FIGHT SOCIALISM

Southland Times, Issue 19124, 17 December 1923, Page 5

FIGHT SOCIALISM

LORD BIRKENHEAD’S ADVICE UNCOMPROMISING OPPOSITION “GIVE LABOUR ENOUGH ROPE.” (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, f LONDON, December 16. (Received December 17, 1.0 a.m.) Mr J. L. Garvin, writing in the Observer, ays: If the Unionist Party is capable of Mgacious foresight, they will give the Lab>ur Party fair play and a reasonable length of rope. Lord Birkenhead, writing in the Sunday Times, says: It is no exaggeration to say that Conservatism and all it stands for at this moment are in deadly peril. There is no reason why the Socialists should be allowed to take office; on the contrary, there is every reason for repelling it. Socialism must be fought first and last and all the time. The cancellation of the tour of the dominions by the Earl of Cavan (Chief of the Imperial Staff) is regarded as indicating that the Government does not expect to remain long in office after January 8. Other quarters express the opinion that another election is not likely within six months. It is conceivable that the three party system may continue for years although the country to-day considere it an anomaly to have a Government not possessing the confidence of the majority of the House of Commons. The King gave an audience to Mr Baldwin who communicated his decision to remain in office and meet Parliament. No immediate change was foreshadowed. The last of the pollings on the 6th resulted in an Independent gaining what was previously a Liberal seat, Mr M. L. Davies being returned for the University of Wales with 570 votes against Professor Joseph Jones 560 and Mr Edwards (Independent Liberal) 467. The only outstanding result is that in West Derbyshire where the polling takes place on the 20th. It is officially announced that the King will open Parliament on January 13, one week after it re-assembles. By that time, it is presumed the fate of the Baldwin Government will have been determined by the House of Commons.