Produced by David Edwards, Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive) 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. [Illustration: _Claud Harris_ GEORGE EDWARDS, M.P., O.B.E.] FROM CROW-SCARING TO WESTMINSTER 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_ [Illustration: Logo] 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 is the author of this book. I am glad to know that his friends have induced Mr. George Edwards to write the story of his life, and it is with great pleasure that I have assented to his request to write a few introductory words, as I have known him for a number of years and been associated with him in a great deal of public work. On many subjects George Edwards and I may not agree, but on two points at least we are united--in love for Norfolk and in devotion to the interests of agriculture. Born at Marsham in 1850, the son of a farm worker, George Edwards is a notable example of the way in which adverse circumstances may be overcome by determination and natural ability. The greater part of his life has been devoted to efforts to improve the conditions of the class to which he belongs. He may, on looking back in the light of experience, reflect--as most men on reaching his age must reflect--that he has made some mistakes, but all who know him will agree that if he has done so, they have been mistakes of the head and not of the heart. His honesty of purpose and sincerity of aim, his straightforwardness and conscientiousness, his strong religious principles, are recognized by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is a valued member of the Norfolk County Council and a respected Justice of the Peace. As one of the representatives of Norfolk in the House of Commons, he enjoys the confidence and respect of men of all classes, including many who do not share his political views. It is with sincere pleasure and the most hearty goodwill that I commend to all who appreciate the record of a strenuous career spent in the pursuit of worthy aims this self-told story of the life of a distinguished Norfolk man. AILWYN. _August 1922._ CONTENTS PAGE FOREWORD 5