Private Enterprise Versus Government Control

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 202, 23 May 1936, Page 11

Private Enterprise Versus Government Control

Sir. — How much longer are lisleuersin ami readers of tlie daily press to be misled by the verbal spate which issues from the lips of so many Government members? Last, evening one member was tl qierately anxious to prove that Government control was so much better than private enterprise that he ignored all historical facts, lie gibed at AVellington’s streets, omitting to tell of the extremely difficult configuration of tlie site, especially prior to the thousands of acres added byreclamation works. He studiously avoided any mention of the splendid layout of Christchurch, all initiated by private enterprise. AVliy, sir, New Zealand was built up liy jirivate enterprise. The settlement of AVellington, of Canterbury and of Otago was all due to the foresight and energy of private individuals. No thanks were due to any government. Tlie actual discovery of New Zealand was due to private enterprise. And now these people would have us believe that “Government,” all iii capital-letters, is tlie fairygod mother. AVith reference io railways, we of the older generation can remember that a private railway lint-, tlie AVellingtonAlanawatu. was Hie best and most efficiently run line in New Zealand, with the most courteous staff. How different to the Government lines, whose officials in most cases made passengers feel as though they wer e only allowed to travel on sufferance. It is the advent of the road services which have put into our railways the efficiency and courtesy- they now possess. If space permitted' I could give you many instances to prove my contentions.—l am. etc., lITSTORICUSLevin. Alay 21.