LIBERAL OPINION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17223, 14 December 1923, Page 6

LIBERAL OPINION.

Aottraliaa and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, December 13. The Central News Agency’s inquiries in Libera! circles show that many Liberals, including Mr Lloyd George and Sir John Simon, expect another dissolution in January based oh the belief that the Labour Party will get Liberal support for its amendment to the Address-in Reply, which would turn the Government out. Labour would then put their programme in the King’s Speech and appeal to the country. A good many Liberals will think twice before installing Mr MacDonald in No. 10, Downing Street, though, on the other hand, some Liberals believe that if the Labour Party is allowed to hold office for a few months it is certain to advance proposals on which defeat at the polls would bo inevitable. Sir F. Banbury, M.P. (London City), is heading a movement in the Conservative Party advocating a working arrangement with the Liberals by which the Government should abandon contentious legislation and devote themselves to reducing expenditure and taxation. If Mr Asquith refuses, then the Government should offer to sup port him, if he were willing to form a Government and give a similar undertaking. Certain Labour extremists propose, in the event of Labour taking office, that the members of the Government should sacrifice the emoluments of office and exist on the parliamentary allowance of £4OO per year. It is authoritatively announced that the Labour Party intends to take the emoluments and patronage of qffice as well as the responsibilities, and.*meanwhile, will endeavour to obtain sup port for an increase in the salary of Commoners to £6OO a year. Mr Asquith replied to a correspondent that there was no foundation for the foolish inventions that the Liberals would seek an alliance with the Conservatives.