DECISIVE WEEK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 230, 29 September 1931, Page 7

DECISIVE WEEK

EVENTS IN BRITAIN END OF OLD PARLIAMENT DISSOLUTION IN FEW DAYS By Telegraph—Pres« Association—Copyright.) Received Sept. 28, 6.50 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 28. The Times’ political correspondent says: “The decisive week has arrived. The King returns from Balmoral on September 29 and it is expected that a Privy Council will be held on Thursday. This week is likely to see tho end of this Parliament, for a dissolution will probably take place next week.” AVOIDING AN ELECTION NEW EFFORTS BEING MADE Received Sept. 28, 9.27 p.m. LONDON, Sept. 28. It is now anticipated that Mr MacDonald, at to-day’s Cabinet meeting, will acquaint his colleagues of his decision regarding a general election, though tho Daily Herald’s political correspondent declares that new efforts are being made to avoid an election owing to tho delicacy of tho Indian Conference situation. Also tho Liberals have revived their activity against tariffs. The Herald editorially admits that an early election is likely, with control of tho Bank of England and tho effective supervision of joint stock banks as the leading planks in Labour’s platform. “ELECTION INEVITABLE” MB THOMAS’ STATEMENT. WILL SUPPORT MR MACDONALD LONDON, Sept. 27. “An election is inevitable and cannot be long delayed,” said Mr J. H. Thomas in a speech to Derby railwaymen, announcing that he intended to contest tho seat under Mr MacDonald’s leadership. , “It is important that foreigners should not be left in doubt that the overwhelming mass of tho people in Britain support the National Government. It is madness to suggest that tariffs will solve all economic problems, but the position of the trade balance is a danger signal which must be faced. “I will face it even if ft includes tariffs.” PRESS OPINIONS BRITAIN’S OPPORTUNITY. LONDON, Sept. 27. The Sunday papers are unanimously of opinion that an election is imminent. The Observer says that the Conservatives are convinced that an election is the only solution and they now await Mr. MacDonald’s decision whether he will lead a national party to the country. It is anticipated that tho party will have the help of the Liberal votes cast in the election, and it is believed that the support for Mr. MacDonald among the Labourites is larger in the country than is indicated in the House of Commons. The new Government will therefore oommand a decisive majority. Mr. Garvin says that the timely adoption of a tariff, with preference provisions, is Britain’s sure and splendid chance, but her last. Tt is now or never. Tho Imperial Conference would at last be summoned with an assurance of practical success. LIBERAL FREE TRADERS ATTACK ON CONSERVATIVES. LONDON, Sept. 27. The Observer’s political correspondent says that Lord Grey and Mr. Lloyd George have decided, if there is an immediate election, to issue a strongly-worded free trade manifesto, charging tho Conservatives with making party capital out of the national emergency. GREAT PUBLIC INTEREST EARLY DECISION LIKELY. [ British Official Wireless. ] • RUGBY, Sept. 27. Public interest in the political situation has greatly increased within the past few days owing to the discussion which is proceeding on the question of a general election. It is generally recognised that the financial and economic situation demands a period ot steady reconstruction at home and the restoration ot confidence abroad, but there is a wide difference of opinion as to whether this will be more effectively achieved by the continuance in office of the present National Government, with tho present Parliament, or by n Government supported by an adequate majority in tho new House after an appeal to the electorate. As Parliament must cither prorogue or dissolve the week after next, an early decision on this question must be reached. On Monday Mr Arthur Henderson, in the House of Commons, will ask when the Government hope to bring to an end this part of the session. The newspapers assume that the Prime Minister will, during the weekend, closely examine tho situation and his own position in regard to it. A further Cabinet meeting is fixed for Monday.