The Fiscal Struggle

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIII, Issue 284, 16 November 1923, Page 5

The Fiscal Struggle

Next Conservative Cabinet NOTABLE ABSENTEES. LORD BIRKENHEAD AND MR. AUBTJSN CHAMBERLAIN. .By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) London, Nov. 14. The “Morning Post” understands that Lord Birkenhead’s overtures to the Government have not boon accepted and he will not be a platform protagonist, though in Mr. Chamberlain’s days there was no more doughty champion. it is generally believed he wanted certain definite promises regarding what will happen in the event of the Conservatives returning to power. The Premier refused to enter into anything that could be called a bargain, Mr. Austen Chamberlain, in a Quixotiqniood, chose to link his fortunes with Lord Birkenhead. Th© “Daily Telegraph’’ says: “Cabinet sat for two and a-half hours engaged with wholly domestic questions and the broad principles upon which the party will base its appeal to the country. The Premier will have a good deal to say concerning protection of the home market and th© extension of Imperial preference. He will also deal with proposals for assistance to agriculture and the social side of the Ministry’s programme. Intense regret will be felt by Unionists that there is no longer a prospect of Mr. Austen Chamberlain and Lord Birkenhead rejoining the Ministry at the present juncture. The Premier undoubtedly desired to see them in the battle. They were willing to enter the Government as Ministers without portolio, but no invitation to join the Ministry has reached them and the negotiations are stated authoritatively to be at an end. There is reason to believe a number of junior members of the Government are unwilling to let bygones be bygones.” The “Daily Herald” says Mr. Austen Chamberlain refused to join the Cabinet unless Lord Birkenhead was included and a majority of members of the Cabinet refused to consent to serve as colleagues of Lord Birkenhead.

The Australian executive of the National Association of Merchants and Manufacturers unanimously resolved to initiate a strenuous free trade campaign. Sir Allan Smith, chairman of the industrial group of members of the House of Commons, has decided not to stand at the general election, as the Conservative Association and his constituency refuse to allow him freedom of action regarding unemployment and protection.—(A. and N.Z.) C. B. FRY STANDING FOR BANBURY. London, Nov. 14. Mr. C. B. Fry, the cricketer, will contest Banbury as* a Liberal. —(Reuter). “A FREE BREAKFAST TABLE.” THE CONSERVATIVE SLOGAN. (Received 16, 11.50 a.m.) London, Nov. 15. The Central News states that the popular cry in the Government’s appeal to the country may be summed up in the phrase: “A free Empire breakfast table,” which will include the removal of the duties on tea and sugar produced within the Empire.--(A. and N-Z.) LABOUR CENSURE MOTION.