[ Tariff Reform and the Hop Industry in Kent. ] Autograph Letter Signed from Sir Richard Harington to Frederick Neame, Hop Grower and member of the Hop Industry Tariff Commission. With circular by Neame accompanied by copy letter from W. A. S. Hewins

Three items from the papers of Sir Richard Harington (1835-1911) of Ridlington, 11th Baronet. In good condition, lightly aged and worn. ONE: Autograph Letter Signed ('Richard Harington Bt.') to Neame. With date stamp 13 January 1907. 2pp., 12mo. It's presence among the Harington papers suggests that the letter was never sent. With regard to 'Tariff Commission – Hop Industry' he states that he has 'ceased to be a hop grower, & so am not directly interested in the subject of your circular received on the 10th inst.' On 'the general question of tariff reform' he is 'entirely in accord with Mr Chamberlain's views, but I fail to understand why so much money is wasted to further their general adoption'. He concludes: 'Demands on one's purse for subscriptions for every kind of object are innumerable, & I am not a rich man.' TWO: Typed Circular by Neame. January 1907. With his autograph signature ('Fk Neame'). Headed 'The Tariff Commission – Hop Industry. | The Conference of Delegates appointed by the Canterbury, Farnham, Hereford and Worcester, Maidstone, Rochester, Rye and Tunbridge Wells Farmers' Clubs.' He writes as 'the Commissioner appointed by the Delegates to represent the Hop Industry', the results of whose 'inquiry' have been 'embraced in the Report on Agriculture just issued', and appeals for 'further funds' to be 'raised towards the expenses' of the 'campaign'. He is enclosing 'a letter received from Mr. Hewins' asking him to assist in the matter (Item Three below). The letter concludes: 'Considering the importance of the stake at issue it is hoped that liberal support may be rendered by the principal Hop-growers.' THREE: Duplicated Typed Copy of letter to Neame from W. A. S. Hewins, Secretary, The Tariff Commission. He refers to a forthcoming 'Colonial Conference', and the possible 'action of the Colonies in regard to the revision of their Tariffs and inter-Colonial preferential arrangements'. 'Mr. Chamberlain is most anxious that everything possible should be done to educate the country', and 'the basis of an educational campaign to be adequately provided by the Commission it is necessary that we should have more money than we have at present. It is estimated that for the purpose in view we require about £5,000.'