LORD BEAVERBROOK

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 133, 7 June 1934, Page 4

LORD BEAVERBROOK

■yHE branch of the Farmers’ Union in the Auckland Province is a vigorous concern which goes its own road, and for that reason gains considerable respect. The Auckland Farmers’ Union is vigorous in its demand that the full effect of the Ottawa Agreements shall be allowed to operate in respect to Empire trade. In citing Lord Beaverbrook, however, it does not advance its cause, for it is not true that “No publicist knows the British public better than Lord Beaverbrook.” Lord Beaverbrook has adapted the methods of the Hearst Press to British conditions. He has seen his Daily Express boosted by coupon-selling campaigns which robs the circulations so obtained of any representative character: for there is no means of knowing the percentage of newspapers purchased for the news and the percentage for the coupons. Further, Lord Beaverbrook, other than being a skillful go-between used by Mr. Bonar Law and Mr. Lloyd George in their negotiations together before they brought about the downfall of Mr. Asquith, has small claim to any achievement. His efforts at “Empire Free Trade Crusading” have always been abortive, and he has always tamely come to heel whenever Mr. Baldwin raised his voice. Mr. Baldwin has been the reverse of complimentary in his public utterances touching this Press Lord, saying of him that “Like the harlot down the ages he seeks power without responsibility.” The Auckland branch of the Farmers’ Union would do well to look elsewhere for their spAb”- ooneerning English publi" opinion-