Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1923. HOMELAND ELECTIONS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 December 1923, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1923. HOMELAND ELECTIONS.

The general elections in the Motherland have resulted as could have been predicted (and were so in this column) and it is surprising to find surprise is expressed by the British Press that no one party received a clear majority. The chances of this were never bright, and apart perhaps, from the extent of the Labour successes, the pollings fulfilled the expectations that Mr. Baldwin would pay for his temerity and, honesty by exchanging substance for shadow. None the less, it is most unjust that he should now be rated for his tactics. These were wrong, but he could 3iot have forced Parliament’s premature dissolution had he not been supported by the majority of his colleagues and party. " Had the elections resulted in favour of the Ministry, the Premier would have been hailed by his present detractors as a modern Pitt, and similar eulogies. Nothing fails like failure, and Mr. Baldwin may lose his political ascendency even quicker than he won it. At this stage, it is mere guessing to declare what will happen, but it seems most probable that Air. Baldwin will retain office, an era of “tranquility” promised previously by the late Mr. Bonar Law, being maintained meanwhile. Certainly, protection is dead lor the time, and may never be resurrected. The struggle between tariffs and free trade in lhe Homeland is an old story, but the result has long been a victory lor the hitter, and will be for al, least another generation, should the tight be renewed, which is unlikely. Apart from the tariff issue, not a great deal of difference exists lief ween the Conservatives and Liberals,— except at election periods.—and if should be easy lor the Government Io carry on with Liberal aid, without, sacrifice of real principles

by either side.' Both are opposed to the main planks of the Labour platform, and a coalition or working understanding between the Conservatives and Liberals would be a more natural development than one between Labour and either of its opponents. The political situation at Home is not unlike what it is in the Dominion, and just as Mr. Massey has been able to retain office by the aid of nominal Liberals, so top can Mr. Baldwin, or whoever else becomes Premier. The respective aggregate votes of the three main parties in the Homeland show that the Conservatives have a majority in the country, as in the House, and they are therefore entitled to be in charge of the country’s destinies. Meanwhile, the Asquithian advice of “Wait and see” is the wisest attitude of Empire onlookers. So far as the personal aspects of the results of the elections are concerned, there is not much to regret. With the exception of leaders like Mr. Churchill, and Mr. A. Henderson, very few “strong” men were rejected, and the House generally may be regarded as more representative of British common sense. It is very gratifying to note the rejection of Communists like Mr. Ncwbould and Mr. Saklatvala, and probably none will be more inwardly pleased at this than the Labour leaders, who even on such an issue as the capital levy, increasingly realise the wisdom of moderation. The number of women Members has increased, and this should help the House and the Press to lessen the tendency to fuss over the ladies in the House, and to estimate them solely for their political and administrative qualities. A welcome return to the Commons is that of Mr. Masterman, who was some years ago, regarded as among the best of the Liberal younger men, but hard luck at elections and private troubles have combined to keep him in retirement. .His personal qualities and political gifts should help him now to “come back.”