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Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1923, Page 2

Ala Lloyd Gkouck continues to analyse the intentions of France in regard to the Ruhr, with uncompromising disfavor. The ex-Prime Minister of Great Britain has the fullest and dearest knowledge of the inside position of affairs, and realising ihe European danger as he sees it, is boldly declaring his mind on the subject. The avidity with which his articles arc read suggests at once that they must lie having a wide effect, in the northern hemisphere. He predicts the failure of French action. This will have a double barrelled effect, for France will be spurred to retrieve the position, while Germany will he heartened to resist to the utmost. Tn this way the final crisis is being hastened. Mr Lloyd George makes sweeping charges against France and they cannot but fail to arouse the ire of France, whether true or otherwise. Much earlier in the progress of events Mr Lloyd George had become much hated in political circles, but though displaced to the delight of France, the new British Government still takes a stand akin to that of tie laio Coalition Government. That is some vindication for Afr Air Lloyd George. His utterances pouring forth with weekly regularity cannot hut have a. material effect on the Franco-Ger-man situation, and it would appear that events arc shaping to the crisis which has been predicted. The final outcome is being anxiously awaited on all sides.

The Loader of the Liberal-Labor patty (Mr Wilford) discussed the political outlook very critically at AA'.averley last week. Tt is clear Afr AA'ilfnrd is not in favour of fusion with Reform and he advances sound reasons for the attitude. Reform is too reactionary to maintain its position in the country, as was evidenced at the late elections. Tf the Liberals with their established democratic record ware to fuse with Reform the responsible democratic party would disappear. Labor is too extreme, but under a fusion it would become the alternative government, and though its socialistic ideas are not palatable, it has democratic tendencies which would attach much support to its va-rty. As was advocated by Afr AVilford and his supporters during the late election campaign, the safest and soundest political party for the general welfare of the Dominion is the Liberal party. At present it is also the most active and assertive. Tt is well led and ably supported by its principal lieutenants. and if charged with the government. of the country could individually and colletoively give the best- account of itself. The possible defeat of Reform in Parliament this year will not he any calamity. Rather would the event lead to the nolitieni regeneration of New Zealand by the succession to

office of the soundest party to rule and direct the fortunes of the country.