THE FIRST SHOT.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 231, 29 September 1928, Page 9

THE FIRST SHOT.

FIRED BY BALDWIN.

Greatest Political Battle Of

Modern Times.

TOBIES AND SAFEGUARDING. (Australian Press Assn. —United Service.) LONDON, September 2S. At the Conservative Conference at Yarmouth the Prime Minister. Mr. Stanley Baldwin, delivered a speech, which is regarded as the first shot in the election campaign.

Mr. Baldwin plainly indicated that either June or July of next year will be the month chosen for the greatest political battle of modern times. He aiso disclosed that the issue w ill be the challenge of Socialism to constitutionalism and individualism. Mr. Baldwin's audience cheered him to the echo when he declared he had never known the Conservative party 'in better spirits -or in finer fighting fettle. It remains to be seen whether his pronouncement on safeguar ding will satisfy those of his supporters who had previously demanded the Immediate safeguarding of the iron and steel industries.

The Conservative newspapers do not dwell on the point, but the "Daily Chronicle" says it sees signs of a Conservative rebellion. It says the rank and file of the party showed unmistakably that they demanded protection and the destruction of free trade. Mr. Baldwin blandly bids them to be content to move slowly.

The "Daily News"' warns the Liberals that Mr. Baldwin's cautious forward movement represents the most damaging onslaught on free trade ever faced, for the enemy may be within the gates before the majority of the defender* are alive to the fact that an attack is being made.

The three political parties are feverishly engaged in preparations for the election. The Labour party declares that it has a greater number of candidates than ever, and is raising a fighting fund of £100.000. The Liberals promise to have 500 candidates.

That the safeguarding of industries preoccupies the minds of the delegates to the Conservative Party's Conference at Yarmouth was evident from the moment the proceedings were opened. There are 2600 delegates, including 1200 women. The motion paper contains 13 references to safeguarding.

The chairman, Colonel John Gretton, M.P. (Burton), said the subject could be discussed on a single motion. The conference proceeded to party organisation, with a view to the general election, but tariffs cropped up again.

General Sir Page Croft, M.P. (Bournemouth), moved the principal resolution reaffirming the resolutions of the three previous conferences in favour of the widest possible extension of safeguarding, consistent with Mr. Baldwin's election pledges, and regretting the unemployment in the large areas. It also stated that the earliest possible steps should be taken to safeguard additional industries. "Impotent Fools." General Croft said: "The storm cannot be weathered by safeguarding buttons. We want the pace to be quickened without breaking the Prime Minister's pledges. Safeguarding has so far been triumphantly vindicated. It is estimated that 100,000 British workers have been re-employcd without a single rise in prices.

"Fifteen foreign industries have come inside tho country to avoid paying duties. I believe that the safeguarding of iron and steel would employ an additional 130,000 within five months. "We should send Mr. Baldwin" a message to go 'full steam ahead.'"

Mr. Joseph Hadd seconded the resolution. He said: "The British people as a nation stand isolated on free trade, the impotent fools of the fiscal world."

Mr. Vyvian Roberts, on behalf of the shipbuilding town of Jarrow, said the British were the only mad race in the world. They threw open their markets to every Tom, Dick, and Harry.

Mr. R. Storry-Deans, M.P. (Park Division of Sheffield), then moved a most important anjndment, urging the immediate safeguarding of the iron and steel industry. This was carried overwhelmingly. The resolution was also carried.

Mr. Baldwin did not attend to-day's meeting, but the tenor of the debate was conveyed to him.