DAVID LLOYD GEORGE 1900-1918.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 16 May 1918, Page 2

DAVID LLOYD GEORGE 1900-1918.

BY "ASMODEUS."

IT is refreshing at a period] like this, following the great crisis— which we devoutly hope will be

the last —that the British Govern-

ment has just emerged from, to

review the great Premier who has

once more come out unscathed,

All British subjects who have the/^ speedy and ultimate termination^ of this great struggle at heart, must feel relieved that a change of administration at this juncture

has been averted. It is an unwise policy at any time to swop horsesin mid-stream, but at the present time, intensified and aggravated by both tide and current against us, it would be worse than tragic. Those of us who can look back over the South African War of 1900, with its political side issues, can remember Mr Lloyd George who was then dubbed a "ProBoer " and " Little Englander " because of the position and campaign which he carried out at that time against the war. He even went so far as to assail the great Birmingham Goliath (Jos. Chamberlain) on his own ground, after being solemnly warned not to come, for fear of dangerous consequences, but this did not deter him, for he voiced his opinions in the Birmingham Town Hall against the war, to 5000 people inside, and ten times that number outside. The tirade against him was so intense that he had to be smuggled out of the Hall disguised in policeman's clothing. To-day he is heralded both in Europe and America as the strong man of the hour. All his political activity has been endorsed by the faith in his convictions which has carried him through against all opposition.

Once convinced that he was on

the right track he forged ahead with dynamic energy, resolute

determination, and untiring effort. These are some of the qualities that have brought him to the front and kept him there. A plucky man, nothing will thwart or divert, him once his mind is made up, as : witness his work at the Board of Trade —as mediator of numerous Industrial strikes at horne —as Chancellor of the Exchequer with his famous Budget which the Lords threw out, but which was finally passed after appealing to the country—his " National Insurance and Workmen's Compensation Bill" which he steered safely through, and last but not least—his Land Reform Bill which he at present has up his coat sleeve for a more convenient date. These are only a few of the notable things hehas achieved as he has gone from portfolio to portfolio. And now he ' has emerged from his last attack and stands out as a monument of what-„ can be achieved by grit, determination, and conviction. He is a man among men. To-day he is steering the wheel of Britain's destiny through troubled waters, such as she has never- before been obsessed. When the history of-to-day is written the name of David Lloyd George will go down , to posterity immortalised as one of the greatest Premiers England has ever boasted. Parakai House, May 13,1918.