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Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1926, Page 3

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[Australia & N.Z. Cab'le Association-.] THE LIBERAL RIFT. LONDON, Juno 4. 'The “Daily News” says certain Liberals criticised Air Lloyd George, but it was evident the backbenchers resolution urging a reconciliation would bo carried. Air Lloyd George suggested the resolution should not he pressed until an effort was made to secure peace, upon which a deputation was appointed to inform Lord Oxford that the meeting saw no reason why the differences should not be amicably settled. LLOYD GEORGE HITS OUT. LONDON, June 5. A fighting speech was delivered by Afr Lloyd George at a luncheon at Manchester Reform Club. He declared the present split in the Liberal Party was unworthy of the dignity of a great party. It was not a real quarrel but a rotten quibble on a miserable childish pretext. If they mean to turn a man out of the Liberal Party because bo was on the side of conciliation with millions of British workmen in a great dispute, then on that proposition 1 will flight right through to the end. He had not had a square deal. He had not been allowed to speak for himself. Sentence had been passed on him, driving him out from the councils of the party contrary to the elementary principles of British justice and fair play. He had no intention of accepting a dismissal from the Liberal Party. He saw' no signs of his being driven from the leadership of the party in the Commons. Ho meant to get on with the job bo had in hand. He wanted to see a revival of regeneration, contentment, happiness arid health throughout tho country. I.ILOYD GEORGE’S POSITION. (Received this day at 9.0 am.) LONDON, June 0. ‘‘l may lie driven from the Liberal shadow Cabinet, but I cannot be driven from the Liberal platform,” sums np Mr Lloyd George’s spcecb in liis own^ words in the “Sunday Express.” There is no doubt that in a fight for Liberal Votes, Mr Lloyd George will win. Tlie “Observer’’ states Afr Asquith and bis colleagues have broken tho party, hut they are unable to break Lloyd George. Pringle at Bletchlcy Park repeated the allegation that there had been overtures to Lloyd George from Labour supporters. It is true they , were unofficial, but they did occur. The basis' of the soundings was that there was likely to be a breach between Lloyd George and bis colleagues owing to bis attitude during the strike, and bo was willing to go over to the Labour Party on condition that they accepted his original land policy (for which ho should ho Alinister in the next Labour Government) and he was also willing to bring bis political fund. The overtures were rejected.