GOVERNMENT POLICY
CO-OPERATION DESIRED
(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)
INVERCARGILL, February 24.
Speaking at a luncheon given by the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) said he had been approached by representatives of many business interests seeking information about the Government's intentions in a particular direction. "I have told them that the Government has no wish to smash down any existing institutions," he said. "Whatever we do the people who are giving the service now must continue to : give it. I get the credit of not going sufficiently into detail. I can't tell you what is going to happen next year simply because I don't know —that will depend on what happens in the meantime — but if the Government has to intervene in anything it will do so fearlessly. It has the mandate of the country to do so. I can assure you that so far we have found plenty of scope for our activities without looking for additional liabilities."
The Prime Minister said they had been asked if the Government would guarantee wool prices at the present level. They would be lunatics to do that—wool prices would fall. The world had been in rags, and as soon as it was fully clothed again the result would be shown in lower prices. When *prices did come back he knew that he would have deputations to see what the Government would do for the wool growers^,- "Just see what sort of prophet I am!" he added. If a service was necessary it would be given. He wanted to convince his hearers that the Government had no idea of abusing the powers it had been given. He was not concerned with legislating merely to win argument.
"We want co-operation," said Mr. Savage, "and we are prepared to accept a suggestion and to bring down amending legislation if it is necessary. But be clear on this point: we will not butt in on any industry as long as it. is doing well and providing full service. When difficulties arise then we will shoulder our responsibilities."
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19370225.2.50.1
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 8
Word Count
347GOVERNMENT POLICY Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 47, 25 February 1937, Page 8
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