Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1890. Why is it so.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 29 July 1890, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, JULY 29, 1890. Why is it so.

• Tn the debate on the want of con fidence motion in the H U3e of Representatives, many matters were discussed, some of which are of very much moment to the people at large. We have always been led to believe that though the present Representatives are very much in the majority for protection, yet there was always a smal' compact bo 'y of Free Trade members ready to ex pose any further attempts to cripple the majority of the voters by levy inn; further protective duties. Among-.-t these mtmbera, tho names of Captain Russell, and Messrs J. G. Wilson, D. H. Macartbur, Bruce, and Saunders were mentioned. It appears however from remarks made by Mr Hruce, that this little pirfc-' have become demoralised, aud though pi) few, were unable to agree nmongar Miemselvos. Mr Bruce states that this little party has " practically collapsed." To those who believe in the importance of the principles of Free Trade, it behoves them to seek from these gentlemen thoiea«on for the collapse. When did it occur, and uhy ? We imagine it is only since the ITouse has met, j ns no member mentionedh tho fact to hia constituents, which was aurely their Juty !i«r] they then betn aware

tor. any disruption. Auotlier question arises upon this, did this '■ liit:e party " ever durmg the recess take oue step to improve their position, or make one convert amongst tb.e other members to tlieii' principles, or hoi,) to educate the c eritors in of her constituencies .np\ to 1 their ttpintoA oh this lid u'C A Fifde" tr&d'e party should fblldw the example 6f what is taking place dn the Austra ian continent, and drgani3and disseminate their vietts Brdad cast, and. if nejces§ii.ry tlpp'eai for th'enibfe'i^liip' and subscriptions from fcke c untry settler. When the country settler becomes fully aware of the position he is plaed in to support the local industries that are protected at his expense, there is no fdar but that ho will gladly assist in any effort that may be made to rid him of this " old man <i the sea." ut of 9,042,008 pounds worth of exports over nine million are theproduct3 of unprotected indus 1 tries. To- put the issue in the worda of one of the speakers, nineteen'twentieths of our exported products are produced by toilera, who have to pay four shillings in the pound more f or their food and clothes than they would do in a less taxed country, and yet cannot get one penny more for the product of their labour on that account, as they have to compete in the open markets of the world.'' Just glance at the absurd y smal' results accruing to tbese pro 1 tected industries. They have only exported jC235 worth of carts and carriages; £121 worth of boots, aud £30,841 of woollen goods. The woollen goods look the most premising, but even in these it is nndou'it edly a fact that they are goincf back, aslascyear they consumed 523,5591bs less wool thun the year b •fore. Tliese are some of the items thnt the far mer is desired to contribute twenty five per cent to, and this the result. Surely we arr> not urging more than is necessary, when we cul upon the members of Piriaineit professing Free Trade princip e-i, to make sonr 1 effort to pi t them into practice, or failing this, to put their viewg before every elector.