The Evening Star TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1936. THE INDUSTRIES BILL.

Evening Star, Issue 22462, 6 October 1936, Page 8

The Evening Star TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1936. THE INDUSTRIES BILL.

s To those responsible people who have the welfare of the Dominion sincerely at heart the most satisfactory development in connection with the Industrial Efficiency Bill is a statement by the Prime Minister. In a reference to the work of this session, following a Cabinet meeting on Saturday, Mr Satage reiterated his previous declaration that if the Bill now before the House was not wanted by those whose interests it was designed to serve, it would not be proceeded with as it stands at present. Evidence is accumulating that the measure is not regarded favourably by the commercial and industrial community whom it directly concerns. A representative meeting of delegates of the Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand resolved that the Bill is of such a far-reaching character that the Government be urged to postpone consideration of it till next session, in order to give time for study of its provisions by all the interests concerned. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce, at a largely-attended meeting, expressed strong objection to the Bill, and yesterday the Dunedin Chamber passed a resolution containing cogent reasons why the Bill should not bo passed in its present form, and strougly urging that it should bo held back til! next session so that it might be further considered. It cannot be contended by Government supporters that the resolutions that have been passed are based on mere factious or party predilections. They represent the dispassionate views of bodies composed of men who are intimately concerned in the direction of the industrial activities of the country. No one would assort that all our industries and trading concerns are in a state of efficiency. In many instances there is room for coordination of effort; in all, opportunities for expansion. The Government could help very

greatly In assisting in the provision of trading facilities. Working in concord with the various industrial bodies comprising both capita] and labour, it could secure better distribution and improved marketing methods. The aim of Ministers appears, however, to be regimentation of the people by the creation of the totalitarian State anchored to Socialism. The Bill as it stands at present envisages bureaucratic control of industrial and commercial activity in the Dominion and the subjugation of private enterprise, which is the basis of all progress and national development. Had the Government proposed a scheme under which its powers would bo confined to helping those who direct the trade and industry of the country it would probably have met with wide approval. As it is, the general policy of Ministers gives too much cause to fear lest it might be used to force their own preconceived Socialistic ideas on the community. At yesterday’s meeting Mr H. Brasch suggested that in spite of criticism of the present competitive system of conducting business unrestricted competition, and that alone, had provided the urge that had led to ever-increasing improvements in devices and methods for manufacture and distribution and otherwise. That sums up the position very aptly. The Bill establishes Government control of the activities of the people over a wide area, it places tremendous power in the hands of a single Minister, its effect would be to discourage individual effort and enterprise, and it would strike at the most precious heritage of British people the world over—personal liberty. When bureaucratic control of the nature indicated comes in at the door initiative, enterprise, and efficiency will fly out of the window. Every enlightened movement in the world today is directed towards the removal of trade restrictions. The enactment of the Industrial Efficiency Bill would have the opposite effect.