“WILL NOT BUTT IN"
POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT. PRIME MINISTER’S ASSURANCE. (Per Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, Feb. 24. Speaking at the luncheon given by the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce to-day, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, said that he had been approached by representatives of many business interests seeking information about the Government’s intentions in a particular direction.
“I have told them that the Government has no wish to smash down any existing institutions,” he said. “Whatever we do, the people who are giving the service now must continue to give it. I get the credit of not going sufficiently into detail. I cannot tell you what is going to happen next year simply because Ido not know. That will depend on what happens in the meantime, but if the Government is to intervene in anything it will do so fearlessly. It has the mandate of the country to do so. I can assure you that so far we have found plenty of scope for our activities without looking for additional liabilities.”
The Prime Minister said they had been asked if the Government would guarantee wool prices at the present level. They would be lunatics to do that. Wool prices would fall. The world had been in rags, and as soon as it was fully clothed again the result •would be shown in lower prices. When prices did come back he knew that he would have deputations to sea \vhat the Government would do for the woolgrowers. “Just see what sort of a prophet I am,” he added. If a service was necessary it would be given. He wanted to convince his hearers that the Government had no idea • of abusing the powers it had been given. He was not concerned with legislating merely to win the argument. “We want co-operation,” said Mr Savage, “and we are prepared to accept a suggestion and to bring down amending' legislation if it is necessary. Rut be clear on this point: We will not butt ‘in on any industry so long as it is doing well and providing full service. When difficulties arise, then we will shoulder our .responsibilities.”-
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Bibliographic details
Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 115, 25 February 1937, Page 3
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358“WILL NOT BUTT IN" Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 115, 25 February 1937, Page 3
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