"WAR ON GRAFTERS"

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 136, 12 June 1933, Page 8

"WAR ON GRAFTERS"

' A SYDNEY COMPANY

On his return from Sydney by the Makura today, Mr. C. Si. Ollivier, of Cliristcliurcli, said that he had noticed two very interesting things during'his brief stay in Australia. The first was the- decision of the Now South Wales Government that the Government Insurance Office was to abandon all busincs outside Government risks, whether fire, accident, or workers' compensation. The second noteworthy matter was the .formation1 and,registration as (i company of the Bribery and Secret Commissions League, which was said to have been brought into being "to wago relentless war on grafters," basing its hope of effectiveness on propaganda, in the first place, and later perhaps on direct action by investigation and prosecution. Several prominent Sydney business mon were among the first subscribers to tho league. Mr. Ollivier showed a. "Post" roportor a clipping from n Sydney newspaper in which it was stated that the league wonld direct its'attention at the outset to tho organ- • isation of business men,'and instruction in schools, and the cultivation of public opinion against corruption. One thousand members of tho Rotary movement had indicated that they would join the league. The secretary was reported to have said that it was hoped the, very knowledge of the league's existence would cause men to hesitate in the act of bribing, and that a sound and healthy public opinion would be created. - . Mr. Ollivier said that he had observed a great improvement in the general business conditions since his last visit eight months ago. The turnover was iiicrensiujT, but tho taxation was ; getting beyond the .capacity of many , busines people. Competition was so ■ keen thnt it was impossible for them to pnss on the whole of tho burden created by sales taxation, anil they were suffering accordingly,