The proceedings of this joint Conven tion were marked by perfect freedom of discussion and perfectly plain talk, and unanimous action followed. The impor tant principle it established is embraced in the following resolution ;— "That as the two branches of agricul tural and manufacturing industry repre sented by the woollen interests involve largely the labour of the country, whose productiveness is the basis of national prosperity, sound policy requires such legislative action as shall place them on an equal footing, and give them equal encouragement and protection in compet ing with the accumulated capital and low wages of other countries." This joint expression of what was believed to be the just basis of future joint action, has been in good faith, and all its true spirit and in tent faithfully car ried out on the part of the Associations that were united in making it.
