INDUSTRIAL BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 8 October 1936, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL BILL

DEBATE RESUMED

MUCH OBJECTION TO MEASURE,

Per Press 'Association Copyright.

WELLINGTON October 8.

In the House of Representatives yesterday, the second reading debate on the Industrial Efficiency Bill was resumed by Mr Lowry, who said the only alternative to maintaining private enterprise was immigration to augument secondary industries, but that * should not be done until secondary industries were properly organised. Mr W. P. Endean said the Bill would prevent capital coming to New Zealand. It would also restrict immigration. He asked the Minister to indicate the proportion of business in New Zealand that would be required to be put in order. The Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes claimed those engaged in industry should be allowed to do their own planning, and not have it turned over to some outside person. Mr Forbes moved an amendment to the effect that the bill should be referred back to the/Government for reconstruction to deal with particular industries, or specified particular industries after the majority of those controlling the industries concerned had expressed a desire to come within the provisions of the bill.- . Mr C. A. Wilkinson seconded the amendment. He said the bill controlled the whole country and was of such magnitude that it was essential it should be held over for further consideration. The debate was carried on by the Opposition speakers. Mr W. A. Bodkin said if the Minister wished to reorganise industry he must first secure ■ the confidence and goodwill of industry. Mr W. J. Broadfoot said a small coterie of manufacturers might favour the bill, but he did not believe the manufacturers as a wljole wanted it. Anyway, the manufacturers were only a small section of the community,' he said, and they must beware of overrationalisation of industry. Mr W. J. Poison said at first, before the real significance of the bill became apparent to them, some manufacturers approved of the proposals, but when they saw the bill they opposed it. The bill gave the Minister power to take control of the farming industry, but could anyone imagine the Minlister and half a dozen civil sen - ants telling the farmer when he should farm, what he should farm, and how he should farm ? The amendment was.lost by 42 votes to 17, and the debate was adjourned.