N.Z. INDUSTRIAL POLICY

Grey River Argus, 6 December 1940, Page 12

N.Z. INDUSTRIAL POLICY

Efficiency Question REGULATIONS CRITICISED. (Per Press Association] CHRISTCHURCH, December 5. “1 don’t think that there has been anything passed by Parliament which provides such a complete tool with which to box us up,” said Mr T. N. Gibbs, at a meeting of the Council of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, to-night, while the members were discussing, critically, the recent Industrial Efficiency Regulations. “These regulations provide an instrument which can carry us to complete Socialistic control, or, given a twist, to Fascist control, along lines of Corporation control,” Mr Gibbs said. “We must watch the situation very closely.” A report of the Regulations was made to the Council by the Chairman of its Parliamentary Bills Committee, Mr A. A. G. Reed, who said that all men in industry must feel that they were getting into a terrible situation with the Government heading for complete control of the economy of the country by a “Brains Trust” set Up in Wellington, and in its conceit believing that it could .control air the industry of the Dominion. Hes-did not know what could ■idone. It was not a case of altera clause or clauses in the ReguMons. He felt that all the regula■is would be repugnant to men in “There is only one way to the business,” Mr Reed said. all know; what that is.” S. O. Dillon said: “It seems to some individual is frightened , after having smitten people a sledge-hammer, there is some left, and is now bringing out a n-roller for the final blow. This ■ means that an industrial- . to have no real interest in his business, and in the investment Has made' in it.” A. M. Hollander agreed' with a c emphasised by Mr Reed that was not so much one of |H'. might happen in the next year H[wo, but one of general policy “One hesitates to think what be the situation, say in ten if this sort of thing goes on.” said. ||||^B3ibbs: “Some members talk of being affected, but i' '-.V’Hnatter affecting all types of I hope that some very efis made.” at ’first suggested that the should ask the Associated by telegram, to make repagainst the regulations. ; R. V. White suggested that of the Opposition should to intervene further. Mr mSHW :aid that Mr. Holland had

handled the matter very competently in the House of Representatives . This was agreed to, as was a suggestion Oy Mr H. S. Williams that a telegram of protest ought also be sent to the Prime Minister. The Council thus decided to send telegrams to the Associated Chambers of Commerce, to the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition, asking that further protests be made against the regulations.