IMPERIAL POLITICS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18446, 6 January 1922, Page 5

IMPERIAL POLITICS

1 GENERAL ELECTION RUMOURS*.

Frees Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. j , LONDON, January 4. Rumours regarding an impending general election include a statement in the Pall Mall Gazette that Mr Churchill will become Leader of the Coalition Liberals, and ..Mr Chamberlain will lead the Coalition Conservatives, Mr Bonar Law accepting a comparatively minor position under the premiership of Mr Lloyd George.— Reuter.,

COALITION’S WORK NOT COMPLETE.

SIR G., YOUNGER’S STATEMENT.

PRE-CAMPAIGN PARTY MEETINGS. . .. ' * LONDON, January 4. (Received Jan. 5, at 5.5 p.m.) Sir George Younger, head of the Unionist Party machine, startled the election prophets by declaring thatf the Coalition’s work would not be complete until it had carried the reform of the House of Lords, and the moment was not opportune for this in view of the fact that a campaign would interfere .with commerce when the latter was just turning the corner; , It is generally believed that Mr Lloyd George and the Coalition Liberals favour an early campaign on the Irish settlement, the Washington decisions, and the Geddes Economy _ Committee’s recommendations, but opposition to the Unionists’ views involves a serious risk of a Coalition split, Mr Lloyd George’s decision is not expected before he returns from Cannes. Nevertheless, the Asquithites > and the Labourites are holding pre-camiMign meetings, It is regarded as significant that Sir Gordon Hewart and Mr C. A. M‘Curdy conferred with the Asquithite loaders at a dinner in Manchester..—A. and ' N.Z. Cable, -j

PREPARING FOR THE FIGHT

WOMEN CANDIDATES IN THE FIELD SIXTEEN ALREADY LONDON, January v 4.(Received Jan. 5, at 5.5 p.m.) In view of the prospect of a general ejection Lord Gladstone is taking charge of tha.r electiori arrangements for the Asquithites. He is assisted by Sir Robert Hudson. The women’s vote'is sure to play a larger part than in 1918. Already there .are 16 women candidates announced, comprising four Conservatives, six Asquithites, and six Labourites.