Wairarapa Daily Times [Established 45 Years.] SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 1920. BRITISH POLITICAL SITUATION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 46, Issue 14142, 12 June 1920, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established 45 Years.] SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 1920. BRITISH POLITICAL SITUATION.

It is thought in some political quarters in Great Britain that the Labour Party has a good chance ol ! being successful should a general election take pdaec in the near future. Indeed, Mr Thomas (the Labour leader) made that possibility his main argument for opposing direct action. It is admitted that there is great dissatisfaction in the country generally at present, principally owing to the “high cost of living’' (H.C.L.). The Government is charged with extravagance and with failing to make any great effort to place Great Britain on a sound footing financially and economically. The middle classes are said to bo inclined to join forces with the Labour party in order to overturn the Government. Profiteering seems to be the great irritant. On the profiteer is laid the blame for the present conditions. The workmen claim that they are really worse off than before the war, in spite of increased wages, while the middle classes, having generally failed to get any great increase of incomes, are undoubtedly very serious sufferers. The profiteer is most unpopular, and no doubt the Government would not hesitate to deal drastically with him if a means could be found to squeeze him without penalising . legitimate enterprise. As far as can be judged from the bye-elections, although the LabourParty is undoubtedly making progress, more especially in industrial centres, the prospects of its securing an absolute majority over all the other parties do not seem bright. Indeed, judging from, recent results, it is not likely to

be even the strongest party. At any rate, the Government losses at the byelections have not been so considerable as to seriously weaken it in the Commons, and there is no reason to think Mr Lloyd George will not be able to remain in power for at least two years yet. Much may happen before a general election is necessary. 11* the economic situation improves there will probably be a complete change in the political position.