2 DECEMBER 1922, Page 36

Now that Mr. Lloyd George is no longer Prime Minister

his versatile countryman, Mr. W. M. Hughes, one of the best cartooned figures at the Versailles Conference, holds the record for longevity in a Premiership. Mr. Hughes has been Prime Minister of the Australian Common- wealth since 1915, though whether he will be returned to power in the forthcoming elections remains to be seen. Recent cables inform us that the Government's prospects are improving. Be that as it may, Mr. Hughes has a knack of "keeping in the headlines," and whatever Party returns to power we may be sure that we shall hear more of him. It is interesting to note that therc are three women candidates in Australia, one of whom gives her occupation as "housemaid." So far no woman has been returned to the Commonwealth Parliament.