Parliament Opens.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 170140, 17 February 1921, Page 7

Parliament Opens.

fflhe “King's Speech” cable is far from sensational. His Majesty, and that of course is Lloyd George, hopes a good deal, btxt is not very reckless with promises. No miraculous cure is offered for unemployment, though it is admitted that this is a desperate problem. Ireland is dismissed with a pious prayer. Extravagance and Bolshevism, though they are not to be left to work out their own salvation, are discussed as men discuss a long despaired-of brother. The Prime Minister clearly has abandoned extravagant expectations.

Yet there are one or two item 3 yrhich excite a good deal of curiosity. The Liquor Bill, if the Government is serious, should promote some recriminatory eloquence, and there is room for vehemence, too, in the proposal to reform the Lords. Mr Lloyd George will sadly disappoint us if he trusts either of these to his friend Mr Bonar Law. Then the reorganisation of the railways is mentioned, and that may mean anything from a little harmless tinkering to State control—or complete nationalisation.

But the real interest of the session is the possibility of a general election. Does the Prime Minister mean to- carry, on, in spite of all opposition? Is he hoping fur a demonstration of loyalty? Will he merely meet the House, experiment a little on its mood, and then at the first opportunity demand a dissolution ? The Cecils, as we remember, are to be in definite opposition. Lord Milner and Mr Walter Long have left the arena. Mr Winston Churchill is reported to he so independently rich, or.so richly independent, that he may or may not play “follow the leader.” Mr Clynes, an enormously 'more inspiring man, has succeeded Mr Adamson as leader of Labour.

If the owning is ordinary and discreet., there may be more in this session than is dreamt of in most of our philosophies.