FOREWORD

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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
Introduction 11
CHAPTER
I. The Hungry Forties 15
II. A Wage Earner 22
III. Education at Last 31
IV. Pioneers and Victims 37
V. Dare to be a Union Man 54
VI. A Defeat and a Victory 61
VII. Dark Days 75
VIII. Farewells 90
IX. Resurrections 98
X. Success at Last 107
XI. Unrest 124
XII. The Great Strike 136
XIII. Defeat 156
XIV. Parting from Old Friends 173
XV. The New Model 178
XVI. The Great War 190
XVII. The Labour Party 201
XVIII. Parliament 221
Index 238

ILLUSTRATIONS

George Edwards, M.P., O.B.E. Frontispiece
TO FACE PAGE
The Author's Birthplace, Marsham, Norfolk 18
Mr. and Mrs. Edward's First Home after
Marriage, Oulton-next-Aylsham, Norfolk
32
The First Office of the Agricultural Workers'
Union, Gresham, Norfolk
156
The Late Mrs. George Edwards 184

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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