MR. LLOYD GEORGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19218, 6 January 1926, Page 8

MR. LLOYD GEORGE.

Thero is further indication of the likelihood of Mr. Lloyd George's becoming once more a prominent factor in British politics. He is establishing himself in new quarters for the purpose of pushing his campaign for his Land and Nation League, and it is suggested that he is preparing to cut himself adrift from the official Liberals and lead a new centre party. Colour is given to this prediction by the reported statement of the Earl of Oxford and Asquith, Liberalism's recognised leader, that it would be detrimental to the party to receive further contributions from Mr. Lloyd George's propaganda fund. Even Mr. Lloyd George's recent declaration that he was willing to efface himself from party prominence points in the same direction; for no one, least of all Mr. Lloyd George himself, can imagine him as a mere pawn in politics. For some time the situation has been delicate. Mr Asquith's acceptance of a peerage raised the question of the party's leadership. It was settled by the decision that, although no longer eligible to lead in the Commons, he should be the head of the party in the country. This was an expedient. It could not be regarded as an arrangement to be indefinitely prolonged. For the time being, Mr. Lloyd George, however, was left without specific vocation. He has found it in his land campaign. Once more he has mounted a hobby-horse of reform, and is bent on riding it to win. Likely enough, it may carry him far afield from the main body of Liberals, although there have been urgings in the party that he should be followed. It is a policy with attractions, especially in view of Britain's need for an agricultural revival, and may provide a rallyingcry for many. So strong a personality, gifted with magnetic qualities, cannot fail to attract a following : and it is obvious that the lack of cohesion among the Liberals presents exactly the opportunity for a leader of his type. The very antagonism that his campaign may arouse is calculated to strengthen the attachment of many to him and create a new fighting phalanx, which may well be the van of a separate and considerable host.