MR BALDWIN’S CLEAR HINT

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11663, 30 October 1923, Page 6

MR BALDWIN’S CLEAR HINT

EXCITEMENT AT RBOvSFECT OF EARLY ELECTION. DATE NOT DECIDED. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.— Copyright. Australian amt V./. Cabl* Association. LONDON, October 28. Tho lobby correspondent of the “Daily Express’’ says that Air Baldwin’s‘clear hint that a general election is approaching has created great excitement in political circles. Tho impression obtained from Ministers was that an appeal to the country on a programme- of tariff reform and Imperial preference will be made in the spring, before the presentation of the Budget. The intention to go to the country depends on the reception which the constituencies give to the Government’s policy. EXPLANATION OF SCHEME. Air Baldwin’s protection proposals have not taken final Shape, and r© quire a good deal of Ministerial consideration before they are announced Air Baldwin will probably explain them in a series of speeches before the introduction of the next Budget. The opposition parties are already active. The Independent Labour Party has warned its branches to prepare for a general election in 1924. Tho “Daily Telegraph’s” political correspondent states that comments are made in party circles on Air Baldwin’* omission of any reference to taxes on foreign foodstuffs. It is believed that such duties do not come within the Government’s proposals. Home agriculture will be assisted by bounties, but there is no intention of taxing food. It is generally believed that the Government will appeal to the people, but the selection of the psychological moment for tho appeal has still to be made. CAMPAIGN OPENS. The “Daily Express” says there will bo a full stream of political campaigning this week. Air Baldwin will speak at Swansea on Tuesday, and at Manchester, the free trade citidal, twice on Friday. Ho is expected to define more clearly his own and the Cabinet’s attitude on the tariff issue. Air Neville Chamberlain and Sir L. Worthington Evans are also to speak in the provinces. Scores of meetings are being organised by all three parties. Three by-election campaigns will also close during the week.