TO KEEP LABOUR OUT.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 1, 2 January 1924, Page 5

TO KEEP LABOUR OUT.

CO-OPERATION SUGGESTED. CONSERVATIVE SUGGESTIONS. MB. ASQTJITH AS LEADER. : (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Received 1 p.m. LONDON, January 1. A movement towards co-operation to maintain government on constitutional lines and prevent Labour's entry is ' growing among the rank and file of the Conservatives and Liberals. The City of ' London Conservative Association decided Ito appeal to Mr. Stanley Baldwin to ' approach Mr. Asquith and assure him of ! Conservative support if he is willing to • form a government. It is considered that i Mr. Baldwin must explicitly reply to this i leading party organisation, representing ; London's business and industrial lfe. It is also generally assumed that Mr. BaldI win cannot avoid summoning a meeting of the Conservative party.—("Sun.")

IF LABOUR RULES. A SERIOUS PROSPECT. INEXPERIENCED HELMSMEN. (Received 0.30 a.m.) LONDON, January 1. The "Daily Graphic" asserts that a number of officials in the diplomatic and civil services occupying responsible posts throughout the world have given notice of their intention to resign in the event of a Labour Government coming into power.

The "Times" says the prospect of a Labour Government is sufficiently serious without listening to wild predictions and dismal forebodings, because the Labourites include hardly a man with any experience of national administration. Fortunately there will be a vigilant and well-informed Opposition, which must defeat any attempt to practise dangerous theories. Whether the Opposition crystallises into a single party created to combat Socialism depends upon the Labourites.— (A. and K.Z. Cable.)

LABOUR AND PREFERENCE.

REJECTED BY ELECTORATE.

LONDON, January 1,

Mr. J. R. Clynes, defining the probable Labour Cabinet's attitude on Preference replied:—"As Preference is part of the proposals recently rejected by ' the electorate, I do not see how effect , can be given to the arrangements made , before the issue was decided. More substantial advantage might be secured for the Dominions through better shipping transport facilities, as well as deciding ' how best producers can receive a larger part of the amount the consumers paid for Dominion products."

He declined to comment on Mr. Brucc's speech, beyond describing it as a frank and fair statement of the position. His argument was that Britain was not bound by the decisions of the conference until Parliament confirmed them. He would not discuss Mr. Brace's assertion that it would be disastrous if tbe decisions were not put into operation.—("Sun.")