COLONISTS' PROTECTION LEAGUE.

Auckland Star, Volume IV, Issue 1180, 13 November 1873, Page 3

COLONISTS' PROTECTION LEAGUE.

A numerously attended meeting of members of the Colonists' Protection League was held at noon this clay in the large room of Sceats' British Motel ; a number of farmers and members of-various Highway Boards were also in attendance. Mr Albyn Martin, president of tho League, occupied the chair, and introduced the business of the meeting, which consisted in passing a number of resolutions, with the view of advancing and consolidating the political and industrial interests of the general community. Present : Messrs Albyn Martin, Woodward, Andrew, Woolfield, Bent, Constable (Waiuku), Robertson (Otahuhu), Groodfellow, (East Tamaki), Hedge (Waiuku), Hill (Raglan), Angove (Mahurangi), Stringer (Otahuhu), and Chamberlain.

The Chairman having read a letter from Mr Crisp ("Old Practical"), introduced the first resolution, namely: "That it is tho duty of the Government to encourage as much as possible the establishment of manufacturing industry."

This resolution was ably seconded by Mr Woodward, and supported by Messrs Good-ie-low, Bent, Robinson, Mr Joseph May, and the Hon. Every Maclean.

Mr Hill, of Raglan, spoke at length in favor of the resolution, but would like to see some definite plan propounded by the League, but which means the settlers might be stirred from their apathy, and which might give practical effect to the resolution.

Mr Buttle was, he would honestly admit,* a thorough free-trader, but he approved of the spirit of the resolution. It was quite true that local industryncedcd encouragement and protection, and if immigration continued the colony, with protection, would be in a better position to. find the immigrants employment.

Mr *Jaleb Hoskins, of Waiuku, would say few words in support of the resolution. H;_ was a stranger to the League, but he had .read of their doings with much interest. There was a small factory in his district, and from its operations he was convinced of the importance of protection, Ibid would advocate a protection duty where it was found to be needful.

The Chairman then put the resolution to the meeting, which was carried unanimously. The next resolution proposed was, '' That local, manufactories are essentially necessary to the welfare of tho agricultural interests of the colony," which was seconded by Mr Woolfield."

Mr Woodward wished to state, as the press was present, and he must say that tho members of tlio jrress always treated the League with great courtesy, and reported their proceedings faithfully ; that protection, as advocated by the League, did not mean protection of human food, but protection to the traders of the colony, believing that by such protection the Erosperity of the whole colony would c enhanced. He had no doubt but that in the future of New Zealand protection would be unnecessary, but that happy time had not yet dawned, upon this country. Mr Hill remarked that the district in which he resided was a wheat-growing district, and ho was obliged to purohase flour from other places. He thought that the establishment of grist mills would be of immense importance in country districts, and a sugar beet manufactory in the_ Waikato would be a remunerative speculation. The resolution was then put and unanimously carried. The other resolutions were, "That increased manufactories are necessary) in older to ensure future employment to immigrants pouring into the colony under tho public works scheme,5' also, "That protection is necessary to the well-being of capitalists, in order that they may bo induced to embark in colonial enterprise." These propositions were duly accorded and carried.

After some further discussion the meeting adjourned.