TARIFF ISSUE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 17 May 1928, Page 5

TARIFF ISSUE.

TO BE PASSED AT NEXT ELECTIONS.

EXTENSION OhV SAFEGUARDING

DUTIES

(AUSTRALIAN PRESS ASSOCIATION UNITED SERVICE.)

LONDON, May 16 Another-indication that the tariff issue will be in the forerront at.the next general election was given by a great demonstration in fciie Albert Hall under the auspices ox the Industries of the Empire Association, at which an extension of safeguarding duties was demanded.

The principal speaker was: Sir Robert Horne, who claimed that the duties already in operation resulted in a decrease in the use of foreign goods and an increase in employment. r‘We have proved the efficiencj’ of safeguarding some of our industries and now - ■ urge the extension of the prmcip.e,” ne said.. “1 do not hesitate to say that imperial prererences during these long, dark days of depression saved many of our trades from -catastrophy: ' •'Y” V' ‘ ‘lt has been said that under • the system of tariff's exports would decrease, but the United States completely outstripped Britain' therein. Australia, and New Zealand are anxious to get our goods, but while our proportion of trade there had been de-r clining, America’s has been steadily rising.” . . -

Sir Robert Horne added. .that he sympathised ivith the Geneva movement ior free trade among all’ the nations of Europe, but until sonie specific overture was made from foreign countries we. who had too long- been the patient victims, must defend our own interests. -

Mr George Spencer, Labour M.P. for Broxtoe, and president Q f the Notts Miners' Industrial Union, said that if the Conservatives did not quickly earrv out a safeguarding policy the Labour Party would when in office./