HOME POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 February 1920, Page 5

HOME POLITICS.

THE PAISLEY BY-ELECTION. yiCTORY FOR MR. ASQUITH. By Telegraph.—l'vess Assn - Copytfsht. London, Feb. 23. Mr. Asquith has been elected member for Paisley. The voting was: — Right Hon. H- 11. Asquith (Liberal) 14,730 J. M. Biggar (Independent Coalitionist) 11,902 C. MacKeau (Coalition Unionist) 3,795

AX EXCITING ELECTION. MR. ASQUITH'S RECEPTION. Received Feb. 28, n.30 p.m. London, Feb. 25. The excitement at Paisley was unprecedented for many years. There was much betting, mid numberless sweepstakes were c gauised on the result in the political enibs in London and the provinces, which were crowded to read the declaration of the poll on the tape machines. It is recognised that Mr. Asquith'.* return will revolutionise the Parliamentary situation. Seventy-nine per cent, of the electors voted. When Mr. Asquitli emerged from the County buildings after the declaration of the poll lie was pelted with peasemeal. An attempt was made to hold up his motor with a rope, but he finally broke through, amid a babel of cheers and hisses, Mr. Bigger appeared later, and was carried shoulder high along the streets. Mr. MacKcan forfeited £l5O, not polling the required percentage. Mr, Asquitli takes his seat on Mon-day—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. The by-election for the Paisley Division was irendered siecessary by the death of Sir J. Mc-Callum, the lata member. The poll at the general election in December, WIS, was as follows: Sir .T. McCallum (Liberal) 7542 J. M. Biggar (Independent Coalitionist) .7433 John Taylor (Coalitionist) 7201 Mr. Asquith, after a distinguished political career, has been absent) from Westminster for a little over a year, having been defeated for East Fifeshire at the general elections in ?>pemser, 1018. It was one of several bombr.hells of an exciting election. Mr. Asquitli first entered Parliament as the representative for the Scottish division in 18S0, and his seat was regarded as a. particularly safe one. But during the latter years of the war many influences combined to make Mr. Asquith unpopular, and when he asked bis constituents for an endorsement of the confidence they had expressed in him throughout his Parliamentary career, the answer was "no," and Mr. Asquith had to give way to a Unionist, Colonel Sir A. Sprot, who defeated the Liberal Leader by a substantial majority of over two thousand votes. By returning to Parliament Mr. Asquith takes up again a notable career. Educated at the City of London Scliool lie went, to Balliol with a scholarship, and followed up a brilliant career at Oxford by making an enviable reputation at the Bar. From his first, appearance in Parliament in 18S0 Mr. Asquith rapidly forged ahead, until in 100S he became Prime Minister, succeeding the late Sir H. Canvpbell-Bannerman. A great Liberal. Mr. Asquith was a great leader, and he continued in office as Premier after the Coalition Government was formed. But in lfllfi differences arose, and he resigned the Premiership in December of that year, being followed by Mr. Lloyd George. Mr. Asquith is in his sixty-seventh year,

LORD HALDANE AND LABOR. A REPORT AND A DENIAL. Received Feb. 26, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 24. It is rumored Lord Haldaue is joining the Labor Party. He will address the Wiltshire electors on behalf of the prospective Labor candidate.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, Received Feb. 26, S p.m. London, Feb. 23. Lord Haldflne denies he has joined the Labor Party, though he cannot say what may happen in the future. Lord Hakkne ivas elected yesterday President of the Manchester Reform Club.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. LADIES IN POLITICS. ' LADY ASTOR'S FIRST SPEECH. Received Feb. 26, 8 p.m. London, Feb. 25. The Liberal organisation in seven constituencies invited Lady Bonham-Carter to stand at the next elections. Lady Astor's maiden speech was universally regarded as a signal success. She displayed much wittiness, and the speech contained many pathetic passages. She received an ovation at the conclusion. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. Received Feb. 26, 10.50 p.m. London, Feb. 20. Lady Astor's first speech was delivered to a croSvded House during discussion on a private member's motion urging the removal of the war time liquor restrictions. Members flocked n when they learned Lady Astor was speaking. She was slightly nervous, but she defended the restrictions, which had resulted in a great moral gain. Women's convictions for drunkenness dropped to one-fifth (hiring the war, while convictions doubled in 1010 in consequence of modifications of the restric-tions.—Aus.-X.JC. Cable Assn. [Ladv Bonham-Carter is a daughter of Mr.A.squith.J