said Britain asked whether an unexampled majority of Liberals were to be sent to the House oL' Commons to kick their heels and spend weeks and months in elaborating legislation in order to have their measures murdered and mutilated. Their four year's power was not barren, and the greatest achievement of all .which he would rather have inscribed on the Covernnient's record than anything else, was free, full, responsible C.ovenment. Had it gone to the Lords South Africa would never have got that priceless boon. Let them not be deluded by the fancy schemes launched at the fiftieth minute of the eleventh hour.

Received December 7, 12.25 a.m. London, Yesterday. Mr Walter Long, speaking at Southampton, said the Unionists were resolved, besides reforming, t.o bring the Lords into closer touch with the people and to introduce the referendum principle with such amendments and extensions as would permanently secure the people's unalterable right to control the legislation whereby they were governed. The Hon. A. Lyttleton, speaking at Warwick, declared it was impossible to grant an independent Parliament for Ireland, which, while contributing £7,000,000 to the Imperial revenue, drew nearly £10,000,000. Ireland couid, with Home Rule, protect herself against Britain's goods.