LABOR DEPUTATION

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1918, Page 3

LABOR DEPUTATION

LLOYD GEORGE IN REPLY

(AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOuIATIOS

A I( CUT Ell.]

, (Received This l)av -it- 10.15 a ;n i ' LONDON, June 30. The Press Bureau reports the proceedings of a deputation of all parties except the Irish, which urged the case of federal devolution, to Hon. Lloyd George who was accompanied bv Barnes Smith, Chamberlain, Long, Addiso.. Fisher, Short, Brasley, Selborne, j’. M. Robertson, nnd Adamson. Among the spokesmen for th e deputation, Mr Adamson said that while in favour of devolution tho Labour Party won’t acquiese in attempts to establish a federal form of Government being made an excuse for hanging up Home Rule in Ireland. He believed unless the Irish difficulty is settled quickly there would be either a rising in Ireland or the near future would bring other forces to a settlement than two sections of the British people. Hon. Lloyd George, replying, said he had always been a strong federalist. He realised the impossibility of Parliament dealing adequately with postwar problems, if they were simultaneously taxed by local affairs, but it was impossible to carry such a measure during the war without something like general assent. He had no doubt about the opinion in Scotland and Wales, but opinion in England was not so clear what really mattered was it was really a question for English constituencies. Other special difficulties included the question of Ulster, whereon the deputation’s views were not clear. He would not. like to predict how far devolution would help to solve the Irish question. Tho national conscience must be eased. Both Unionists and Home Rulers had an uneasy feeling that the best was not being done for the country, but if a scheme were proposed giving equal treatment to Ireland, England. Scotland and Wales, you can say to Irishmen, we are giving you exactly what we are taking ourselves. What is good enough for us, ought to he good enough for you. That would satisfy the Dominions who are convinced we are treating Ireland clumsily, tactlessly, and not giving her the freedom which is her due. That is certainly the feeling in America. He had received letters even in the last- few days from prominent pro-Eng-lish Americans who are the. unhnppiest that the Irish question is unsolved. Therefore he was glad that they were promoting a solution which ultimately would give satisfaction as fair, just and business like.