FREETRADE V PROTECTION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1811, 10 April 1888, Page 3

FREETRADE V PROTECTION.

TO THK EDITOR.

Bttt,— lt la a common thins to 1 hear a Protectionist deolaie Freetrade to be 11 theoretically right, but praotloally WroDt;," bat It is a significant fact that Ho Protectionist has yet attempted to prove that Freetrade, or anything else, eon be " theoretically right, bat praotleally wrong." I think there are more eontradiotory statements made to prove the benefit of Protection than are made concerning any other snbjeot under the •on. How often have we been told that, *' Protection will raise wages," and now yoa tell ns that "Protection cheapen b theproteoted article," Not very many months ago the " Guardian " informed its readers that it was neceisary to " protect orir workmen from the competition of the SiUper labor of Europe •" Now we are Id " protected articles are produced from twenty-five to forty per oent oheaper here, than m England." It is clear to me that there is a screw loose m the theories of Protectionists. Let ns hope the Wellington Conference will decide Upon a dear and definite object. Let it be one thing or the other. It is impossible , to have anything manufactured cheaper here than m Europe unless our workmen fere paid less than there. lam, etc., Freetrader No 2. Aihburton, April 9, 1888.