INDUSTRIAL EFFICIENCY BILL

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 96, 20 October 1936, Page 8

INDUSTRIAL EFFICIENCY BILL

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Statements have been made from which it might be assumed that all manufacturers, in a general way, support the above Bill. From my own observations I feel safe in saying that a considerable number of manufacturers are very definitely against it and against any type of bureaucratic control of their businesses, even when agreed to by a majority in their industry.. Such manufacturers believe in free and unfettered trade, and believe in the ability of industries controlled by free Britishers to work out their own destinies. As a director of a company employing in New Zealand a capital of over £100,000 and giving occupation to a considerable number of New Zealanders, I wish to say that the views expressed by the Manufacturers' Federation quite definitely do not represent those of all manufacturers. Where a particular industry is in need of rationalisation it is reasonable that the Government should assist. Doubtless there are such industries, but one wonders whether they are not the excuse rather than the reason for this Bill. In any event, a Bill of this nature is not necessary to-deal with exceptional cases. Where, by the way, are we to find the super-men who will form the bureau dealing with this tremendous subject? And what of the cost of this growing army of civil servants? (We may soon, it would appear, need a new name for New Zealand's largest industry.) As no firm or individual cares to stand alone in voicing an objection of this sort, I must ask to be excused from signing this letter, but. shall be glad to associate myself with any group of business people in vigorous opposition to this extreme measure.—l am, etc., MANUFACTURER.