PROTECTION AND THE DOMINIONS

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 49, Issue 15049, 30 November 1923, Page 4

PROTECTION AND THE DOMINIONS

A protection policy at Home is going to have a very important effect on the Dominions in the future. If it is a success then there will be a clamour for protection against all imports whether from the Dominions or from a foreign country. Mr. Baldwin’s settled conviction is that the economic recovery of Europe is a consummation which will be long delayed and that the only solution for . the problem of unemployment lies not in the prospect of increased trade with the Continent, but in some degree of protection. Mr. Baldwin, however, recognises that the conversion of the British public, if it is possible at all, must be a gradual process. He is not attempting too much at the outset. Ho does not advocate further taxes on foodstuffs, foreseeing that if the Conservatives did so they would, in the present state of British opinion, almost certainly be defeated by the cry of “the dearer loaf.” Perhaps, if he is returned to office, and if liis proposals have the result he anticipates, the question of a preferential tariff on foodstuffs may arise at a later date. For tho time being he only contemplates protection for certain indus-

trios which are suffering from foreign, competition. The Continental manufacturer, helped by the rate of exchange and a lower wages bill, is in a position to undersell the British. Mr. Baldwin has been branded as ‘‘an anti-Democrat,” “a gerrymandered ’’ 11 a man who did not play the game, and so on, because llie has appealed to the country. But the reproach is wide of the mark. So far from there being anything improper in Mr. Baldwin s prompt appeal, surely it is highly to his credit that, when he might have remained in office for ahother four years, ho prefers to risk his political life out of a sense of duty, believing that some measure of protection alone will relieve unemployment. The elections at Home have a much wider significance for the Dominion than is generally believed, for the ultimate fate of our meat and daily produce may be said to be seriously affected.