AFTER THE POLLS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17219, 10 December 1923, Page 10

AFTER THE POLLS.

PRIME MINISTER GRAVE. LONDON. December 7. Air Lloyd George to-day said : “ The results make it clear that the trickery of ‘ honest men ’ has ignominiously failed. The people have seen through them. The most remarkable, and in many ways the most gratifying, feature of the election is the agricultural districts’ rejection of the huge bribe of £11.000.000 offered them by the incorruptibles.” Air Baldwin, speaking at the declaration of the poll at Bewdley, said : “ From the look of things ! am going to have a rather difficult time, hut I am never afraid of difficulties. At all events I shall be able to face them knowing that, more than ever, i have your confidence and support.” Mr Asquith was met by a large crowd upon his arrival from Scotland. In response for incessant demands for a ’speech the Liberal leader said that the election had been one of the most discreditable adventures in history. “ What is the result? Free Trade is safe and Protection is dead and buried.” Air Baldwin and Sir Alfred Monel arrived at Paddington Station almost simultaneously from their constituencies. The Prime Minister was grave and uncommunicative. He curtly remarked that he had nothing to say with regard to the situation.