EMPIRE FREE TRADE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 144, 20 June 1931, Page 4

EMPIRE FREE TRADE

FARMERS AND SIR J. PARR IN VITATION R EPI! ATE D The reply of Sir James Parr to !ho criticisms levelled against him at n meeting of the executive of the Waikato sub-provincial branch of the Farmers’ Union concerning his views* on Empire free trade, was mentioned at a meeting of the executive in Hamilton last week. Mr W. Boyd said there had been con siderable misconception regarding ihe union’s attitude. ’There was no enmity between the executive and Sir James Parr, who had made a very great impression with his address and had pre sent 7. an excellent case for protection in Great Britain. At a subsequent meeting the executive criticised hi> speech, which he thought it was per fectly entitled to do. 'lhe criticism was not personal and was not because of what he said, but what he omitted to sav. “He is an advocate of Empire tree trade, but how can it be free trade when the party to which Sir James .s allied is definitely pledged to protec iion?" asked Mr Boyd. “He may be very skilful in the arts of political strategv but he very carefully evaded the vital point. I take strong exception to the tone of his letter.’ The chairman. Mr J. H. Eurmss: It is a most insulting letter. X resolution was passed expressing rec-rot that Sir James had not seen fit t o " avail himself of tho. invitat ion to meet the executive and stating it pastil! willing to meet him on the terms of the original incitation.