Wairarapa Daily Times [Established 49 Years.] FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1923. BRITISH ELECTIONS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 49, Issue 15049, 30 November 1923, Page 4

Wairarapa Daily Times [Established 49 Years.] FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1923. BRITISH ELECTIONS.

Tie election battle at Home is becoming very warm, and a life and death political struggle is taking , place. The contest is a triangular one in the main. The election fight has solidified some of the party factions, which during the past few years have been opposed to each other. After a protracted separation, the Independent and the National Liberals. have come together again. Hitherto the numerous attempts to reconcile them had been fruitless. Now Mr. Baldwin’s challenge reminds them that they are as one. On the other hand certain prominent Conservatives who were against the disruption of the l Coalition have returned to the fold, and their adhesion will strengthen the debating powers of the party. Labour is in general free trade, and denies that tariffs will be a cure for unemployment. But the Prime Minister has to some extent spiked its guns by disclaiming any intention of taxing food, while the industries which will benefit by his proposals will regard him as a friend. Moreover, Mr. Bamsay Macdonald’s specific, the rehabilitation of Europe, may seem to the man in the street rather nebulous and remote. At this stage it is idle to speculate on the verdict which the electors, will record. Indeed, the prudent refrain \ altogether from prophecy, and will w T ait till the numbers are up. But the by-elections held since Mr. Baldwin’s first declaration for protection may possess some significance. These have not indicated any pronounced swing in opinion. Conservatives have retained Conservative seat‘d with but slightly reduced majorities In these circumstances there is justification for Mr. Baldwin’s optimism.