PLAN TO CONTROL INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21909, 9 October 1936, Page 6

PLAN TO CONTROL INDUSTRY

DUNEDIN MANUFACTURERS

PROTEST

TIME FOR DISCUSSION OF MEASURE DESIRED

U’ttKSS ASSOCIATION TIELEOKAM.) DUNEDIN. October 8. Though expressing approval of the general principle as set out in the title of the Industrial Efficiency Bill at present before the House of Representatives. members of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association were unanimous in protesting against various aspects of the bill and the manner in which such a vital piece of legislation was being rushed through Parliament. The executive committee submitted the following resolutions, which were sent to the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation headquarters during the last week-end: — “That this meeting of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association, having discussed and considered the Industrial Efficiency Bill, now before Parliament, so far as it concerns manufacturers, hereby resolves as follows: — “(1) That it approves the principle of the bill as set out in the title thereto as being to promote the economic welfare of New Zealand by providing for the promotion of new industries in the most economic form and by so regulating the general organisation, development, and operation of industries that a greater measure of industrial efficiency will be secured. Bureaucratic Control “(2) That the association nevertheless makes a strong protest against the billets now drafted, mainly on the ground that the principle of bureaucratic control is not adequately removed from the bill by an amendment to'section 3, dealing with the constitution of the bureau. It is submitted that sub-sections 3, 4, and 5 of section 3 should be redrafted to ensure (al that all manufacturers’ representatives on the bureau should be appointed only on the recommendation of either the Manufacturers’ Federation (under clause 3A) or of the particular industry affected (under clause 30: (b) that a greater degree of permanency should apply to the appointments under clause 3B than can be anticipated in view of the Minister’s power under clause 5. “(3) That sufficient time has not been given for full consideration and representations to be made and that in view of the paramount importance of the legislation, the Government and the Minister for Industries be urged to defer consideration of the bill till next session, to enable further discussion and conferences, with a view to amendments which will make it more acceptable to those whose interests are so vitally concerned. A Further Reservation “(4) That this association is not prepared to approve the bill, even if effect Is given to the foregoing matters, unless there is a definite assurance from the Minister that the bill will be passed only with the inclusion of a prevision that no industrial plan, or amendment to any such plan, shall be operative unless and until It is endorsed by manufacturers engaged In the industry concerned representing two-thirds of the output of that industry.

“(5) That, instead of the right of appeal being only to the Minister, a judicial body should be provided to which appeal can be made.” These resolutions were unanimously endorsed by the meeting. It was complained that the measure was being rushed through before individual manufacturers had had an opportunity to consider the bill and make such representations as they thought desirable in the interests of the country and their particular Industry.