BRITAIN.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 January 1916, Page 5

BRITAIN.

THE LABOR PARTY. A SPLIT IN THE RANKS PROBABLE. ; London, Jan. 9. After a weok's strenuous excitement the country enjoys the week-end in comparative quiet. Interest continues to be centred in the Trades Union attitude, but/ it is noteworthy that several of the leaders insist that the Congress' decision must not be regarded as 1 a reflection of the Trades Union movement. Mr. Hodge, M.l'., considers it was a mistake to call a composite conference. 'lt should have been a purely trade congress. He believes it may result in the expulsion of the Independent Labor Party, the Eabians, and other political elements. Anyhow, Mr. Hodge considers the crisis has passed and that there will not be a general election. Mr. Havelock Wilson has similar views, but Mr. Thomas maintains an Uncompromising attitude. He had a mixed reception at Cardiff, where the meeting was divided on lines similar to Thursday's conference. Mr. Thomas said he would support compulsion if wealth subscribed equally with labor.

MR. TKOMAS AT SWANSEA. ANTI-CONSCRIPTION MOTION CARRIED. Received Jan. 10, 5.5 p.m. London, Jan. !). Mr. Thomas met with a mixed reception at Swansea. While he said he had the utmost contempt for the unmarried slacker, lie denied that voluntaryism had yet failed, and it ought to be continued. Disagreement regarding .service was undesirable, for it was playing into the enemy's hands. We were determined to smash German militarism, but we must not create a despotism in Britain, which might easily be extended to workshops. H» (suspected that was the object of many eonscriptioni.sts. He himself was prepared to face his constituents on the issue, but he was opposed to a. general election as likely to arouse bitterness and destroy unity. An anti-conscription resolution was carried. PROMOTION FOR MR. CHURCHILL. Received Jan. 10, 11.15 p.m. London, Jan. 10. Major Winston Churchill's appointment to the command of a battalion of the Royal Scots is regarded as a brief stepping-stone to the post of a brigade commander.