CONSERVATIVE POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18631, 12 February 1924, Page 7

CONSERVATIVE POLICY.

LANCASHIRE'S DEMAND. PROTECTION TO BE DROPPED CENSURE OF LEADERS., By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Reuter. LONDON, Feb. 10. At a meeting ol the Lancashire Federation of the National Unionist Association, it was resolved that .in view of the country's verdict it is not desirable to include Protection in the Conservative policy at the present juncture. The meeting further protested against the method adopted when an appeal was made to the electors which did not afford the party organisations a country-wide opportunity of expressing opinions. It urged the establishment of a method of liaison between the party leaders, the central office, and the local organisations. The meeting which was held privately, the Earl of Derby presiding, was characterised by the plainest speaking. Lord Derby protested against the suggestion that there had been a hole and corner meeting. He declared that there had been m)any private party meetings previously. The special correspondent of the Sunday Express says only five votes at a largo meeting were cast against the resolution. Lord. Derby afterwards said the resolution was in no sense a vote of censure. Everybody understood this, and the most intense loyalty was shown k> tiie party. The correspondent comments that if Lord Derby means the resolution is not a censure of the central office he is the only one who thinks so. It was a vote of censure, and the meeting intended it to be 60.