OVATION TO LLOYD GEORGE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3127, 24 July 1922, Page 2

OVATION TO LLOYD GEORGE.

“I have confidence that permanent peace will accrue from the Hague' Conference,” Premier Lloyd George was quoted as saying in an interview with a Central News representative after ms return from Genoa. “I do not have the slightest doubt regarding the sincerity of the Russian desire for peace, but they have their difficulties with regard: to public feeling, just as the other countries.” Referring to France', thei British Pi tender said he “had not the slightest doubt of the overwhelming desire, of the people of France for peace.” ‘‘That desire,” he added, “eventually will 1 reverberate throughout Eurtepc and America.” . Wild scenes marked the Premier s arrival in London. Silk hats were smashed, ducal ulsters were tossed high in the air, arid the traditional British calm shattered in. a fashion all the more remarkable for the fact that only 1.009 persons, those of the upper and less demonstrative classes were permitted, by special ticket, on the railroad platform. Outside the station in the bricked court, and packing the triangle of streets beyond the gateways were 5,000 cheering enthusiasts', white other thousands lined the streets through which the Premier drove to Downing street. Many anti-Georgians, among those on the pltaform. forgot politics’in the enthusiasm of the demonstration, cheering and hat tossing with the most confirmed followers of the Premier’s party. Lloyd George bounced smiling and happy from tho train into the midst of his family circle, forgetful of that presence of official and royal welcomors until he had kissed his - grand children. He then turned to shake hands with those who were nearest, including among the first the Duke of Athol. sent by the king with tho crown’s formal greeting to the returning statesman. Bouquets were hurled upon the “Welsh wizard” from all sides and it was some time before sanity could lie restored sufficiently for the duko to speak. ‘‘ln the king’s name,” he said, “I express his majesty’s greetings, and his hope that your health, has not been unpaired liy the arduous and prolonged efforts in the cause of peace and economic] reconstruction.” The demonstrations broke out afresh after that and it was impossible for flie Prime Minister, Madam George and their daughter, Megan to make any headway toward the exit until, they had been encircled by a, solid wall of giant “Bobbies” who pushed respectfully hut firmly forward through the mass of nobles and law makers. A royal motor car, sent by the King’s order, waited at a side gateway for the final stage of the trip to the official residence in Downing si root.