FROM CROW-SCARING
TO WESTMINSTER
GEORGE EDWARDS, M.P., O.B.E.
Foreword by The Rt. Hon.
LORD AILWYN of HONINGHAM
Introduction by W. R. SMITH, M.P.
Claud Harris
GEORGE EDWARDS, M.P., O.B.E.
FROM CROW-SCARING
TOWESTMINSTER
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
BY GEORGE EDWARDS, M.P., O.B.E.
Foreword by
The Rt. Hon. LORD AILWYN OF
HONINGHAM
(Ex-Minister of Agriculture)
Introduction by
W. R. SMITH, M.P.
(President of the National Union of Agricultural Workers)
Illustrated
LONDON:
THE LABOUR PUBLISHING COMPANY LTD.
6 TAVISTOCK SQUARE.
First published 1922
(All rights reserved)
Printed in Great Britain by
UNWIN BROTHERS, LIMITED, THE GRESHAM PRESS, LONDON AND WOKING
FOREWORD
By the
Right Honourable LORD AILWYN OF HONINGHAM, P.C.
(Ex-Minister of Agriculture)
(Chairman of the Norfolk County Council)
Norfolk has produced many men of whom it may be proud and among them isthe author of this book.
I am glad to know that his friends have induced Mr. George Edwards towrite the story of his life, and it is with great pleasure that I haveassented to his request to write a few introductory words, as I haveknown him for a number of years and been associated with him in a greatdeal of public work.
On many subjects George Edwards and I may not agree, but on two pointsat least we are united—in love for Norfolk and in devotion to theinterests of agriculture.
Born at Marsham in 1850, the son of a farm worker, George Edwards is anotable example of the way in which adverse circumstances may beovercome by determination and natural ability. The greater part of hislife has been devoted to efforts to improve the conditions of the classto which he belongs.
He may, on looking back in the light of experience, reflect—as most menon reaching his age must reflect—that he has made some mistakes, butall who know him[Pg 6] will agree that if he has done so, they have beenmistakes of the head and not of the heart.
His honesty of purpose and sincerity of aim, his straightforwardness andconscientiousness, his strong religious principles, are recognized byall who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
He is a valued member of the Norfolk County Council and a respectedJustice of the Peace.
As one of the representatives of Norfolk in the House of Commons, heenjoys the confidence and respect of men of all classes, including manywho do not share his politic