BRITISH POLITICS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16625, 6 January 1922, Page 2

BRITISH POLITICS.

+ ELECTION PREPARATIONS, By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Reuter's Telegrams. LONDON, January 4. In view of the prospect of a general election, Lord Gladstone is taking charge of the election arrangements of the Asquitbites, assisted by Sir Robert Hudson. The women’s vote is sure to play a larger part than in 1918. Already sixteen women candidates have been announced, comprising four Conservatives, six Asquithites and six Labourites. Sir George Younger, head of the Unionist party machine, startled the prophets of an election by declaring that tho Coalition's work will not ! • complete until it carried reform of the House of Lords, and the moment was not opportune for this, in view of the fact that the campaign would interfere with commerce when the latter was just turning the corner. It is generallv believed that Mr Lloyd George and the Coalition Liber als favour an early campaign on the Irish settlement, the Washington decisions and the Geddes Committee’s economies but over-pressure against the Unionist’s views involve serious risk of a Coalition split. Air Lloyd George’s decision is not expected before he returns from Cannes, nevertheless the Asquithites find labourites are holding pre-campaign party meetings. It is regarded as significant that Sir Gordon Hewart and Mr M’Curdy secretly conferred with the Asquithite leaders at a dinner in Manchester.