BRITISH POLITICS.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 December 1923, Page 4

BRITISH POLITICS.

LIBERAL-CONSERVATIVE COALITION. ONLY POSTPONING THE EVIL DAY, By Telegraph—Press Asan.—Copyright. Received Dec. 2, 2.30 p.m. Dec. 20. The Times, commenting on the suggestions of the Liberal-Conservative coalition, declares the proposal is not practicable, it lacking permanence. It would only postpone the Labour entry, and meantime give the Labourites such a stick to belabour their opponents as they never before possessed. The better course would be to face the facts and make the best of the situation. RISE OF LABOUR PARTY. NOT DUE TO Received Dec. 23, 11.5 p.m. London, Dec. 23. Mr. J. H. Thomas, in the Sunday Times, says: “Labour has reached its present position h’ot by the violence of tevolution, but by the intelligent exercise of the ballot paper. I most strongly protest against the arrogant assumption that all manner of ills will accrue to the advent of Labour to power. Caa it be denied that our people to-day are suffering untold hdrdkhips in the shape of unemployment, I>ad housing,etc.? Men who a few years ago risked their lives m our defence are riow starving, and this is the legacy left by people who are supposed to be the only saviotus of society.” The Observer, editorially, says it is doubtful whither Liberalism is designed to play the role for which Mr. Asquith so confidently easts it. The idea that the smallest party in the House of Commons can dictate terms unconditionally to Unionism and Labour ia one which, however congenial to the liberal morale, we cannot see in operation. A BY-ELECTION PROBABLE. Received Dec. 23, 5.5 p.m. London, Dec. 22. Mr. H. Parker, Labour member for Hanley, is expected ( to resign owing to ill-health, in which case Mr. Arthur Henderson will probably contest the seat.