BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 22

BRITISH PARLIAMENT.

(By Cable.) A WHIRLWIND CAMPAIGN. LONDON, February 20. The Labour Party is starting a countrywide -whirlwind campaign to compel the Government to legislate to stop manufacturers and wholesalers from profiteering. The moderate section of the party declares that strikes for further increases in wages are useless, and drastic legislation against profiteers is the only remedy. The question of profiteering is a dominant topic. Many newspapers support the To bacco Committee's suggestion that the Government should compel all big businesses to publish exact details of costs and profits. EMPntE DAY. LONDON, February 21. In the House of Commons, Mr Lloyd George, in reply to questions, promised that the Government would consider the resolutions adopted by the Empire Movement Committee in favour of public religious services on Empire Day, and, secondly, the use of an Imperial flag, bearing the Union Jack, with symbols representing the dominions, Crown colonies, and India, which should be flown from all places of worship and public buildings throughout the Empire as a token of thanksgiving. to God for the preservation of the Empire. Mr Lloyd George suggested that, in view of the impressiveness of the service held to cplebrate the signing of the armistice, a similar service should be held henseforth to commemorate that anniversary. ' IMPERIAL CONFERENCE, LONDON, February 23. Mr Bonar Law' in the House of Commons said it was not yet possible to give the date of the next Imperial Conference LORD HALDANE. • . LONDON, February 22. _ It is rumoured that Lord Haldane is joining the Labour Party. He 'will address the Wiltshire electors on behalf if the prospective Labour candidate. February 25. Lord Haldane denies that he has joined the Labour Party, though he cannot say what may happen in the future. Lord Plaldane was elected yesterday president of the Manchester Reform. Club. LADY ASTOR'S MAIDEN SPEECH. LONDON, February 25. Lady Astor's maiden speech was universally regarded as a signal success. She displayed much wittiness, and her speech contained many pathetic passages. She received an ovacation at the conclusion. Lady Astor's first speech was delivered to a crowded House during a discussion on a private member's motion urging the removal of war-time liquor' restrictions. Members flocked in when they learned that Lady Astor was speaking. She was slightly nervous, but defended the restrictions, which had resulted in a great moral gain. Convictions of women for drunkenness had dropped to one-fifth during the war, while the convictions almost doubled in 1919 in consequence of the modifications of the restrictions. THE WREKIN BY-ELECTION. LONDON, February 21. Mr Horatio Bottomley, M.P., is delighted at Mr Palmer's success in the Wrekin by-election. He describes it as a "Bottomley Bombshell," and the beginning of a movement "in which, we are going to put up a candidate at almost every by-election in the hope of forming a big Independent group." Mr Palmer is assistant editor of Bottomley's .paper John Bull. It is believed that the women's vote was largely responsible for the unexpected result. VICTORY FOR MR ASQUITH. LONDON, February 25. The Paisley by-election resulted: Asquith (Liberal) 14,736 Biggar (Labour) 11,902 Mackean (Coalition Unionist) ... 3,795 [The figures at 'the general election m December, 1918, were :—Sir J. M. M'Galium (Liberal), 7542; J. M. Biggar. (Independent), 7436; John Taylor (Coalition Labour), 7201.] The excitement at Paisley was greater than for many years. There was much betting, and numberless sweepstakes were organised on the result. Political clubs in London and the provinces were crowded to read the declaration of the poll on the tape machines. It is recognised that Mr Asquith's return will revolutionise the parliamentary situation. Seventy-nine per cent, of the electors voted. When Mr Asquith emerged from the County Buildings after the declaration of the" poll he was pelted with peasemeal, and an attempt was made to hold up his motor car with rope, but he finally broke through amid a babel of cheers and hisses. Mr Biggar appeared later, and was carried shoulder-high along the streets. Mr Mackean forfeited £l5O, not polling the required percentage. Mr Asquith will take his seat on Monday. Many Paisley electors propose taking a holiday to-day for the declaration of the by-election poll, the result being announced about 2 in the afternoon, and being awaited with intense interest. Liberal organisations in seven constituencies have invited Lady Bonham Carter to Stand at the next elections. "Mr Asquith will take over the Leader ship of the Liberals from Sir Donald M'Loau on Monday. February 26. The Liberals "tlaim that Mr Asquith's election marks the beginning of a new life for Liberalism. Mr Asquith received a substantial Conservative vote, partly as

the result of his firm attitude against nationalisation, and also women's vote, chiefly influenced by the soaring ? rices of food and household necessities, or which the Government is blamed.