"STATE IN BUSINESS"

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 61, 15 March 1929, Page 8

"STATE IN BUSINESS"

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Under the above heading in. an excellently worded letter, a "Manufacturer", has made use of your space to plead against the Government, Departments of this country engaging in competition with private businesses. "Manufacturer" -is i deeply concerned with the cost of Government activities, and under the disguise of exposing an evil in ouc midst he fires his shot—more assistance for the motor-body builder of this country. A supporter of "Manufacturer," under the style of "Private Enterprise," also puts ,his iron in the fire by attacking the local tramcar constructing, : department. This latter contributor makes a tacit admission that his charges against the local department are merely •■■ founded on his own wonderful powers ■of observation. Now, sir, I have no axe to grind, but am, one who, whilst appreciating the efforts of New, Zealand manufacturers to' better themselves, would like to refer to. motorbody building. This industry is protected by tariff restrictions, and the general public have for many years been paying to keep the motor-body builder in our midst. I have yet to note that any motor-body; builder in the Dominion has made an endeavour to assist the motor-car buyer _by, producing car bodies in sufficient quantitities to supply the demand, and save purchasers the heavy duties now paid on imported bodies. Both "Manufacturer ■ and' "Private Enterprise"/ should' remember the adage anent a mote in'one's own, eyes before passing criticisms on others'efforts.^ am, etc., : r^Nrri _ TARir/