A FIGHTING SPEECH

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1931, Page 5

A FIGHTING SPEECH

MR BALDWIN’S ADDRESS. AT GUEEN’S HALL. |_ United Press Association. —By Electno 'leiegrapn.—Gopyrighb. i (Received 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, Alarcli 17. Shouts of “Baldwin for ever”, gieeted the ex-Prime A 1 blister wfien stepping on to the plutlorm at Queen’s Hall to address the electors in the St George election campaign. In a lighting speech Air Baldwin scathingly criticised Lord Rotheniiere’s and Lord Boa\ erbreok’s newspapers as engines of propaganda for their constantly changing policies, desires, personal wishes, likes and dislikes, by direct falsehoods, misrepresentations and half truths.

Mr Baldwin referred to the “Daily Mail’s” comment that “an expression of insolent plutocracy came all from All' Baldwin as his father had left him an immense fortune, which according to his own .speeches, had almost disappeared. It was difficult to see hew a party leader, who had lost his own fortune can hope to restore that of others or of the country.” Air Baldwin described the first part of this statement as a lie, and the second that by implication as unti'ue ; The whole could only have been written by a dad. He added that counsel had advised that legal action could bobrought, but an apology would be vaL Helens, while I would not touch damages with a barge pole.”

Air Baldwin declared these papers were aiming at power without responsibility, which was a harlot's ]/;>iogative throughout the ages.

When the “Daily Alail” was penciling a United Empire and the “Express” was running Empire Free-trade, both wen' siniulatneously seeking adrertis.'ineiPs from America, instancing Lord Rotherincrc’s reference to the Zinovieff letter. Air Baldwin read a letter from Marlowe, editor of the “Daily Alail.” recalling that Lord Rothermero was not aware of the Zinovieff letter before its publication by the “Alail”. He then supported the Conservatives, only with the most reluctant consent of Lord Rothermero, who believed the Socialists were winning all along the line throughout the world. Alarlowe added that Lord Rothermere only asserted himself in 1926 after a speech in which Lord Beaverbrook alleged Lord Rothermere had obtained a peerage for services to Liberals.

ATr Baldwin did not doubt Dull' Cooper would lie returned, hut he hoped tlie majority would lie a lesson to the whole world.

Turning to his policy, Air Baldwin emphasised the need of a wheat quota, which would enable assistance to he given to the Dominions and also prevent dumping and rise the price, whereas protection Means a tax of 27/6 a quarter, equivalent to twopence half penny per loaf, which industrial regions would never accept.