MR. LLOYD GEORGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21165, 23 April 1932, Page 8

MR. LLOYD GEORGE.

LIBERAL PARTY GATHERING. " ENOUGH OF LEADERSHIP." [from our own correspondent.] LONDON, March 15. In connection with the return of Mr. Uoyd George to his Parliamentary duties, a privato lun?heon was given in his honour by Mr. T. Clarke, editor of the News-Chronicle. Selected members of the " Samuel group" in the House of Commons; were present in a company numbering about thirty. Liberal Ministers and Whips were not invited. Certain newspapers appear to have seen in this private gathering an arrangement for an attack /on Liberal Ministers and a new bid by Mr. Lloyd George for the Liberal leadership. The News-Chronicle has therefore given a report of the proceedings. Mr. Lloyd George impressed everybody with his complete recovery of health and vigour, says the newspaper. He was his old self again. In reply to the toast of his health. Mr. Lloyd George said he was not there to attack anyone nor to seek leadership. *'l have had enough of leadership," he said. " I hope to be able to take my part in Parliament. I have not the slightest idea of trying to form a party or to lead a party—nor have I the slightest intention of retiring. lam not a retiring sort. I hope there will be occasions, on which we shall be able to work together." He said he had disagreed probably with everybody in turn—or perhaps it would be more correct to say everybody had disagreed with him — but whether they agreed with him or not, he hoped they would give him their friendship and goodwill. Mr. Lloyd George spoke of the opportunity of Liberal youth. "We have worked together for great things and achieved some of them. Future achievements will depend on you young fellows." He said he felt that the embarrassing conditions of to-day should not be allowed to interfere with the Liberal purpose or tlie fundamentals of the Liberal faith. A great many things would happen before this Parliament was out —thugs 'they could not foresee. The economic conditions of the world —and of this country—would determine a great deal. " Forty-two years ago," Mr. Lloyd George ended, glancing at the younger men, " 1 was where you are. I remember how terrible the prospect seemed." But he went on to say that hard work—the only way —could bring about for them a distinguished career of usefulness for them and for their country. " The position of Liberal Ministers," writes the political correspondent of the Daily Telegraph, "is rendered difficult by the moves which are taking place ins the party outside Parliament to encourage a break with the Government. At one of the series of fifty area conferences organised. by the National Liberal Federation which was held in London the feeling was strongly expressed that continuance of the association of Liberals with tho Government was an embarrassment *9 th« party."