N.Z. Steel

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31448, 15 August 1967, Page 14

N.Z. Steel

I Sir,—Mr Marshall's statement on the exorbitant price of New Zealand-manufactured steel, and the assertion by the company that it had been given monopoly rights, gives some idea 'of the reckless abandonment with which the Government bestowed privileges which are entirely inconsistent with a free enterprise economy. True, the company queries some of the figures, including freight. In expressing landed cost, freight should not really be included, as the alternative is that ships have to come out in ballast which means steeply increased charges. There will also be much anxiety as to whether the Government has bestowed similar ill-placed confidence in the huge steel project in Auckland. If so it could wreck our economy. In conclusion the hundred dollar question is, seeing that the Government is not prepared to foot the bill for highpriced steel, is it going to force private enterprise to shoulder the burden?—Yours, V. WILKINSON. Convener, Free Enterprise Movement. Ashburton, August 12, 196?. The Giro System Sir,—The introduction of the Giro system in New Zealand was suggested by a

Christchurch accountant, D. J. Janus, who, having a thorough knowledge of the system in other countries, saw great financial advantages for New Zealand. A monetary commission studied this system and published a favourable report in 1956. In 1958 a commission of three specialists went to Europe to see ’Giro in action in a number of countries. After a report by the commission the Post Office Amendment Bill was passed in 1960 and the Postmaster General was given the green light to start the necessary action. However, something went wrong somewhere and for more than six years the New Zealand Giro system has been shelved in some Government Department. If 60 countries use the Giro system, it must have definite advantages. I hope it will not take the Government another six years to act.—Yours etc. H.E.M.

August 14, 1967. [The Post Office Amendment Act, 1960, was repealed by Parliament in 1962.—Ed., “The Press.”]