OBJECTION RAISED.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 8, 7 December 1937, Page 14

OBJECTION RAISED.

MARKETING MEASURE, BUSINESSMEN’S RESOLUTIONPer Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 6. The following resolution was carried at a meeting to-day of the executive of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand:—“This association protests strongly to the Government (a) against the manner in which the Primary Products Marketing Amendment Bill, which was not justified by any state of national emergency, has been rushed through the House of Representatives without the opportunity Toeing given those interested, and the public generally, properly to study the measure and make representations to the Government, and (b) against the extreme powers given under the Bill, which are so farreaching as to enable complete socialisation.

“This association views with very grave concern the authority whioh the measure gives to a Government department, without further reference to Parliament, to fix prices for any and all foodstuffs, to fix profit margins, to commandeer produoe, and to put traders out of business’; also it regards as most unfair the provision that Reserve Bank credit may be used to compete with a private trader. “It is of the opinion that, if the powers under the Bill are brought into use, the effect will be disastrous, and that, if the Government does not propose to use its powers in full, then it should not take legislative authority for them. “This association urges that the Minister of Finance give a full explanation of the marketing plan of the Government under the Bill, or if there is so far no plan, that such plan be announced before the Bill is proceeded with further.”