SPEECH BY LLOYD GEORGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1918, Page 1

SPEECH BY LLOYD GEORGE.

fWSTRAI.IAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION^

THE REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT

London. Nov 14

Mr Lloyd George addressed a meeting of two hundred liberal and unionist members of the House of Commons and House of Peers. The meeting .carried a unanimous vote of confidence iti Mr Lloyd George and affirming the necessity of maintaining the Coalition Government.

Mr Lloyd George urged that there would be a great creation period after the war. This would give liberalism a unique opportunity. He remarked “ Don’t let Liberalism sulk over a personal difference, in God’s name; what do they count, compared with the great issues at stake.” He paid a tribute to te Unionist Party. ITe eulogised its practical patriotism during the war. He said he was gratified that the Unionists had promised him their co-operation.

Mr Lloyd George continued -“ A revolutionary spirit is in the air. It wants direction. It can be combatted, and that by the spirit which won tlie war —unity, co-operation, and sacrifice,” Every worker should be guaranteed a decent standard of living, and reduced working hours.

The premier pointed out that clause three of the Wilson charter precluded any economic war after the present war.

Ireland, said Air Lloyd George, had been sullen, refractory and foolish. They must approach this question calmly ; but there must be no coercion in North-east Ulster.

Referring to peace, the Premier said that in no sense mu.-t a spirit of evenge or greed mar the settlement. The League of Nations would make possible a reduction of armaments, and get rid of conscription.

Air Lloyd George addressed a meeting of representatives of Employers’ Associations and Trades Unions of 15 principal industries, including engineering, shipbuilding, coal mining, transport and railwayman. He said the Government intended to carry out its pledges given in 1915, by which trades unions relaxed certain practices for the period of the war. Employers and workers of various trades ought to confer and arrive at an agreement. He added that the Government’s policy was that during the immediate transition period, the present level of wages due to the high cost of living, should bo maintained for the minimum period of six months, unless referred to an independent tribunal.