DEMAND FOR PROTECTION.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 20085, 14 November 1930, Page 6

DEMAND FOR PROTECTION.

* NATIONAL COUNCIL FORMED. CASE FOR DRASTIC ACTION. (FROU OUR OWM CORHB3POS)DZJ,'J\) LONDON, October 3. Ai a private meeting of 200 representative industrialists and business men last week the formation of a National Council of Industry and Commerce was approved. Sir William Morris, who was in the chair, said that it was astounding that a country such as England, with such brains and workmen, should have continued its suicidal policy so long as it has, During the past 2o to 30 years —since the days of Joseph Chamberlain —wo had been financing the whole world with our suicidal policy. (Cheers.) This country was the dumping ground of the world; and it was quite time we did away with that dumping ground. (Cheers.) Tliey were told that without Free Trade this Country roust come to an end, but could an article produced by a foreign country omploy British labour? (Cries of "No.") They were dealing not with theory but wjth facts. This country had always made a point ot taxing practically everything it could not produce. On the other hand, if wo could produce anything we then said to the foreigner, "Send it in free, we like it." (Laughter and chee'rs.) No manufacturers could continue under tho taxation imposed on British manufacturers and produce goods

SHEFFIELD

The annual meeting 6f the Malvern A. and P. Association was held, when Mr A. F. Clark presided over a fair attendance. The president reported on affairs of the Association, and thanked the members of the commit* tee who had canvassed for those subscriptions which were in arrears, thus enabling the Association to show a small credit balance on the year's working. It _ was decided that thw annual subscription be raised to £1 with a car pass; also that a booth be allowed on the show grounds, and that the pi-esulent's tent be discontinued. The president thanked mem* bers for the support given him durine the year, and asked for the same support for the incoming president. The election of officers resulted as follows: Patron. Mr A, W. Adams; president. Mr T. Wright; vice-president, Mr H. C. Townshend; treasurer, Mr F. JJ enkins • auditors, Messrs W. H. Jones and H. C. Townshend; committee Messrs It. S Gunn, J. Cogan, L. Morrison, Q. A Wright, T. L. Jenkins J; H. Jobson, Geo. Butler, T. g Innes," TC. E, Hawke, A. F. Clark, J3 Hulmer. R. Black, L. D. Adams, l E Skurr, J. S. Tolerton, H. A, Millar, U. Bull, and R. MacDonnld Mr I'- T. Wright thanked members for electing him to the position of president. Votes of thanks were accorded tl> n auditors and the taryWADDINGTON. At the anniversary services in couuexiou with the Methodist Church, the preacher was the Rev. S. Henderson, of The three services were wo |] attended, and there was special ';,,'i' E by the choir and Sunday .school i s {' H"® under the oonductorship of Mr S Stevens. The annual tea-meet- • m-izc-tiiving were held, when a criven by the following items « Misses Witbeford Mr ,i fitenhens ttrs F. Bull. Hicksnnd. ste l, i Hawke, Stephens. ah<J and the Sunday School chilfeenley, an were given by the ihen. A _ (Greendalsj* the- Rev.

which would sell all over the world at a prico to compete with our competitor a. The National Council Wanted to see this altered, and also to iee that our industries were protected. (Cheers.) The crux of the whole matter was the need of a strong Government —(cheers) —(a voice: "X strong man"), a Government of men who knew what they were talking about—(cheers)—a Government of men who understood business. (Cheers.)

Empire Markets.

Among the resolutions were the following : . ' That the time has now arrived when it is essential that Great Britain should adopt a fiscal policy capable of meeting the crying need? of the times, and especially of opening und preserving Empire markets for Empire products. That immediate steps should be taken to protect home industries by the imposition of apjpropriate tariffs against imports from foreign nations which injuriously affect our trade and employment or limit the development of our Imperial resources or hinder the co-operation of the component parts of the Empire. That the earliest possible action should be taken in consultation Vritb our Dominions to design a fiscal system for the tnutual advantage of the ntitioiis of the British Commonwealth. And that a National Council of Industry and Commerce be, and hereby is, formed to promote in every way the aforesaid objects irrespective of Party politics. That whatever Party may be in office for the time, our Government must keep its expenditure within the capacity of the country to pay and that a drastic reduction of taxation is urgently necessary if prosperity is to be restored to agriculture and industry. Mr Gibson Jarvie said that the objects of the National Council were economic rather than political, and the assistance of members of all Parties would be welcomed.

It was proposed to establish local o uncilg for propaganda and educational purposes. Toward this end they Would seek the co-operation of trade organisations, both of employers and workers, a lid of tlie Press throughout the Empire. The nucleus of a research department was already established to collect and collate economic afid other essential data.

It was also proposed to give vigorous support to Parliamentary candidates who supported the National Council's policy, and they intended to put candidates of th«ir own into the field, wheire there was no candidate whom they Could support—in order to ensure, if possible, that a candidate ill favour of the National Council's policy should contest bvery seat. A substantial fund would be set up to advance the cause, and- when their task was completed any unused portion would be returned pro rata to subscribers.

"We want workers," he declared. "We want people who realise the critical state into which the country has come, who ■ recognise the fact that unless we men who have some stake in the conn* try do something now, nothing lies ahead of us except disaster. "We want to get this country going, and wo are going to do it;" (Cheors.)