AFTER THE FIGHT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17220, 11 December 1923, Page 1

AFTER THE FIGHT.

BALDWIN* WILL CARRY ON

LABOUR THE NEXT ALTERNATIVE. Telegrajfh—Association —Copjrighl Australian and N.Z. Cable Auocuuou. (Received Decembor.il, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, December 10. Sunday gave opportunities for the political leaders to consult their friends quietly, and to turn over the ties of the unprecedented situation. Thus, Sir John Simon conferred with Mr Lloyd George at tbe latter s home, while Mr Baldwin had prolonged interviews with Conservative leaders at Chequers, especially Mr Neville (Jhambc.rlain. The general opinion in Conservative quarters seems to be that Mr Baldwin will now continue to hold office until Parliament meets on Januarj 7 8. Then, if he is defeated on the Address-in-Reply, the King will call on Mr Ramsay Macdonald. Mr Baldwin’s first desire was to resign, considering this to be his duty as he had declared that he would stand or fall by the result of the election. The Liberals agree that if the Opposition is asked to form a Ministry, tbe first offer will go to Mr Ramsay Macdonald, but if he is unwilling, *Mr Asquith will form a Government or give facilities to enable another Government to carry on the financial and administrative business if Mr Baldwin is unwilling to continue in office. In such circumstances Lord Derby. Sir Robert Horne and Mr Austen Chamberlain are _ mentioned. In thanking his supporters in West Birmingham yesterday. Mr Austen Chamberlain sent the following message :—“ If we cannot carry out oui policy, it is in harmony with the traditions of the great constitutional party tha.t we should offer no vexatious opposition to any moderate Government which can be formed and which offers any prospect of stability and security to the country in its troublous times.” Some Liberals suggest that if they keep the Conservatives in office for a certain period upon conditions, these should include the alternative vote at the next election in order to avoid the anomaly of a minority vote securing candidates’ election.

The “ Doily Express ” favours the prompt resignation of Mr Baldwin in favour of Mr Ramsay Macdonald, whom the “ Daily Express ” believes is willing to form a Government. The paper says: “It would be disastrous for the Conservatives to hold office until (•ensured by the House of Commons Cndcr wise and prudent leadership like Mr Bonar Law, Conservatism will quirkly recover.” The “Daily Telegraph” pleads that there be no more gambling. “ The nation,” it says, “ cannot afford a Government ‘that will make any more miscalculations.” It asks. Why should Mr Baldwin resign ? and says that the Conservatives and the Liberals should act together The Daily Telegraph's” Labour correspondent says:—“ Some urge that Labour should postpone the capital Jew and coalesce with the Liberals in

social reform, which would employ their joint energies for several years. These quite misunderstand the policy of the Labour Party. The capital levy is only a short step along the road to the establishment of a Socialistic Commonwealth. putting collective ownership by the State in the place of capitalism and the system of private enterprise, until all production, distribution and exchange have been socialised The “ Daily Herald” i.ioposed that a Labour Government should be formed. This, though doubtless ra,sh. would make a strong appeal to a sporting nation, as Labour is the only party which has an unemployment policy, and it can challenge the other parties to reject, its proposals No bargaining with any other party can be thought of. and no working arrangement, ran be considered, but if Labour were to take a bold and vigorous line the other parties might be lightened into letting it through ”