MR BONAR LAW.

Otago Witness, Issue 3610, 22 May 1923, Page 18

MR BONAR LAW.

EARLY RETIREMENT EXPECTED. POLITICAL LIFE CLOSING. HIS SUCCESSOR CANVASSED. LONDON, May 18. The visit of Sir Thos. Horder (medical specialist) to Paris to see Mr Bonar Law was by previous arrangement, and not due to any sudden development. It is understood that Sir Thomas's examination revealed that while there has been some response to treatment, it did not come up to expectations. In political circles there is a renewal of speculation about Mr Bonar Law’s early retirement from the Prime Ministership. The Daily Chronicle’s political writer says: "The Prime Minister's friends say that, although he looks better and keeps fairly well since his holiday, undue strain must be avoided, and an early- retirement is therefore expected. It. is anticipated that it will take place in July. The fact that rivalries among the Conservative leaders are becoming more apparent indicates that belief in his retirement is spreading. His successor is being discussed in political circles. Lord Curzon and Mr Stanley Baldwin are most promi-

neatly mentioned. Mr Chamberlain’s followers maintain that there should be a real reconstruction of the Government in the event of Mr Bonar Law's retirement. ’’ The Daily- Express says: “Mr Bonar Law intends to resign on arrival in London, and to take a long rest.” SUFFERING FROM INCURABLE MALADY. LONDON, May 20. The Prime (Minister unexpectedly arrived in London on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by his son. The usual crowd was awaiting the train, but few saw tho Prime Minister step from the saloon and hurry to his motor car and drive straight to his private residence at Onslow Gardens. It is said that he looked tired and ill. Sir Thomas Horder, who dined at Onslow Gardens, left at 11.45 p.m. He said he was quite unable to make any statement. It as understood that Air Bonar Law went to his town house instead of the official residence at Downing street bv the special request of Sir Thomas Horder, who wishes him to continue a complete rest. The Observer's Paris correspondent reports that three specialists saw Mr Bonar Law before Sir Thomas Horder. They pronounced the malady from which he is suffering to be incurable, and urged his immediate retirement from public duties. Lord Bcaverbrook had several conversations with Mr Bonar Law at the Hotel Crillon. All who saw the Prime Minister m Baris repoit that he is a very sick man. The Daily Express Paris correspondent states that Mr Bonar Law dined with a party of friends, including Air L. C. Arnery, at the Hotel Crillon. It is understood that further conferences of specialists will take place almost immediately. Al r Stanley Baldwin, at the annual meeting of Bowdley Conservative Asso elation, said he desired to return to London, by an early train. Ho made no reply to a vote of confidence in himself at the beginning instead of the end of the proceedings. NEWSPAPER SPECULATIONS. LONDON, May 20. There is not the faintest indication from any source of the Prime Alinister’s intentions. He intimated to his friends that he would not discuss his condition. Sir Thomas Horder also returned an absolute negative to all requests for information. Mr Bonar Law may have returned to place his resignation in the hands of the King, or on the other hand, he may be awaiting a final medical decision to decide whether he should carry on any longer. All that is promised is an announcement as soon as possible. All who saw the Prime Alinister at Victoria Station agree that he was noticeably tired, lie walked along the platform with Sir Frederick Sykes and Colonel Waterhouse, each holding an arm. The anxiety of the whole country is reflected in the Sunday newspapers, which without exception express sympathy and eulogise Air Bonar Lav/’s services.