MINISTER OF COMMERCE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 46, 22 February 1918, Page 3

MINISTER OF COMMERCE.

TO HANDLE WAR PROBLEMS. SUGGESTED BY JIR. K. BL'KNS. The appointment of a Minister for Commerce to the Cabinet was strongly urged by ilr. R. Burns, president of thp Auck- j land Chamber of Commerce, at the annual meeting of the latter to-day. "Under war conditions, 1, he said "when matters arc so confusing and the various Government regulations and permits required, both for export and import business, are very often so contradictory, it would be of the utmost assistance to commercial houses t<l have., a Minister ■with whom they could be in direct touch, and who wo ild become expert in these matters. There is also a growing tendency on the part of the Imperial Government at Home and the New Zealand Government to enter into direct trading instead of utilising the merchant houses, who have been in the habit of Jiandling this business. This alteration in the method of business has perhap? been necessary as a war measure, and great care must be taken that after the war business should g-.» back into its natural channels, as I do not think their actions would be justified on the seorj of economy and expediency when the war is over. After the war business will be in such a disorganised condition that unless the Government co-operates heartily with the business houses confusion and loss must occasion in the Dominion. I think that this appointment should be made at once, as there are a great number of questions arising at the present moment in which the assistance of a responsible Minister of the Crown, if he could be readily approached, would be invaluable to the commercial people here. This Chamber has brought this matter in front of the Government on several occasions, out so far without success. We hope therefore, that our Government will follow the example of the British and Australian Governments, who have appointed special Ministers for this work and to in the reconstruction which must eventuate alter the war. We should now prepare for after-war conditions, prepare to exploit new markets. ai:d not leave this important matter until after the war, when it may be too late."