ADDRESS TO MASTER PRINTERS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 145, 15 March 1935, Page 11

ADDRESS TO MASTER PRINTERS

Criticism of Politics in

Commerce

Strong criticism of “political control over economic activities” was voiced by Mr. A. Dennison (president) in his address at the 27tli annual conference of the Federation of Master Printers of New Zealand (Inc.). The conference lasted three days, concluding yesterday. "In spite of innumerable instances of its incompetence to conduct commercial and industrial enterprises, the State is still regarded with a pathetic trust by many people, who, convinced of their own helplessness, appeal to Ministers and Civil Servants to rescue them from their difficulties,” said Mr. Dennison. “This process of subordination to political and bureaucratic control will continue until citizens assert their independence, and not only refrain from asking for Government control but unite in resisting its encroachment into their affairs. “These observations, of course, refer specifically to the doctrine of complete political control. They do not exclude rhe possibility that regulation. of an industry by those engaged in it may require the support of a measure of Governmental control to enforce the powers of the domestic organisation. Citizens cannot take the law into their own hands. A group of them may form a voluntary organisation for the management of their mutual interests, but unless it is strengthened by external authority it would be powerless to deal with any hostile elements within its own ranks. '■Complete political control, on the other hand, has only one recommendation: that it establishes a supreme authority to which every individual must bow. but management by the State of finance, industry or commerce is. not necessarily wise or prudent or efficient. Owing to iack of knowledge and experience, and especially because of the lack of responsibility for tlie financial results of its operations, tlie State is almost' inevitably incompetent.” Mr. Dennison said lie was confident that lhe printing industry in New Zealand would make sounder progress toward recovery if it relied on its own efforts rather' than if it submitted to any form of-Stale reorganisation and regulation.

Those present at lhe conference wore: Mr. A. Dennison (Auckland); presiilent. in lhe chair: Mr. 11. Coull (Wellington), immediate past-presi-dent: Mr. 11. Harris (Dunedin), vicepresident. and Messrs. E. Aldridge (Auckland). E. A. Blundell (Wellington), E. Darroch (Timaru). B. C. Jacobs (Auckland i. T. Somerville (Dunedin). W. F. Soper (Chiistehnrch) ami James Stout (Christchurch). members of council; and E. W. Clarkson, secretary. The delegates were: Messrs. F. J. Dawson, senior, and F. Hickson (Auckland). W. J. Paiamontain (Wairarapa). Woods (Daunevirke). 11. W. Osborn. C. M. Turnmill anil F. Porter (Wellington), G. J. Errington (Duneil'm. .1. F. Timm and Allan Fisher (Smithland I. Mr. B. E. 11. Wbitcombe, Christchurch, also attended.