THE LIBERAL SPLIT.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 133, 7 June 1926, Page 7

THE LIBERAL SPLIT.

QUARREL OF CELEBRITIES. MR. LLOYD GEORGE'S POSITION LONDON, June G. "I may be driven from the Liberal 'Shadow Cabinet,' but I cannot be driven from the Liberal platform," sums up Mr. Lloyd George's latest speech in his own words, says the "Sunday Express." There is no doubt that in the fight for . Liberal voters Mr. Lloyd George will , win.

The "Observer" remarks that the Earl of Oxford and his colleagues have broken the party but cannot break Mr. Lloyd Ceorge.

Mr. W. M. R. Pringle, formerly Liberal M.P. for Yorkshire (West Riding), in a -peech at Bletchley Park repeated the allegations that overtures had been made by Mr. Lloyd rJeorge to the Labour party. Tt was true they were unofficial but they did occur.

W. M. Pringle.

The basis of the soundings was that there was likely to be a breach between Mr. Lloyd George and his colleagues owing to his attitude over the general strike. He was willing to go over to the Labour party on condition that it accepted his original land policy and that he was Minister in charge of Lands in the next Labour Government.

Mr. Lloyd George was also willing to bring his political fund over to Labour.

The overtures were rejected said Mr. Pringle.

The "Daily News" says certain Liberals criticised Mr. Lloyd George but it was evident that the resolution of the back bench Liberals urging a reconciliation would be carried.

Mr. Lloyd George suggested that the resolution should not be pressed until an effort had been made to secure peace. Then it was that the deputation was appointed to inform Lord Oxford that the meeting saw no reason why the differences should not be amicably settled.

A fighting speech was delivered by Mr. Lloyd George at a luncheon given by the Manchester Reform Club. He said the present split in the Liberal party was unworthy of the dignity of a great party. It was not a real quarrel but a rotten quibble over a miserable nnd childish pretext.

If they meant to turn a man out of the Liberal party because he was on the side of conciliation for millions of British workmen in a great dispute then, on that proposition, he would fight right through to the end.

He had not had a square deal nor oeen allowed to speak for himself. The sentence which had been passed upon him driving him out from the councils of the party was contrary to the elementary principles of British justice and fairplay. He had no intention of accepting his dismissal from the Liberal party.

Mr. Lloyd George said he saw no sign 3 of his being driven from the leadership of the party in the House of Commons. He meant to get on with the job he had in hand. He wanted to see a revival of regeneration, contentment, happiness and health throughout the country. — (A. and N.Z.-Reuter.). " I