“MILK AND WATER POLICY”

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 105, 29 January 1924, Page 6

“MILK AND WATER POLICY”

BRITISH LABOUR PARTY AT MERCY OF LIBERALS TACTICS OF RADICALS DENOUNCED MR, BALDWIN’S COURAGEOUS COURSE The Earl of Harrowby, who arrived last evening by the Maunganui on a tour of the Dominion, expressed the opinion that the Labour Government would adopt a "milk and water” policy in the United Kingdom, and would hold office entirely at the whim of the Liberals. The Earl of Harrowby, who visited New Zealand in 1886 after having left college, is renewing his acquaintance with the Dominion. . Asked for his opinion on the political outlook in Great Britain, he said that he, like many others who left Homo before the elections, received something of a shock to learn thaf the Baldwin Government had decided on an appeal .to the electors. “I left in October,” he said, “and there was no question, then of a general election. It was. evidently owing to the influence the Dominions’ Prime Ministers at the Imperial Conference brought to bear on Mr. Baldwin that he adopted the courageous and honourable action in appealing to the country in support of the policy advocated by the Dominions, and which met with the hearty and sympathetic approval not only of the late Prime Minister, but of the Conservative Party as a whole; that is, the policy of Imperial preference. A Bold Course. “There is a man, who-had just got into office, and might have remained there for four years as Prime Minister! There is no Minister Who would have done what he did to jeopardise his position. It was a very bold thing to do." •' Lord Harrowby could not f nd words to express his denunciation of the tactics of the Radicals in the general election campaign. “To say that it was wanton misrepresentation would he expressing it altogether too mildly, ’ he said. “My son, who represe ited Shrewsbury division of Salop, was defeated by a campaign of lies. The electors, especially the women { were told that their food would cost more, and that to support the Conservative Party would mean to bring about heavier taxation on food. Liberals Control situation. “I do not think the Labour Gov ernment can stay in power very long,” remarked the Earl. “The Liberal Party entirely control lhe situation. Labour represents not cne-fifth of the electors, and, in the meantime, are there entirely on sufferance. 1 do not believe the country, as a whole, wants Labour. As long as the Liberal Party supports them, they will continue, but it will be only milk and water measures that they will introduce.”